Midwest regional out of Pittsburgh?

Discussion in 'Motor Carrier Questions - The Inside Scoop' started by Polderlord, Jan 29, 2025.

  1. Iamoverit

    Iamoverit Road Train Member

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    Beemac and PI&I are scumbags. I'd avoid them if you can. Strimbu is a top notch outfit if you can handle a tearless retina staring you down all day. Yourga is another good company. These places are not in Pittsburgh tbough. Both are about 1.5 hours away. Something to consider.
     
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  3. Henley

    Henley Light Load Member

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    To further emphasize what others have already said, the pay and schedule you're looking for describes chemical tanker work to a T, and you couldn't be in a better spot for that. Aside from the host of companies out on Neville Island there are plenty more scattered around metro Pittsburgh, including at least half a dozen with terminals near Petrolia, northeast of Butler. Chemical work would be a significant upgrade from the reefer world in terms of pay, benefits, and treatment--in tanking, for example, you never have to fight for layover or detention pay. In fact, we even have our own term for detention, which we call demurrage, and at most companies it kicks in automatically after two hours at a customer. (Drivers generally get a flat rate for the first two hours loading or unloading.)

    If you're hesitant about slinging hoses or hauling hazmat like I was at first, don't be. As long as you pay attention to what you're doing and wear your PPE, you'll be just fine. And the more hazardous the chemical, the less likely a customer is going to take the risk of allowing you to load or unload it. Personally, I prefer doing my own unloading because at least then I'm the one in charge of making sure it's done correctly and I'm also the one determining how long it takes (for the most part.) No more waiting for the lumpers or forklift operators to *finally* get around to doing their jobs, and remember, tanker drivers are paid for the entire time they're at a customer, so even if it takes a while (and some thick chemicals do take quite a while) it's not usually an issue because you're getting paid for the whole process anyway.

    Oh, and the customers treat tanker drivers better, too. We're never considered "lower than" or denied bathrooms, etc., and some places even welcome us into canteens and break rooms. Independent tank washes often have free food and showers for drivers, as well as being a good place to park.

    Tanker outfits are generally run as out-and-back carriers because they serve specific customers. All the companies up in Parker/Karns City are there specifically to run loads out of the plants in Petrolia, so it doesn't serve them well to have their drivers stay out on the road for three weeks bouncing around the country--they need to get their trucks back to Petrolia to service their primary customer. So they contract specific loads out of Petrolia and then contract backhauls near those deliveries, or they negotiate a rate that covers the deadhead back. It's the same way out on Neville. Basically, it's not hard to be home for the weekend running chemicals, especially in the mid-Atlantic, northeast, and midwest.

    You will of course need the hazmat and tanker endorsements if you don't already have them, as well as a TWIC card and passport. Most companies will reimburse the expense of obtaining and renewing those credentials.
     
  4. Brandt

    Brandt Road Train Member

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    I would think 2k a week working 5 days would be difficult to find. That’s Walmart money at that point. I work or company that run to PA and they have regional driver but I not 2k a week. They run maybe 1500 miles a week. They have spotter driver in Pittsburgh or just outside of Pittsburgh they get $26 per hour for Niagara water. They are probably working 40 or 48 hours a week. That still far from 2K a week
     
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  5. hope not dumb twucker

    hope not dumb twucker Road Train Member

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    Guess I really should start reading the manual for hazmat. Been taking the tests on here just not as often as I would like. Paid for everything is what I like. Screw this refer stuff. Let these low life warehouse workers have the people that can’t speak English. While I kick back in their break room. Eating company paid for lunch. More specifically their company paid for lunch. lol. I’m mean I know.
     
  6. bryan21384

    bryan21384 Road Train Member

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  7. Trashtrucker1707

    Trashtrucker1707 Road Train Member

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    If you’re around Washington PA, look at valley bulk transportation, mainly dry bulk, some end dumps and flats, excellent equipment and a good working environment. Maybe also look at McClymonds in Portersville, I would think natural gas drilling should be taking off again soon, you’re in the heart of all that, heck even tri axle water jobs up there are paying mid 30’s an hour.
     
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  8. hope not dumb twucker

    hope not dumb twucker Road Train Member

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    Those are in my area. Heck triaxel water idk about 30hr but 25 I know is normal. When on hometime where I park truck a trailer is a home every night oil guy and he said more like 25-30 depending on experience.
     
  9. 7speed

    7speed Light Load Member

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