Old Age

Tanker work is ok, but there's a reason you're given a heart rate test before being hired.
Employers don't want you getting dizzy while climbing on top of a tanker or walking on a narrow catwalk on top of the tanker.

 

When I did it, it was called a heart rate test. Pulmonary Function Test is probably a better description. Sure glad I quit smoking years ago or I wouldn't have passed.

 

I was getting my trailer washed out yesterday and chatting with another driver on this very subject. I told him that I'm too old for doing what he does (flatbed) and he said that he was 45 and considering switching to dry or reefer because of his joints hurting all the time from tarpping and strapping. I'm 59 and can't even climb into my own trailer without a step or dock because my knees are so bad. By the end of a week out on the road I need a couple days to recover just from climbing in and out of my truck. Getting old sucks.

 

You could semi-retire and get a curtain or roll tarp rig.

 

In the real world test, they just told me to get up there; on top of, the tanker trailer.

What they don't know is I hate heights. But up I go.

 

dry van and no grocery warehouses.

have done flats and tanks.

tankers were good until I slipped off an icy top checking the dome lids. thank god there was a snow bank to fall in, but after thinking about ,what if there wasn't??

had been driving 25 yrs and was 55, so went to dry van.

last company told me, I'm not allowed to touch freight , ins rules. HOT DAM !!! works for me.

was home weekends,Fri-Mon, and during the week. hauled out of our warehouse in town. out 2 days and back.

didn't make alot ,but was a relaxed atmoshere, no push,push,push, go do it come back.

 

Isn't there osha regulations about being on top of a tanker?

I could see a few reasons to pop the hatch but none to be walking. And not many operations load from the top.

My own operation I installed a hose to suck from the overhead to loading valve which is at the bottom. Cut my load time in half.

I won't work for an operation that walks on top. I know 2 drivers on disability now from falling down.

 

do dry bulk at a rail yard.

before the self venting tops, you climbed on the trailer to vent ,under rail car to hook up, up on top of rail car to vent. repeat when finished. now that's WORK !!

 

I'll chime in on the tanker gig. I miss it badly. I've done food grade and oilfield tanker, and it's seriously such a nice change from the boxcar rat race, or the open deck grind. Give it a shot, you might like it. Either dry bulk (pneumatic) or liquid tanker. Heck, if you're feeling adventurous, go for cryogenic.