Jacob’s Petroleum Products in WV/PA

You need some serious experience pulling 48 to 53-ft trailers elsewhere -- before any fuel-hauling fleet will have an real confidence in you...with a fuel-laden trailer.

Off-road, or on-road.

This is especially true...given the current status of the overall CDL job market (or the lack thereof).

Also -- don't fill out any fuel-hauling job applications -- until you already have:

• a tanker endorsement
• a hazmat endorsement
• a valid "TWIC" card

In addition: a fuel-hauling fleet with a high turnover rate is NOT a good choice/place to "cut your teeth" with fuel, either.

-- L

 

I scored my fuel hauling gig becuz:

• I had the above-mentioned endorsements
• I had 2+ years of class A experience (with a clean safety record)
• I had a "TWIC"
• There was a fuel driver shortage, since many had quit from the COVID aftermath

Learning/doing fuel as a rookie will be far easier (& for about the same money) in south Ga/north FL -- since it doesn't get as cold, & you won't be dealing with snow & ice.

Suggestion: before moving to WV -- put in an app with FL Rock & Tank Lines.

They may ask you to relocate to Bainbridge, or Jacksonville, FL. They may also ask you to start out in their dry bulk division -- you could then transfer over to fuel later, after getting some experience with dry bulk.

Learn fuel where first, where there's far less ice & snow. Move north -- after you've learned the ropes, & know for sure if fuel is really what you want.

-- L

 

I started looking for my first driving job in Steubenville, Ohio in May 2013, when I was green and fresh out of CDL school, although I got my CDL in Sparks, Nevada weeks earlier.

I did a three week oilfield roustabout training course in Steubenville, which is why I started looking first in the Tri-State area.

Then I learned that Texas had the higher demand for drivers, so I drove there and landed my first job pulling Vac trailers. Truthfully, I had probably two dozen, “No, I can’t use you without two years of experience“, before I found a company that is self-insured and often hired fresh CDL’s.

I am so glad that I did not get a job offer right away in the Tri-State area, and instead went down to Texas, as I did not have to deal with the snow and mountain roads. Also, I later learned Texas paid several dollars more per hour for the same jobs.

My advice, go to Texas and look for Key Energy or Movac Service Co. as they were the only two companies that said yes to me. Another company called Llewellyn fuel, delivers fuel to the oilfield, said yes to me. All 3 also provided free beds in a skid shack.

Things have changed in the last 12 years, so ALWAYS ask anytime you see a service company, if they’re hiring. But if one is “green”, be sure say you are, so as not to waste your time filling out the application.

 

I have no clue, if your looking for a driver from that company to announce they work it any specific company to say bad things they likely wont I know a lot the mega companies watch these forums daily only a few will admit who they work with. But to answer a simple its likely smoke and mirrors and if you get with said company be mindful your have another company on your record and if you hate it could you handle it till you find another job? there is nothing worse then going to a place that has so many bad reviews ignoring all the warning signs and then freak out and get mad that it happened just like everyone said. Personally Id pass find better alternatives. I don't know if Chinatown has chimed in on the other area you posted but he's great finding people work.

Wish you luck

 

The best thing you can do is to invest some of your time and drive to one of these yards, truckstop or convenience store where drivers congregate. And look to meet with a company driver.

I did this. I drove to the nearest Jacobs yard, a driver was actually fueling at the time and asked him some questions. He was 50-50 on his thoughts. And then went up to meet with some manager in the office. The overall vibe I felt was negative; they don’t care.

This way is much better than just taking a job based on promises, site unseen, and finding out you don’t like it at all and want out. Then you start looking for a job AGAIN somewhere else and waste MORE time. Save yourself the hassle and anguish and do some research before you jump to the next place.

Back in March 2014, I was working my first CDL job in South Texas; I had only been there for 8 months. I took four days off to drive all the way up to Williston, North Dakota to attend a job fair. Man that conference room was packed with 132 companies and recruiters. I got to talk to lots of people and learn. Because I’ve been wanting to work up there since I first went there two years earlier.

Then I drove all the way back to S. Texas and started working the moment I got back to the yard; I lived in the company bunkhouse.

That’s what I’m talking about, investing your time and money before you make a leap