Question for tankers - Truckers' Trucking Forum | Message Board

JimF · **^ Top** #1 06.01.2008

I'm going thru Schneider's training for bulk (tanker). Never had a problem with heights, but it's been years since I did anything up on top of something.

1st time up on the cat walk, I was pretty nervous, but thought I'd get more used to it, since I was being tested to see if I could actually do it.

Well, it's been a week, up there several times a day, and I'm still just as nervous.

Any hints or tips on getting more comfortable with it, or will I have to either grin and bear it or should I consider switching back to van?

379 Peterbilt · **^ Top** #2 06.01.2008

I've pulled many a tank (avatar) and it was never an issue for me. But these were all Walker food grade tanks and had the handrails up at the top. No clue what brand tanks Schnieder pulls (whatever the cheapest brand is probably) but still I'd think you could keep one hand on the rail and use the other to open the cover & manhead.

Gee, tanker freight is the easiest there is to be had. Absolutely no touch from the word go. I'd get used to climbing on top of the tank, were I you.

danc694u · **^ Top** #3 06.01.2008

Got a blank for you here. I worked dericks in the early 80's before I came into trucking. And, I still don't like heights.

You either get used to it, or deal with it, was my opinion. In my case, I dealt with it and the jokes. I wore 2 straps attached to one harness, each capable of holding 6 tons

Scarecrow03 · **^ Top** #4 06.01.2008

I pulled pneumatic dry bulk tanks for over a year and I was never thrilled about climbing up top. I'd just suck it up and do it. After all, it was my job and I know none of those folks working at those injection molding plants were gonna help me with that air leak.

There aren't any hand rails on those tanks, unless you crawl.

My biggest problem was climbing back down. I was always scared I'd miss that top rung.

One time I thought I'd be clever and close the one latch that was open on the stinger cap with the tank pressured up and unloading. BAD IDEA! With the type of cap that's used on those tanks, if one latch is open and the other is closed you have to loosen up the closed one to get the open one closed. By loosening the latch with the tank at optimal unloading pressure, the cap blew off (narrowly missing my head) and landed some 50 ft away from the tank. Somehow I managed to stay on the ladder, but my arm and face was peppered with plastic pellets for a few seconds until the pressure dropped. Not only did I get scarred up from that, but I also had about 2000 lbs. of material to clean up.

BobC · **^ Top** #5 06.01.2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimF

I'm going thru Schneider's training for bulk (tanker). Never had a problem with heights, but it's been years since I did anything up on top of something.

1st time up on the cat walk, I was pretty nervous, but thought I'd get more used to it, since I was being tested to see if I could actually do it.

Well, it's been a week, up there several times a day, and I'm still just as nervous.

Any hints or tips on getting more comfortable with it, or will I have to either grin and bear it or should I consider switching back to van?

Keep one hand for yourself & the other for the truck.

You'll be ok. Give yourself more than a week to get used to it.
Besides, a little fear is good fer ya.
It'll help keep you alive.

JimF · **^ Top** #6 06.01.2008

Thanks guys. Yeah, I'll give it some more time. Got up there today, it was a little better.

Thanks again.

poppy · **^ Top** #7 06.01.2008

i used to build houses and walked the top plates without any bother. after about ten years when i got up on that tank i felt like i would fall every step. after a while it won't bother ya so much. just be careful and don't hook a foot when ya turn to go down the ladder. it's a long drop.

GasHauler · **^ Top** #8 06.05.2008

I never did have a problem getting on top of the tank but a little nervous is good in my opinion. It's much better than compplacency. Just remember the three point system when going up and down the ladders. You want three parts of your body in contact of the ladder at all times.

BigPappa · **^ Top** #9 06.06.2008

So if I decide to do tanker work I have to be able and willing to climb to the top of the tank? I am deathly afraid of heights and can't even climb onto a flatbed trailer without worrying about falling much less the top of a tanker. I may have the endorsement but sure will not climb the top of a tank.

379 Peterbilt · **^ Top** #10 06.07.2008

The obvious answer here is that you have already answered any questions you may have regarding draging a tank or a flatbed.

I can't believe that the thought of scaling the top of a tank or skateboard frets drivers, but hey, if so, I mean no offence.

Go drybox I guess............

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