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Tankers?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by CJ559, Sep 29, 2009.

  1. Sep 29, 2009 #1
    CJ559

    CJ559 Bobtail Member

    4
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    Sep 22, 2009
    California
    0
    A couple of fuel tanker companies here in my area are willing to hire newbies, and I'm wondering what some of you think about a new driver driving tanker. Thanks in advance for any info.
     
    CJ559, Sep 29, 2009
    CJ559, Sep 29, 2009
    #1
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  3. Sep 29, 2009 #2
    wsyrob

    wsyrob Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Winston Salem
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    I started on chemical tankers. They are more dangerous but only if you like to go fast and jerk them around. You will most likely get better training than your average starter OTR company.
     
    wsyrob, Sep 29, 2009
    wsyrob, Sep 29, 2009
    #2
    CJ559 Thanks this.
  4. Oct 1, 2009 #3
    jb12288

    jb12288 Light Load Member

    200
    63
    Sep 21, 2009
    Rome, GA
    0
    I agree with wsyrob, driving a tanker would give you better advantage if you have the right endorsements.
     
    jb12288, Oct 1, 2009
    jb12288, Oct 1, 2009
    #3
    CJ559 Thanks this.
  5. Oct 1, 2009 #4
    Gearjammin' Penguin

    Gearjammin' Penguin "Ride Fast-Truck Safe"

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    Central AZ
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    I think it's a fantastic opportunity...but be SLOW and EASY. Van and reefer drivers can develop sloppy, reckless and unprofessional driving habits. You try that with a tank or multiple trailers, and they'll bite you hard.

    If you start out with tanks, odds are you'll learn good habits that will make you one of those 20-million-mile guys. I'd say go for it.
     
    Gearjammin' Penguin, Oct 1, 2009
    Gearjammin' Penguin, Oct 1, 2009
    #4
    bulldozerbert and CJ559 Thank this.
  7. Oct 1, 2009 #5
    jim-oh

    jim-oh Light Load Member

    85
    29
    Apr 30, 2009
    Toledo,oh
    0
    wow, thats good for a start. Tanker is the best driving job so far for me, as far as work theirs plenty to go around, even now.
    If you dont mind, what companies are you talking to?
     
    jim-oh, Oct 1, 2009
    jim-oh, Oct 1, 2009
    #5
    CJ559 Thanks this.
  8. Oct 1, 2009 #6
    CJ559

    CJ559 Bobtail Member

    4
    0
    Sep 22, 2009
    California
    0
    So far all I know is from a couple guys I know that drive tankers. The first company I heard of was Kline (not sure if that's the correct spelling). I did talk to them and they will hire right out of school. One of the drivers is going to give me a list of companies he knows of next time he makes a delivery. If you're interested I am more than happy to share what I learn. I can't PM yet, so I guess I can past it here when I get the list. Or if you know of another way for me to get it to you let me know.
     
    CJ559, Oct 1, 2009
    CJ559, Oct 1, 2009
    #6
  9. Oct 2, 2009 #7
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    The fact that a Haz/tanker will hire newbies is a little scarey, doncha think? Seems like they're hard up for drivers.
     
    Allow Me., Oct 2, 2009
    Allow Me., Oct 2, 2009
    #7
    onetime42 Thanks this.
  10. Oct 2, 2009 #8
    onetime42

    onetime42 Light Load Member

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    May 20, 2009
    Mobile, AL
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    The fact that those three words are in the same sentence scares the living ####sky out of me.
     
    onetime42, Oct 2, 2009
    onetime42, Oct 2, 2009
    #8
  11. Oct 2, 2009 #9
    wsyrob

    wsyrob Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Winston Salem
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    Whats worse. A newbie in a dry van "team training" while his trainer sleeps for 6 weeks or a newbie being taught to handle liquids from day one? My training lasted for 3 months with a trainer sitting in the passenger seat logging line 4 the whole time. I never had to break old habits. Tankers are really no more dangerous than any other 80,000 lb vehicle with 300-400 gallons of diesel fuel strapped on each side of the driver. You just have to go slow, be smooth and allow lots of following distance.
     
    wsyrob, Oct 2, 2009
    wsyrob, Oct 2, 2009
    #9
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