The Cryo Hauler Thread

There really isnt a top. Each Terminal is specific to it. Linde has 5 Barns from Portland up to The Canadian border in Ferndale, WA and Everyone is independent and pays differently, and 3 are Union. Its finding a location that works for you and being able to handle the workload and shifts that are available to you, and what company Culture appeals to you. Linde doesnt give a rats behind about you. You are meat in a seat and they'll pay you alot of money to deal with that. It is the most emotionally draining job I've ever had, but I like the figures on my check and I'm not beating my body up. If you can handle that, and the extremely strict rules, You can have a solid career here.

I dont know anything about Airgas, Air Products, or Air Liquide other than I almost went to Air Liquide, when Linde took their time hiring me. I honestly
wonder if I should have taken it. It paid a little less, but was day shift and in a smaller Town that I really liked. But I've never really heard anything bad about these 3. Their hiring is a little strict as is most of Cryo.
I dont like Messer due to Bias I have with them and the One terminal in Vancouver , WA that I know and have dealt with. BUT you never see them on forums #####ing, and I haven't really read anything negative about them and they have a better safety record than we do(slightly). They require less experience than we do as the ads Ive seen are asking for only 1 year(?!) of class A experience. If you can get on with them, I'd jump on it. Spend a few years and learn some different products, and then shop around and be swooped up by someone else.
They have a plant in Beloit, WI Google Maps

Air Products has Plants in Oak Creek WI Google Maps and in Boyceville, WI Google Maps
I see others listed, but they appear to Graineries(sp? I think) maybe they're part of those operations?

Air Liquid Has a Plant right on the Wisconsin/Illinois Border, in the Illinois side in East Bubuque. Google Maps

Linde and Airgas have Plants in Minneapolis.
But honestly, if this is what you want, then haunt every job page for all of them and pick what is best for you to get your foot in the door.
CDL Truck Driver Jobs | Airgas
https://intelliapp.driverapponline.com/c/airproducts?uri_b=ia_airproducts_788291063
Drive with Linde Gases US

 

Best stay clear of airgas I had a whole topic on it myself I recently attended orientation literally 2 weeks ago

 

Whelp, Might be getting laid off. During the last safety meeting last week , which I didnt attend unfortunately, it was brought up that our workload has dropped to 50% of anticipated levels, the work I was hired to help with. If it wasnt for the 2 Amazon facilities in Kirkland and Redmond, We'd probably have to cut 2 or 3 people instantly. Everyone has slowed down and we've lost some accounts. I just started vacation today, and now I'm worried about doing anything to deplete the bank account in case I need to move to transfer to another Linde to stay employed here. Going to ask the boss tomorrow, behind closed doors, bluntly, If I need to prepare.

Rotten time as I just bought a motorcycle and spent several grand fixing my old Ram. But at least I have both to sell if I need the money now.

 

How is It working for linde ? Sorry for the unfortunate news if it's true

 

It hasnt been bad. Any Issues I have had are terminal specific. Working nights is becoming really hard, But I make more money than I ever have and the work isnt hard. I complain, but I've worked for far worse.

 

What customers does linde typically have work with if you're able to share. I know airgas did wendys McDonald's speedway etc for Class b microbulk

 

Talking to my Linde / Garfield LOX driver yesterday, he said he’s been 60 plus hours for the last several weeks, and not looking like it’s slowing down. Wonder what’s different in WA?

 

Economy isn't all it's supposed to be.
Had a 49 hour week last month.
But we are guaranteed 40 so at least I'm beating that.
#2 driver resigned last week after a second incident in a year and another transfered to cylinder work so we are down like 4 guys.
Boss said he may need me to train but told him no since I retire in 6 weeks.
Bummer to hear the work slowed down and hope you can hang on.

 

Here in Portland, without going into too much detail, the vast majority of our gigs are industrial, we do a few food/or beverage production gigs, but not many. Our LOX side is ultra pure so we don't do Hospitals or anything like that. We have a limited supply of customers willing to pay for Ultra and not need its standards.