Tanker or Flatbed

One of the big pros I always liked about pulling tanks is that a lot of it is out and back type work. After awhile you become familiar with most of the customers and know what surprises might lay on the other end of the trip. I liked hauling petroleum and asphalt because of the fact I was the one who did all aspects of the job like the loading and unloading. Most of the time you were in and out of the facilities with little or no hassle.

 

One of the big reasons I am interested in tanker is because at least the way I hear it from most people on this board is that it pays better, you don't have to wear the dumb suits most of the time and the best part no dock bumping. Also you get to do the dry bulk or chemical most of the time they won't want you loading or unloading anything and they tend to be outside high populated areas so wrestling with heavy four wheel traffic, which always good. Most tanker outfits will get you home on weekly basis. Tankers also have lower clearance most of the time you have a better view of what is going on behind you, there is a lot to like. However if you are physical guy then skateboard might be up your alley, just not my thing.

 

GO with tanker for sure. I have enough competition in flatbed.

 

Do what's best for the area you are in.

 

I work for JP Noonan hauling tanks and dry bulk. Started wit no experience and they have flatbed loads. Home nightly work 5 or 6 days a week. Give them a call

 

Well, I just finished a strength test for flatbed, consisting of (among other things) lifting a loosely-rolled 90-lb tarp up to (for me) chin level three times. (It was only supposed to be twice, but I was huffing and puffing so much after #2 I didn't hear the guy say: "Ok, that's good.") ....yes, you may all start laughing now.

Granted, I'm a small guy and at 50, not in the greatest shape, but that's going to be something i'm going to have to acquire strength for by lifting weights every day so it's an easy thing, not a booty-kicker. I've done worse physical work as a younger guy, bucking hay and digging ditches. I don't mind working up a sweat. All-in -all, I look at it as a good excuse to get some muscles back I haven't used in a while. And knowing how to do it, even if I wind up tanking or dry-van or whatever later, I've always got that skill. Knowing how to tie-down the load the right way, equipment, steel, low-boys, etc. Those are all good skills to know. Never know when you're going to get a seasonal layoff or something and can take some high-dollar loads for a couple of months. -Personally, I figure any new skill I gain is a net + for me.

Then there's the whole doing it in the rain, snow, etc. thing. Me? I'm cool with that. If it seems like too much hassle, then tanker might be the better route for you. Me? I'm looking at tankers in a year or more. I'll be more employable and can demand more money then anyway compared with me now, with a CDL a whopping 2-weeks old. I'm frankly lucky to get the comparatively good-paying starter job and terrific training program I'm in.

 

Tankers is great. I never had a bad experience dealing with shippers and receivers pulling tankers. I had other drivers pulling reefers, flatbeds, etc. laugh at me for "only making $36 cpm", but what they didn't see is my W-2 showing $65K for the year. Many tanker drivers make much more than that.
Dealing with chemical plants, the employees are the best people from the local community. Dealing with grocery warehouses pulling reefers, the employees are the misfits and dregs of the local community and they're too stupid to even realize it.