Future Tanker Yanker

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

  1. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Right, 12 mos. experience. Indian River Transport.
    [​IMG]
     
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  3. meechyaboy

    meechyaboy Heavy Load Member

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    Detroit, Michigan
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    I Schneider does a good job of giving you all the information in training on how to deal with multiple different trailer types... and how to handle different chemicals.. if you want to jump into the tanker world to learn chemical, Schneider’s is a great place. But you might not make good money.
    Your end goal is to pull food grade which is a lot less strict and from what I remember was mainly rear unloads.
    My advice would be to pull reefer first year then go tanker
     
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  4. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    If you plan on leaving CA, don't register to vote in your new state. The locals will appreciate it. NOBODY wants ANOTHER darn Californian in their midst. Nobody.
     
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  5. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    Too much hassle with reefer. Do dry van then tankers.
     
  6. Dockbumper

    Dockbumper Road Train Member

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    The actual test IS that easy. Use the online practice tests. They are practically the same format as DMV. You are wasting your time using the manual only. Manual is great for reference and HIGHLIGHTING key points. Don't sweat it. Easy stuff.
     
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  7. MericanMade

    MericanMade Heavy Load Member

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    Aug 14, 2019
    Pensacola, FL
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    This is news to me. I called every single tanker company in my area last year, both local day cab and OTR. They all required at least one year. I’m talking about Groendyke, Superior, CTL, Florida Rock and Tank, and a couple of local gas haulers.

    No joy.
     
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  8. hidden1

    hidden1 Light Load Member

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    Jan 17, 2013
    Phelan, Ca
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    That's not a problem, really. Like I said, I was born and raised in Jacksonville, Fl., and still have the accent to prove it. Trust me, one of the reasons I gotta get outta here is the lousy politics and social bs that's going on.
    But to tell the truth, you'd be surprised how conservative parts of Cali are. There are a lotta 4x4s flashing Trump flags riding proud in my town. There's even a guy down the street who proudly waves his Confederate flag. Go figgure.
    Yeah, rednecks aren't bound by geography.

    BTW, Tennessee is also on my radar on places to move :cool:
     
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  9. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    high plains colorado
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    Well, I applaud your initiative, but as the self appointed site pessimist, or teller of not sugar coating it, and I don't mean any disrespect, but teacher to trucker, is about the least likely switch to succeed. Do you have any knowledge of trucking, or meh, how hard could it be, you just sit there and enjoy the paid retirement,,,it doesn't work that way. Schooling gives you the very basics, but so much isn't told, and 1/4 quit within 90 days, half in 6 months. It's a life few bargain for. It can be done, but you're going to get the bottom of the barrel, as more experienced drivers seem to know what to avoid, aka, you'll get all the crap. Some stick it out, and make it. A tank is a noble choice, most tank jobs are regional, but tough to get, as everybody wants a local tank job. Rookies rarely get tanker jobs, it's just common sense, as tankers require much different skills. Choosing the wrong profession is costly today, and as a new driver, it will most likely be van freight. A new driver does the least damage with a van load. Good luck, I don't mean to bum you out, just telling it like it is. Thank G-d you have access to this site to make a better decision. Years ago, we'd have killed ( or at least maimed) for a site like this.
     
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  10. hidden1

    hidden1 Light Load Member

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    Jan 17, 2013
    Phelan, Ca
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    Hi Semi,
    No disrespect taken!
    I appreciate your concern and wondering why I'd make the move. To be honest, trucking has always been in the back of my mind since I was five years old when I got a Hess tanker truck for Christmas (connection?). I remember the morning back in '84 when I was driving hours to my college campus and seeing all the trucks on the road and thinking, "Maybe I should be doing this instead." All through my 23 years of teaching when things weren't going my way those thoughts would return.

    Sure, I could do another five years in the classroom and get an even better retirement. To be honest, I'm totally sick of it (and Kalifornia), and the 'remote learning' we have to do now is the final break in the ice.
    Do I think it's gonna be easy? No way! Challenging? Of course. Low pay? Oh well. At least I have a pension to back it up. I need this for my sanity and the reward of doing something different.

    Honestly, I think this is something I need to do as a final career step. I'm sort of a loner by nature, and this seems rather logical for my personality. In fact, every summer I pack up the Harley, kiss The Wife goodbye, and disappear for a few weeks. To date I've done three cross-country motorcycle trips, and it doesn't get old.

    The road calls...
     
  11. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    Apply here also for cdl school:
    ~
    Wilson Logistics
    Wilson Logistics
    ~
    Wilson hires from 48 states, so when you move, won't have to change companies.
    Same with Swift Refrigerated.
     
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