Fuel companies for newbies

When I hired into fuel I already had ltl doubles/triple exp, and tanker exp, and hazmat exp.

A lot of fuel is based around regional carriers so it's hard to say. The job market in my area is tight for a company fuel driver. Around 25/hr and likely no OT plus 70 hour weeks 6 days a week.

It's pretty crap. Especially if you hire on with a load pay based carrier. I think KAG and Pilot will hire off the street no experience in fuel but no tanker exp. Or doubles exp. Might be a dealbreaker atm. 2 years ago fuel jobs here paid 30-35/hr with OT. Good luck clearing 80k burning a 70 every single week now.

Not sure how MO runs their trucks. Western states it's a lot of truck-n-pup deals which handle a little wonky going forwards and take some practice to back. Especially if you've never backed doubles.

Right now I could make way more in food service, have a way better work/life balance, and better benefits. But I can't physically handle the toll anymore. I got out of LTL this year and won't go back unless I got a dedicated linehaul only run. P&D and Dock work were beating me down. Especially the days where I would hand unload a 48 full to the roof of car and truck tires and then work dock for 8 more hours that night.

 

Best bet is going to be going to a local or regional fuel company in your area. Pilot will also hire you without experience. Get anywhere that will get you your loading rack cards then get a few years experience and you can go to the better companies such as loves or Sheetz.

 

Gemini Transport hires with no experience.
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Gemini Motor Transport - Love's Travel Stops
Gemini Motor Transport is a member of the Love’s Family of Companies and a nationwide for-hire fuel, crude and specialty products motor carrier. It offers career opportunities in corporate …
Gemini hires new cdl school grads from select cdl schools.

 

1 year review of Loves Fuel Hauling

 

Worst they can do is say no good luck.

 

Fuel is a good thing to get into. But generally the tankers that will train want you to already have regular driving experience. There are companies that will take you day one but you got to realize how many newbies are trying to do the same in this market. Like KAG and Loves probably got stacks of applicants in this slower market. I’m not saying don’t apply cause you never know but timing is very key. Economy is very key. You might have to be patient and come back to it. Also you’re fighting veteran drivers like me. I got 19 years driving and applied to tanker companies that hire with no tanker experience. You got other veteran drivers who’s side of the market that dried up and are laterally moving to anti recession proof jobs. Fuel is one of them. If someone is newbie driver with no experience and looking to not to get laid off. If your body is able to do it I’d seriously wouldn’t look away from foodservice. Everyone says it sucks but like I said to be home everyday and work everyday foodservice should be really considered for an inexperienced driver in this economy.

 

A year of experience in the grand scheme of things isn’t really a lot. In a great economy 1 year was plenty. In this economy not so much. Not saying it’s impossible with a year. But a lot harder then just acouple years ago. When the economy picks up then it will go back to drivers being hired in at any experience level. Right now they’re being picky.