Diary of a New Tanker Driver - Comcar CTL

Well, the first day as a solo...and short of getting into an accident, it couldn't have been worse.

I had two simple tasks: Load at our usual place and unload at someplace I've never been to. Okay, I can handle that. When I got to the loader, I was informed what my paperwork said (25% caustic) wasn't what THEIR paperwork called for (50% caustic). So I called my driver manager and about 20 minutes later she got back to me and told me my paperwork was correct. It was another 30 minutes before the loader got confirmation. Then, there was another 30-minute delay as they were loading kerosene next to where I was to get loaded and they didn't want to load them together.

Finally, on the road. I couldn't believe I was actually, finally, getting paid to drive, and the fact that the truck I was using for the week (the other driver was on vacation) had Sirius radio (I have XM in my car; can't live without it) made it all the better. So I follow the printed directions perfectly...and wind up at a dead end in a residential neighborhood. I called the terminal and was asked if the address was on the bill of lading - it was. For some reason, the directions had me going to Pulaski St. when the actual delivery address was on Red Barn Rd. Why didn't I look? Because I'm a rookie driver and just figured the directions would be correct.

So I backtrack to Red Barn Rd. and the address is 2111. I see one address that is 1100, I went for awhile and the next was 1600-something - perfect! I'm going in the right direction! (Note: I am still a technological dinosaur. I do not have a smartphone or a GPS...that's probably going to have to change.) Wait...what??? The next address is 1500, then 1300...what's going on ? So I continue until I can turn right on some country road, do another right turn eventually, and another right turn...before finally getting back on Red Barn Road. I call 411 and get the number to the water treatment plant, and after being transferred three times I finally get someone who knows where I should go. The problem is, like many (most?) people, he sucked at giving directions. So I stop and call him again. After about two minutes of discussion, he finally gives me clear directions and I'm on my way. I finally get to the place, and of course I go into the wrong entrance. So I get to the correct entrance and it's so convoluted, but the girl there helps me back into the correct place. I estimate I wasted 90 minutes finding this place. As I've had concerns about my backing, I actually did a decent job this time.

So after wrestling with the hoses, I have to use tractor air, and it got up to a whopping 12 psi (is this normal?). After 90 minutes, she said the tanks were full and I spend about 20 minutes unhooking and whatnot. I get back on the road, wanting to listen to some Sirius radio to soothe my nerves and temper...and the radio goes dead. Completely dead. Great. Now I have to buy my new co-worker a new radio. I get done for the day at 8:19 p.m., about 3 hours longer than it should have taken...complete with a dead Sirius radio.

So today is day two. For some reason, the Sirius radio is working again! Maybe today will be better. I get my dispatch, and I'm given impossible times. My driver manager was not aware I got back so late the first day and I simply could not get to the loader on time after taking my mandatory 10-hour break (a 4-hour drive). Halfway there, I stop to buy fuel...and can't! Kept saying the trailer number is invalid. Wait! isn't it my birthday, or password, or something like that? Anyway, I arrive 3 hours late and after getting lectured to by the security guard (she turned out to be a nice lady) for doing everything wrong, I finally get loaded okay and start back. I get a message that the fuel trailer number is my birthday...but I already tried that! And of course, I couldn't call...because I forgot my phone at home.

Can't ANYTHING go right on this job?

I also got a message to forget unloading and to bring back the trailer to the yard, which I do. Tomorrow is day three. It's gotta get better, doesn't it?