Hauling Tankers

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Mr. EastCoast, Jun 17, 2021.

  1. Mr. EastCoast

    Mr. EastCoast Light Load Member

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    Considering on getting my tanker endorsement. I have my hazmat already and would like to haul fuel or chemicals. Any advice. Do you enjoy hauling tanks more then reefers or Vans
     
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    I hauled hazmat/tankers 48 states & Canada and made more money than reefers coast to coast.
    It's easy work compared to refrigerated freight and most appointments are a little flexible compared to strict appointment times with reefers.
    I liked the stress of pulling reefers though; have to admit that. May seem strange, but liked it.
     
  4. meechyaboy

    meechyaboy Heavy Load Member

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    Hadnt hauled anything else but tankers but it’s been very enjoyable. Whether you’re doing the work or not. Most places are happy to see you. Hauling fuel for the last year and a half I will more than likely never leave the fuel industry. I’m in my own bed every night, I load my own trailer and the fuel gets there when it gets there.. it’s not to be taken lightly at all but for a pretty good wage I do nothing but drive to gas stations in my neck of the woods
     
  5. slow.rider

    slow.rider Road Train Member

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    If you get your endorsements and pull for a van or reefer company that handles hazmat, you might find yourself pulling quite a few loads requiring tanker endorsement. I've never pulled an actual tank so I don't know how much more sloshy a real tank is, but it's still definitely a factor. So it handles at least somewhat like a tanker, but still gets loaded with a forklift and strapped down. I rarely go more than 2-3 weeks without pulling a tanker load, and sometimes get 2 or 3 such loads in a row.
     
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  6. mitrucker

    mitrucker Road Train Member

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    There is no comparison between a van load of totes and a smooth bore tanker.
     
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  7. slow.rider

    slow.rider Road Train Member

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    I suspected as much but always wondered.
     
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  8. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    While I was researching moving from dry van to tanker the most common comment I heard/read was "I was I had pulled tankers sooner." Generally customers treat you with respect and they are happy to see you when you arrive.

    It's much easier to back tankers, especially 48 ft tankers. You can see around & behind you due to the shape of the trailer.
     
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  9. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    The feeling of pulling liquid tankers is very different than van/reefer. But, the surge is most violent when you are starting to move from a stop. It feels like you were rear-ended by a freight train. Once you get moving the surge is usually much less. You will feel the product slam the trailer when you start up or down a hill, apply brakes, or accelerate. At highway speeds you can brake hard or steer hard, but never both. You must slow to the exit ramp speed or below before you start turning or you can roll over. The surge is nothing to avoid or be afraid of, but you must respect it.
     
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  10. HiramKingWilliams

    HiramKingWilliams Heavy Load Member

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    A lot easier in the wind too.
     
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  11. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    I learned to drive in a way that mitigated most of the surge. But I never drove tank with an auto either. I would sometimes get it surging intentionally at some chicken houses as they never would want to wait long enough for it to settle down and would just get the green light.
     
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