Physical reality of tanker driving?

Try looking into Linde or Praxair, I believe Linde merged with Praxair now, which will make them one of the biggest cryogenic companies now, see if they have some locations out your way , I know someone that got on with them a couple of years now, and they said its a good company, union, good pay you can make 100k, they haul liquid nitrogen , oxygen type games, which relates to your certification for tanker and hazmat
The website says 2 years tanker/hazmat tractor trailer, however someone also told me they will take you with 2 years tractor trailer alone, just will have to get hazmat/Tanker. I plan on applying, but I need they experience 1st. But I think you should look into it.

 

Get a copy of your PSP. It costs $10 and you get an immediate record of what violations the FMCSA has on you. I got turned down for a fuel job because I thought my record was spotless, but my PSP showed otherwise. Fuel hauling is usually more selective about picking a driver with no tanker experience than chemical/hazmat tanker. Many hazmat tanker companies will train you on tanker if you have at least 1, sometimes 2 years of CDL experience.

 

Ok, 1 of the linde drivers said that its not a physical job at all the heaviest item they have to pick up is like a 5lb mallet or axe, he said its pretty chill, your just alone, and can't use your phone, not even if your not driving, you must be off duty, and they have cameras and Governors at 60mph, but the pay is good, retirement pension teamsters

 

I did food grade tanker work for a few months in the winter and hated it. The hoses get really stiff then, something always leaked or wouldn't flow and you had to climb on top of the tank at least twice per delivery. To me, it was more physical than dry van.
Another thing that hasn't been mentioned is the surge. All that liquid is sloshing around in the tank, and you'll feel it when it hits the front of the tank.

I wish I could have rode along for a day or two before I took the tanker job, it would have allowed me to see it wasn't a good fit for me. YMMV.