Prime Tanker Experience So Far...

Keep a scoreboard on a weekly basis... gross revenue, miles, and especially revenue per day. After a bit, you'll have a good track record of what you average for fuel, maintenance, tires... plus the fixed stuff. Since it is all on a weekly settlement that's the easiest way to judge how you're doing, mostly because your bills are paid weekly (divide by 7.)

 

Hey Gm i have been reading these posts, been doing flatbed, and tired of tarping so i heard about shneider 7500 sin on bonus for tanker, so filled out app and wow i get an email from them today begging me to contact them, I live in sc is it a hard transition or basically pay attention and pice of cake? or will I basically feel like I just came out of driving school all over again

 

I havent driven dryvan in yrs, the thought of driving them scare me lol, flat bed you slow down a lot more for curves, and yes i would imagine it would scare me too, I too am a stickler for the rules, i as well take my job seriously, only difference they say need hazmat, my youngest graduates High School next june, so i figure if the pay is there my child rearing days are over why not give it a try

 

Also 1 of my mottos "slow and steady wins the race" i mean no matter what the job has to get done right, so I just keep at it, in my younger days used to run my bum off then too many speeding tickets in a short time almost made me lose my job, then I realized no matter how hot the load was it wasnt worth my liscense right, so who needs a 130ml/hr truck when all it will make you do is die quicker right

 

My first driving job was pulling tanker, was trained by Schneider Bulk. I pulled Chemical tanks OTR all 48 for 5 years. Pulling tanks is fun!!!!! Especially when it's time to deadhead.
The best I can describe pulling a tank...is to tell you that tank when it's loaded is a snake...it's like a viper. If you're rough with it, it sure the hell will bite you. That load will coil up and knock your hat off.

Over the years I've had 2 good friends die pulling tanks, both on exit ramps at the end of a very long day...not paying attention to business. The rear tandems in the turn leave the ground, but once the same side drives leave the ground, you are just along for the ride. Then it's prayer time...cuz unlike a van trailer, a tank will roll inverted and crush everything in the cab...including your tired ###. I know this, because my last run with schneider bulk, was recovering my good friends tank from the tank wash in Chattanooga, tn. it crushed and killed him. You don't slow down on the exit ramp...vans love to do that. You darn well better be 5 under the ramp speed before the curve starts. If I was your trainer, better believe when you went solo, you'd be hearing my voice in your head. SLOW THIS ##### DOWN>>>>>NOW!!!!!! Your first year, when your driving legs are shorter, and your tolerance for trucking stress is lower...thats when it will happen.

Don't be afraid, just be vigilant and know your limits when your new.

But you will have a great time pulling tankers, they are a lot of fun, and you should be proud as you gain experience taming the beast. Learn a lot with your trainer but most of all have fun!!!
Tom
Oh yeah....Pay attention to IP he is very wise, very good Owner operator advice.

 

What does Prime pay per mile in the tanker division?