1st tanker job. Food grade.

Discussion in 'Tanker, Bulk and Dump Trucking Forum' started by jet460, Sep 16, 2014.

  1. jet460

    jet460 Heavy Load Member

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    Oct 8, 2011
    Modesto, Ca
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    I start tomorrow at TJS in Oakdale, CA.
    All food grade tanks.
    Mostly milk, I am told.
    Local/regional stuff.

    I have zero experience with tankers, so I am very much looking forward to this.
    I like new challenges.

    Very small company.
    45 trucks and maybe 4 people in the office staff.

    Orientation tomorrow.
    Drive test, then whatever else they have to show me.

    Been nearly a year since I have driven a 10 speed.
    My last truck was a Volvo w/auto.
    Had a 2007 FL before that.
    (2 years with watkins shepard doing OTR)
    This co uses FL with low roof sleepers.
    Hope I don't embarrass myself too bad. :biggrin_2551::biggrin_25510:

    Anybody run for this company?
    Any advice for a tanker newbie?
     
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  3. Big Duker

    Big Duker "Don Cheto"

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    Weatherford, TX
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    Go easy. If it is smoothbore tanker you may want to quit after a couple of hours. Really different drive and feel. If baffled not too bad. They will train you. Listen and ask questions. Most tanker problems come from drivers in a hurry or not sticking to their routine. Stick with it and you more then likely will love it.
     
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  4. okiedokie

    okiedokie Road Train Member

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    Food grade tanks are bulk head so you can haul different products @ the same time. No baffles. (Smooth bore)CIP- clean in place. Tag get next load. Drive like your on eggs. They do flop. Your going to like this job.
     
  5. jet460

    jet460 Heavy Load Member

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    Oct 8, 2011
    Modesto, Ca
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    They are all smooth bore. Mostly milk. I have been told they pretty rough until you get used to them.
     
  6. OFTOTR

    OFTOTR Medium Load Member

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    Jul 19, 2011
    Toccoa GA
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    If you have bad habits like tailgating, you will get in trouble in a hurry.
    You may think you can stop ok, but the load has a different opinion.

    You'll also learn to shift smoother or get seasick.
     
  7. okiedokie

    okiedokie Road Train Member

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    Starting from a stop going up a grade. A slosh effect will get you. Time your shifts when powering up. About a 3 sec delay and you will learn to use the dynamics of the load to accelerate up the hill.
     
  8. jet460

    jet460 Heavy Load Member

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    Oct 8, 2011
    Modesto, Ca
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    Yep, I'm sure there will be a learning curve. I'm up for it.
     
  9. jet460

    jet460 Heavy Load Member

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    Oct 8, 2011
    Modesto, Ca
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    First day with TJS today.
    Tankers sure are a very different animal than a van.
    The surge tosses you around pretty good, and seems to do it when you least want it to.
    I definitely have to shift smoothly and take off slow.

    The truck they are assigning to me looks pretty nice.
    2009 FL Columbia.
    Clean inside.
    Nice tight gearbox.
    Just paperwork and a road test today.
    Real work tomorrow.

    I think I am going to like this job.
     
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  10. Dr_Fandango44

    Dr_Fandango44 Road Train Member

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    Aug 27, 2012
    Austin, TX
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    Keep your foot on the brake at traffic lights when you're at a standstill. You'll feel it slopping around. Sure it will toss you around but some liquids are worse than others. I always thought white grape juice was the worst. Milk in comparison is a piece of cake. I hauled food grade for eight years so it gets easier as time unfolds. Now I'm hauling chemicals so it's deja Vu. I still wouldn't change anything. Sure beats tugging a van.
    Good luck.
     
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  11. jet460

    jet460 Heavy Load Member

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    Modesto, Ca
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    Just did my 1st load of milk from Oakdale, CA to LA.
    Straight into the frying pan. lol
    No problem at all.
    Starting/stopping was a tug-o-war, but it all smooths out easy enough.
    I already like this way more than the van stuff.
     
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