tanker or flatbed

First off most tanker companies require 2 years driving experience with the exception of Schneider. I chose this tanker carrier because the terminal is 10 minutes from home and all trailers are dedicated .When i get empty i go home .The rates are also good .I work less hours than I did running hopper bottom and take home more than I grossed there .

 

IMHO you should know how to drive thoroughly before taking either type. Of course it also depends on what type of load you have too.

 

If ya want something to do besides just driving, go flatbed. All of us flatbedders (fat or not) get some exercise. we have to strap/chain/tarp a load when we get it and the fun is not over yet. You have to undo everything you did when you get to the other end plus checking and watching your load in transit. The other fun stuff is carrying OD loads that require signs, flags, flashy lights and sometimes extra cars (pilot cars) with flashy lights, sign and flags join you. Its a challenge being a safe flatbedder and is not recommended if you cant think for yourself, do physical labor and able to drive safely with your load.

 

IMHO, If a person is just starting out driving, Probably not a good idea to start as a Tanker Hauler, or Flatbeder. There is a lot involved here, And lots of SAFETY factors. These kind of jobs, you dont learn over night. IMO, These take YEARS to perfect. Getting hurt on the job, I would not do well with. Also Heavy Equipment Haulers, Takes Lots of Practice, to do these jobs SAFELY.

 

I agree with getting all the experience you can before going with either career, but as said before you really have to be careful with ever which you choose. Flat bedding/drop decking is just plain physical and you need to be ready for it mentally and physically, the chains, binders, and tarps (not the light weight one's) can be alot of fun just starting out. And as far as the tankers go you gotta be carefull especially starting or when you have to stop real quick because the majority of the big tanker companies pull single chamber tanks or shot gun which means there's no baffles to stop or slow the flow of whatever your hauling which makes for a fun ride. If you're just dead set of doing one or the other take some time and act like a sponge and absorb all the information you can because you can't learn too much. Good luck and be safe

 

I run a tanker, and I enjoy it. More responsibility and your driving skills are put to the test everyday.

If I ever quit tanker tho, I will go to flatbed/SD as I like to be active and enjoy the manual labor and challenges.

There is more to driving a truck than closing 2 doors and holding onto a steering wheel, but many 400+lb van drivers will argue that point LOL

 

Tanker- learning to deal with constantly moving freight.
Flatbed- learning to make sure your freight doesnt move.

I went flatbedding right outta school with a flatbed only company. Also had limited exp. with it running a six wheeler flat doing farm supply deliveries pre-cdl. Either way its alot of responsiblity, if i ever get tired of skateboarding im gonna go yank a tank.