Future Tanker Yanker

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by hidden1, Jan 1, 2021.

  1. hidden1

    hidden1 Light Load Member

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    Jan 17, 2013
    Phelan, Ca
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    Hi All,
    Happy New Year!
    I will be retiring from public school teaching this June and plan to get into trucking. My goal is to be a food-grade tanker driver as my ultimate position. I understand that (for what I've seen) most tanker divisions require at least one year of OTR before applying.
    What's the best route to take to accomplish this? I'm in Southern California, and the Swift Academy isn't too far from where I live. Would that be a good choice to get my first year out of the way? My goal is to get out of (i.e., ESCAPE) Cali as soon as I can. Would't mind moving back to Florida, my home state, but I'm open to just about anywhere.

    (hoping @Chinatown will chime in) :)

    Thoughts and suggestions much appreciated!
     
    Last edited: Jan 1, 2021
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  3. Rugerfan

    Rugerfan Road Train Member

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    If you move to florida, I know Florida rock hires new graduates to haul fuel.
     
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  4. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    If you decide to do chemical tank, I think Schneider will train you to drive and then to run tanks. Also, I know that Superior had started to train new drivers before the sale to Hemiff, but don't know whether that is still happening. Both have terminals around the country that will help you with your "escape".
     
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  5. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Last edited: Jan 1, 2021
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  6. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Florida is nice and so is Las Vegas/Clark County, Nevada.
    I lived in Florida for several years and no complaints from me about Florida.
    I live in Nevada now.
    [​IMG].
     
    Last edited: Jan 1, 2021
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  7. hidden1

    hidden1 Light Load Member

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  8. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Swift is just fine. It's a myth that no truck companies will hire Swift drivers.
     
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  9. Judge

    Judge Road Train Member

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    If you want tanker experience, Schneider does have a good class on tankers, they’ll send you to HoustonTx or Coraopolis PA

    I did tank training in Houston 5 years ago, they’ll teach you.
    If you don’t have license, study for it, Gen Knowledge, Air brake, combination vehicle, Tanker,
    Schneider used to give 90 days before hazmat requirements, or read up on that,
    I don’t know about other tanker training, never done it anywhere else, but Schneider will make sure you know tanker loading/unloading, it’s chemical, but theirs don’t have baffles either, but they do have 3 & 4 compartment tanks.
     
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  10. hidden1

    hidden1 Light Load Member

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    Understood.
    Why do you suggest reefer? Any more clout than dry van?
     
  11. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Indian River Transport is food grade tankers and hires in most states.
    Headquartered in Winter Haven, Florida, but hire coast to coast.
    [​IMG], upload_2021-1-1_18-41-5.jpeg
     
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