How hard is tanker ?

Tanker is 100% easier than reefer, but I still prefer reefers.
I did OTR hazmat tankers 5 years and it was easy. Customers are easy to deal with and respectful to the drivers and each other.

 

Short, easy answer: most drivers that finally make the switch over to tanker....later wish they had done so, sooner.

--Lual

 

I try to avoid overnight driving if I can, but occasionally you get that load which will be late if you wait for morning to set off.

I tend to shape my schedule for early morning starts if the load allows so I would say I pretty much keep to the same hours. That comes from learning the loads and the customers and which ones you can squeeze a few hours out of without any issues. I wouldn’t expect to start a new job and be able to do that from the beginning.

 

Tanker is pretty easy but you need to be pretty diligent on making sure you have no spills. Depending on what you’re hauling even a single drop hitting the ground can cause a scene. Use your drip trays, follow the procedure and no matter what you’re told don’t over grease the pump of you’ll be using the drip tray / spill kit very frequently.

 

Local tanker
Hauling gas
4am to 4pm Wednesday thru Sunday
Monday Tuesday off
Home every night
Sleep in my bed instead of a truck
Dinner at home
Ah, the life is good!

 

I don't seem to see a huge amount of tankers in truckstops and rest areas...makes me assume that they have a pretty good parking situation with tank washes and customers?