Want to switch from van to tanker. What to expect?

Discussion in 'Tanker, Bulk and Dump Trucking Forum' started by Pi3000, Dec 20, 2014.

  1. Pi3000

    Pi3000 Bobtail Member

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    I'm trying to figure out the radius of most tanker routes an drops??
     
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  3. Pi3000

    Pi3000 Bobtail Member

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    Feb 3, 2014
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    Wanting to change up to tanker... tired of van... what's to b expected??
     
  4. Derailed

    Derailed Road Train Member

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    Depends on what type of tank work. At the minimum I would say a bit of hazmat training classes if your going to be doing chemicals. I would recommend petroleum myself.
     
  5. slim shady

    slim shady Road Train Member

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    how much driving exp. do you have now?
    And whats your location?
     
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  6. Skydivedavec

    Skydivedavec Medium Load Member

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  7. Vilhiem

    Vilhiem Road Train Member

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    I intend to get into that; petroleum specifically... Subscribed.

    From what I've HEARD, tanker is more work than van. But you don't notice the extra work after a while.
     
  8. DrtyDiesel

    DrtyDiesel Road Train Member

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    I haul fuel. It's physical work but less than flatbed. I'd say physically it's between van and flats.

    Our company requires hazmat, tanker, 2 years tractor trailer experience, and minimum age of 23 years.

    OP, if you're going to haul chemicals then it'll most likely be a smooth bore tank just like food grade. You'll feel surge.

    With fuel you normally have a compartmentalized tanker, we have 5 compartments. You still feel surge but not nearly as much as smooth bore.


    It can be very dirty work, but I enjoy it. I love hauling fuel and the money is well worth hauling around a bomb behind me in rush hour traffic 6 days a week
     
  9. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    I haul chemical and yes there is a surge but you'll learn to drive in a way that mitigates it. It's the easiest work I have ever done. The most I have ever had to do when loading is to vent the top and then seal it back up. Half of the places I go use their hoses and their people do the unloading. There are times when you have a pump off load when you have more hoses to deal with but you get paid extra for that. Get paid extra for using the truck air to offload and anything over 2 hrs on either end is on the clock. You can find a place where you can run local, regional or otr.
     
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  10. Peteymac

    Peteymac Bobtail Member

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  11. lfod14

    lfod14 Road Train Member

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    Been considering Tankers myself, coming up on my year in a couple weeks and noticed job ads paying in the 60's to start. HELL YA! Only thing that concerns me is the 6 day work weeks many of the companies have. I'm spoiled with my M-F.
     
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