Diary of a New Tanker Driver - Comcar CTL

Well, it looks like I may finally be ready for my own truck.

I'm in my fifth week of training, was originally supposed to be four. But, the first week I only did three days (they started me on a Wednesday) and last week I was out sick for two days with a terrible cold (which, by the way, was defeated in short order by Cold-Eze. If you're not using this stuff when you get a nasty cold, you're just asking for 3-4 more days of unnecessary misery). So since I missed what basically amounts to 4/5 of a week of training, they had me work four more days this week.

I'm getting okay with the hazmat suit, but as I said in another thread, I don't want to drop dead of heat stroke in the summer here in the South. I like the idea of the cooling vests so I think I'll purchase one of those. On the other hand, I get cold very easily and hot very slowly. This week it's been very cold (well, for us - in the 30°-40° range), and I'm wearing two thermal undershirts, a turtleneck, two sweatshirts, two layers of thermal underwear under my pants and a head/ear band - and I'm still freezing my rear end off during unloading. I'm definitely not looking forward to northern climes in the winter. Surely there has to be some sort of hi-tech materials that can be worn this time of year that actually works instead of that Walmart stuff I have.

The other thing is I'm STILL having trouble with air hoses, mainly taking the cap off or getting the hoses apart. Getting them on is an occasional struggle but always manageable; getting them off or apart is a chore due to my weak hands and fingers. The other day I struggled with getting the cap off on the air outlet on the top of the tank for a good three minutes before I told my trainer I was unable to do it but would give it one more try. I went back up and after another minute of struggling, somehow it came off. This is very aggravating and disheartening and needless to say, I strongly dislike this part of the job.

The part I do enjoy is driving and getting to talk to some of the other drivers where we load. When it comes to unloading, so far, every place I've been the driver is responsible for this, so nowhere have I had anyone do this for us. I'm getting more comfortable with the fact I have to dress in full hazmat gear every time I go someplace, and things are becoming more normal. I'm also hoping that once I get my own truck I get paid like I've been lead to believe and that I can make a decent living for myself and my family.

 

There's decent enough room even with all my extra clothes. I'm wearing a separate jacket and suspender-type of pants, rubber boots (that leak - new ones coming), gloves, hard hat and goggles or safety glasses. Still not enjoying that part but I do have to live with it. I don't mind hooking up and unhooking the hoses.

 

They raised the pay dramatically last year. The recruiter told us it was 45¢ per mile and that part is true, as that's what my paperwork also says I'll be getting. There was also something about a guarantee of $1,125 per week as long as I delivered and picked up on time and refused no loads. Not sure if I'm interpreting that correctly but we'll see.

 

Well, I am now officially a driver for CTL!

Passed the final exam, or check call, and starting out Monday morning as a solo. They're giving me local runs for at least a week, obviously to see how I do, and then I get my own truck if all goes well. Only two things I'm worried about: backing into tricky places, and not screwing up the paperwork. Other than that, I should be good to go.