soon to be a tank yanker

Number one I would say to watch the surge regarding tankers in general. Once you get the hang of it, there's nothing else that compares. And welcome ... to the dark side : )

 

I too am going to give tank yankin a try. Here I thought "flatbed" was the dark side though? I mean for the past 8yrs I ALWAYS rolled with my Darth Vader costume on.All that for nothing??

 

My first driving job when I got my CDL was hauling b-train tankers in Canada , in winter! Grossing at close to 140,000 lbs. I learnt quickly what to do and what not to do! As will you guys when you get started. First thing to do is SLOW everything down! By that I mean TAKE IT EASY. Easy to get rolling from a stop, smooth gear shifting , easy on the brakes to slow down , easy to come to a stop. If you stop too suddenly with a smooth bore the surge can punch the whole rig forwards a few feet! Ease off the throttle before a curve then maintain a steady constant drive through the curve. You will feel the liquid push up the side of the tank, kinda feels like its trying to push you out of the curve.
When loading and unloading follow a routine. Be aware of the hazards associated with the product you're hauling, wear the appropriate PPE. Don't get slack as its not hard to make a big (and possibly very dangerous) mess.Don't be afraid to ask if you're not sure how to hook up or disconnect from a rack or manifold.
If you're pulling doubles in winter allways unload the rear trailer first, this will leave you weight on the tractor for traction if it's slippery to get the first trailer into position.
Be very carefull when climbing up ladders or loading racks etc, I fell in between the two trailers once and it really hurt!!
I loved pulling tanks, especially b trains. It's a good active job that is lots more interesting than door slamming.

 

Do you know what you will be hauling for product? Tough to answer your questions because every product is different.

 

For me food grade..I know,right? I wish I could be more specific,but it's like I'm just getting started in Trucking..Tomorrow is the beginning of my 2 day orientation.

 

Hm, Oil.. Fuel oil? Heavy oil? Crude oil? I mean they are all transported and loaded differently.. Any idea what locations you will be hauling out of?

 

Could just as easily be chemicals. Aside from what has been said, always wear your ppe, and never be afraid to ask questions. If something isn't clicking, have someone physically show you. 99% of guys pulling tanks will go out of their way to help you if you ask.

 

Briank, see your PM