Ok so here's the story. Was looking at taking job cleaning tankers. I figured it was a foot in the door to a company and I could get the inside scoop on how tanker operations work. I have been advised to stay out of the tanking cleaner position because it is a very nasty, cold, wet job and exposure to chemicals. So the question was asked to me why I didn't just get my license and be a tanker driver and not a cleaner? So I have been thinking about that possibility. I have heard that tanker pays better. So here are my questions: 1) living in Columbus, Ohio what companies would take a new CDL holder? 2) Is there a lot of " load slosh" in today's tankers? 3) What can a new tanker driver expect to see on average first year? 4) Are company choices pretty limited for new drivers? 5) What is the worst thing about pulling a tanker? Thanks!!
Chinatown will be around and he'll know some companies in your area. Most chemical tankers are smooth bore single comparment and yes there is a lot of movement in the trailer (slosh). But you will learn to drive in a way that mitigates this. Chemical tanker ususally pays better that food grade. I talked to some Schneider bulk drivers said that they made @ $32000 the first year. But the experience they got is invaluable and a ticket to better things. Give it a try.
I started with Schneider Bulk a year ago right out of CDL school in Cincinnati and SNBC has a good tanker training program... especially out of Coraopolis, PA. The surge is there and you'll learn to manage it.. or not, but it's not that bad. Some drivers have a hard time with it, but more struggle with the heights climbing around tankers. I'll break 45k this first full year... not outstanding, nor too shabby. Drivers are in demand, lots of companies hire new drivers. Traffic is the least enjoyable aspect. Good luck...!
I believe Rogers Cartage, a division of Tankstar, used to have a terminal in Columbus. They might hire a new driver, I think some terminals did at one time. I work for Superior and have dropped and hooked at Qualawash in Columbus, so we may hire drivers from there. You'd probably work out of Cincinnati though. You could always call and see.
My situation is similar to Oaker's. I have been a tanker yanker with Schneider SNBC for over a year. I grossed 52K my first year, but I wouldn't say that was typical. A lot of new solo company drivers fresh out of CDL school have gone through SNBC's short training program and found themselves on pace to earn in the mid 30K's, but if you communicate effectively with your DBL (Driver Business Leader) things can get increasingly better for you. But that varies with each driver and some DBLs think you're happy with the way things are going if you aren't complaining. That being said, I had a hellish first 6 months and finished my first year way way up. You're not always gonna be happy, but they do have a good operating structure for drivers, and it is therefore, at least a good place to start out. The surge is virtually nonexistent when your cruising out on the flatter highways, but it takes a little getting used to timing your shifts when you're changing speeds and/or changing elevation. I'll give you the BEST part of driving tanker instead. The crosswinds go right around your trailer, while those van drivers are pulling virtual metal sailboats getting blown all over the place.
What do you think made you more successful than the average guy in your first year? 52k isn't a bad year for a first year driver in my limited opinion. Any advice for someone considering Schneider tank driving?
Chemicals are smooth bore depends on how much they can load you with. Worst load I ever had was 5000gal of antifreeze in a 7000gal trailer talk about surge felt like a car hit me at lights hahaha
