tanker or flatbed

Ill chime in here... I just started my driving career. Was on the reefer side for a few months, then switched to flatbed. Never pulled a tanker, only driven a fire truck loaded w/ 1000 gallons of water. I love flatbed. As the others have said its a lot of work, but well worth it. Seems most, not all, but most, flatbedders have more pride in what they do. We take the time to secure our loads so they make it to the customer. You also have to be very careful to drive safetly. Taking a turn too fast, or slamming on breaks could cause the load to move, or the momentum could cause you to lose control.

 

I like tanker work better because driving locally u only average a max of 4 stops and I also did flatbed which I liked but HATED !!!!!! Tarping ...... I ve done more freight work with companies like Conway and Fedex . If you go freight you will definately know how to handle all kinds of driving situations, but like I said before.... Tanker will pay$$$$$$ off in the end.......

 

This month's Overdrive magazine has an article on tankers starting on page 36 http://www.digitalmagazinetechnology.com/a/?KEY=overdrive-11-11november#page=0&zoom=1

 

I've did both and I prefer tanker. Each one requires a different set of skills other than being able to drive. With a flatbed you have to know how to secure the load to keep it from shifting, and how to tarp so the the tarp stays on the load. Tarping outside when there are 25mph wind gusts can be especially challenging. With a tanker the load is almost constantly moving and scares a lot of guys off when they first start, but if you pull a tank, surge is something you have to learn to deal with. Going up on the catwalk in winter with the wind blowing and snow and ice , just to make sure the caps are all tight and the dome is sealed properly is always fun. Unloading acid in the summer when its 90 outside, wearing the full safety suit is a lot of fun. With tanks safety is first and foremost and you will hear about until your ears fall off. Both jobs are a lot more than swinging the doors and bumping a dock, then waiting for the fork lift to do its thing.
My advice would be to get your 2 years otr with a van or reefer then look at which one you want. Any driving issues you might have should be history by then and won't interfere with learning tank or flatbed.