Thinking of making the move to tankers.

I'm an Owner/op with Trimac. The company is usually pretty good to work for, when the work is there. I'm going to be a bit different then you, as I'm also working the west coast of BC. Up here there is a 'pecking' order for the work. If there's no work, you sit at home. There is usually work out of other Province's. But, during the winter, it can be a waiting game to see when the work will materialize.
The company itself does have some downfalls. It's quite a large company. Getting something done that doesn't involve money (or very little of), or someone elses time is pretty quick. Not so for anything else. The canadian side for pension and benefits is pretty good. As some one else stated, the T.L.C training center is pretty good. But it's usually a 'skimming the surface' of what the companies training programs are. The rest of it should be a local branch, hands-on training style. Perhaps someone down there would chime-in if they get around to seeing this.

Cheers,
Scott.

 

Besides, who wants to put up with the anxiety of being fired anyday, for things totally outside of one's control? Some companies are just tyranical in how they abuse people, and I believe Wal-mart is one of the biggest tyrants out there.

 

Yes, but consider it a step toward a better paying tanker outfit. You don't have recent tanker history, so you'll need training.

I would take any hazmat tanker job to get back in that field. Then, would start sniffing out and apply with the best jobs in tankers. Aim for compressed gases, I think you may find good pay. Also, look at places with a collective bargaining agreement, since you are in Chicago. There can be quite a bit of difference between pay at places where your side is negotiated for you by professional negotiators. Rather than you going into the terminal managers office and trying to negotiate something, and just getting a feel good "family" lip service response in return with nothing gained for you.

Anyway, I'll stop rambling now. Bottom line: Just get realigned into the tanker field first.