Whats tanker like?

Discussion in 'Tanker, Bulk and Dump Trucking Forum' started by Sea0fgreen, Jan 19, 2023.

  1. Sea0fgreen

    Sea0fgreen Light Load Member

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    Ive done van, reefer, flatbed and a bit of log hualing and frac sand hualing. From my experience van and reefer have significantly more bs and general disrespect to put up with than flat bed.

    What's y'all's thoughts on the world of tanker? Hows it compare?
     
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  3. REO6205

    REO6205 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Tanker is a lot better. Most of the drivers I know that made the switch to tanker wish they had done it sooner.
     
  4. Munch75

    Munch75 Light Load Member

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    I am on that list. I swapped recently.

    As far as fuel haul and local. Days feel shorter some how. You are the one that loads and unloads. Customers for most part are pleasant if not just happy you're there. No worrying over poorly loaded freight that fell over mid trip.
    Home every day/night.
    Just over all good experience.
     
  5. Sons Hero

    Sons Hero Medium Load Member

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    I've hauled liquid fertilizer through the spring rush for a local outfit. I enjoyed it alot, and as I was delivering semi loads to farms, and occasionally a sprayer in a field, I got to see corners of the country I'd never been to before!
     
  6. REO6205

    REO6205 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    The only down side of tankers that I see is working nights and weekends. A lot of tanker companies run a strict seniority board and the drivers that have been there the longest usually get the best shifts and runs.
    If you stay with it your turn at the good stuff will come.
     
  7. nomoreups

    nomoreups Bobtail Member

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    Smooth bore tankers are fun....and scary.
     
  8. Tall Mike

    Tall Mike Road Train Member

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    New York
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    I pulled food grade for a while the money was terrible. As I understand it hazmat pays better.
    I also experienced down time waiting at tank washes, shippers, and receivers. For all the aggravation I didn't feel the money was worth it....JMO

    As for vans/reefers hopefully I never have to bump another dock again, ever....
     
  9. Judge

    Judge Road Train Member

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    I liked it.
    But there’s work and steps involved, when you unload. same if you load.
     
  10. NewWorldTrucker

    NewWorldTrucker Light Load Member

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    I love it. It’s a lot of information when you first start, however. It can be overwhelming initially. You have to learn so much, but you end up catching on. It’s more than just driving. Way more can go wrong. Tankers also are much cooler looking than dry vans and reefers lol.
     
  11. REO6205

    REO6205 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    It's all about getting the right amount of the right stuff in the right place. When you first start out you'll be slower than the other drivers. Your boss expects this. They'd rather have you be a little slow than to hurry and make foolish mistakes.
    There are no do-overs in tankers. If you make a spill or a mix let somebody know right away.
    You'll probably ride with another driver for awhile.
     
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