Differences between van and tanker

It depends on what material you're hauling in a tanker. Some materials such as antifreeze and caustic need blended sometimes so that could take a while. Unloading is the same, different liquids unload at different speeds

 

Liquids-product?
Dry bulk-materials?

 

I pulled a van for the first time yesterday and the people on the docks were some of the grumpiest I've ever met. I usually haul liquid and everywhere I go I can actually talk and joke around with the workers at the facilities. So I would have to agree with that

 

BIG difference. Most of the time the customer is actually glad when the tanker shows up and they treat the driver like a human being.
As a rule there won't be a lot of waiting time to unload.
A lot of places don't have a huge amount of storage and keeping their tanks full is important.
I can remember very few times when a customer was unpleasant and it was usually because they were having a bad day anyway and it wasn't directed at me.
For whatever it's worth, very few people who switch to tanker from hauling a van ever switch back.

 

Been pulling tankers for 13 years. Wouldn't put up with half the stuff a van driver has to deal with. Dispatch knows "safety first" is the deal. I have the authority to stop unsafe work, be it at the plant or on the road. Honestly, respect is what I get most everywhere. And the pay is good.
So, to answer your question: day and night.

 

Tanker usually pays more than van, sometimes a lot more.
It varies from place to place. As a rule the more dangerous it is the more it pays.
As an example, food grade tanker doesn't pay as much as hauling caustic acid.
Do some research. The best thing to do is talk to tanker drivers...not ones who drove a tanker briefly ten years ago but ones who are actively engaged in the business today.

We have a tanker section on TTR and most of the guys are pretty sharp and helpful.
Tanker, Bulk and Dump Trucking Forum

 

I make .50/mile loaded and .45 empty over 250 miles one way, $23/hr under 250 miles. With a hazmat load it's .60/mile loaded and .55 empty, then $26/hr for the short hauls. Tankers are really nice to pull once you get used to the surge in the trailer and they're super easy to load & unload, mainly because the shipper loads and seals you, and in most cases the receiver unloads you with a pump. So you really don't have to do anything but drive lol