Diary of a New Tanker Driver - Comcar CTL

Your probably toast but.

On that last load Who closed the dome cover after it was loaded....the plant operator ?

How long are they going to let you hang?

 

It's the drivers responsibility to ensure the dome lid is secure. If you aren't allowed on top of the trailer at the shipper then you should stop at the first safe legal spot and check for yourself.

It honestly seems like this is not working out for you. Leave now before something REALLY bad happens.

Also I'm surprised noone suggested he run up to 81....
Savannah to the J just before Fancy gap is about 350 miles which would have put him around 8pm getting in there. Split break or do a full 10...run up 81 through VA and PA to 78...78 into 287, one toll. 287 around NYC across the Tappanazee, one toll. Puts him on 95 in CT around 4pm Tuesday with plenty of parking at the truckstops or service plazas. Getting up to Providence (I'm guessing thats where he's going) would be a breeze from there.

 

Wow, so the rubber gasket on the inside of the dome lid came off? You can't even check that if they seal the dome lid. That's not your fault.

In the future, I'd recommend taking a peak at the dome lid right after leaving the loading plant and also right before entering any delivery sites. Might have to stuff a rag somewhere if there's a drip.

You will spill a bit of product sometimes, especially if you use the tractor pump. But it usually goes into a bucket or approved container. A leaking dome lid probably spilled way too much. Maybe try dry bulk?

 

Unless you eyeball the loader closing the dome... you must check that its secure (no matter how), no if's and's or but's.

OP - In the end, the driver usually takes responsibility. One question though... was your training adequate?

 

I just read through your whole story thus far and I want to say something. You seem like a good dude with your head on right. But your trip with this company is unbelievable. From my understanding you are completely green to the industry. Starting out on tankers is hard enough as I believe the loading/unloading is a job in itself along with learning to drive the rig. But along with that it seems CTL basically threw you to the wolves. Then reading about this trip they set you up on (to Rhode Island) made me just laugh. First off, there are OTR vets that will stay away from the NE (and for good reason). And they are wanting to send someone brand new to trucking, brand new to tankers, and absolutely NO over the road training into Rhode Island on a slim schedule? Are you serious? And with no ezpass at that is laughable.

Here is really what I want to say. No matter what happens with you and CTL, if you still want to give driving another shot you should. As long as you keep your license clean, you can always find work somewhere. You were not trained properly, and anyone in your position would have made the same mistakes. When you are green, training is everything. There is a lot of things in this industry that you never see until you are in it. So whatever happens don't completely blame yourself.

If CTL doesn't terminate you, I would talk to your manager about getting lots more training. And do not leave training until you feel comfortable. If they do terminate you, take a breather and then start throwing apps everywhere. Do some more research on these forums about the different types of trucking and different companies.

 

Someone else said it..

Just start applying ,try smaller type companies.

Any time you leave a trail of product on a road it's going to be ugly.....
Spilling at a shipper or receiver is not the same.

(Was it a placarded product?)

Wish you the best.....

 

No worries, you didnt harm the world, that cleans up with water

 

Just be glad no 2 wheelers got behind you going down the road . That could have been ugly. Be careful.