So, driving tanker seems profitable, whats the catch?

I have passed all of the endorsement tests and HazMat fingerprinting. Will finish school about the end of the month. I haven't applied to any companies yet but I have looked at all of the tanker companies websites Chinatown mentions. My problem looks like none of them have terminals remotely close to me (Iowa/South Dakota/Nebraska junction). I have no desire to move to Texas or the East.

Would they still consider hiring and training me from this area, or should I look more towards food grade tanker or bulk work?

 

Look at wynne transport. ..they are out of omaha Nebraska

 

To me, there's NO downside to tankers.

As already stated, Slow down, keep your distance and ALWAYS keep in mind what your carrying!!!

I was able to switch to tankers at the beginning of last November (2013). I am currently hauling MOSTLY sulfuric acid (Hence the "ALWAYS keep in mind") and currently being trained to carry other chemicals (The more you know=more $$$). I am a company driver and have already made $27,000.- so far since Jan 1st. And I sleep with my wife in our own bed EVERY NIGHT!!!

I was lucky enough to get with another company in my area that does the same thing and will start with them next week at $4.00 an hour MORE. PLUS ACTUAL paid overtime. And I drive a rig less than a year old. So, the rest of this year is looking REALLY good!!! And gets us one step closer to where we want to be. Again, did I mention I'm also HOME EVERY NIGHT!!!

SOOOOOO, if you HAVE to drive at full throttle. Can't find the brakes until 100' from the red light. Won't slow down on curves. And run so close to the vehicle in front of you, you can't see their lights. (And,YES, I've observed 18's doing ALL of these. It's NOT just the 4 wheelers). Then Tankers AREN'T for you!!! STAY AWAY!!!

But, If you pay attention, slow down and work safely. It's the BEST trucking there is!!! For me, hands down. And did I mention I'm home EVERY NIGHT!!!

Just Sayin'

Good luck in whatever you choose!

 

Keeping them clean

 

I agree with all of the above. Tanker is the best of the best, but it takes a lot more skill than just motoring down the road. You don't find a lot of tanker jobs out there, as most people that do that, hang on to those jobs. i hauled 1 load of gas in my life, and wasn't too crazy about that, but had several other tank jobs that were good. A tank with baffles helps the surging part, curves are tricky. One of the best parts of tanker, is NO PALLETS, no crabby warehouse employees, and the people are usually waiting for your products( or they wouldn't have ordered it). Tanker yanker is the way to go!

 

Oh, just one more thing (Columbo) Low bridges aren't a problem, provided your stacks clear!

 

I lucked into my tanker job. Averaging $1000+ a week so far. As a trucker I gotta gripe about something so its hauling my hoses off the rack to my tank and loading them up. Then draggin them out and hooking up for the pump off.... oh wait I get a nice hourly wage for all that. Guess i dont have a gripe. Lol.

My starting milage us higher than my last companies top out pay. Like said before, im paid for everything I do. Benefits are great. Some of the best ive had. Better than graingers and fedex (memphis hub not trucking. And they were good). Ill probaly stick with this a looooong time. Most drivers at my terminal have been here 7-40 yrs. Most drivers dont quit.

Yes surge sux (I drive smooth bore). But get slammed in the back a couple times and youll figure out how to stop that. Yes its an 800# gorilla. But treat her nice and she'll be gentle to you, usually. Lol.

 

What about having to go around tunnels?

 

Unless you're hauling explosives I wouldn't worry about tunnels but it's always good to get educated on any tunnels you go thru just to be on the safe side. There maybe some restrictions on flammables as opposed to combustibles for instance. Thinking ahead is always wise when placarded.
I've never had a problem so far. It's good to check with dispatch on an ideal route.

 

Depends on load and tunnel. Trip planning. Get out the atlas and read up on restrictions in the front. Tunnels are marked on the map. My rand McNally gps does a decent job routing me. Get directions from company, fellow drivers, and customer. Its not much different from non haz. Just got to remember RR trax and watch the signs on the road.