Differences between van and tanker

I thought the same thing but my experience so far has been very positive. I haven't been at a shipper/reciever for more than 2 hours, 45 mins to 1 hr 15 mins has been the norm. Everyone has been very friendly and helpful.

Coming from flatbed and tanker I expected the shabby grumpy dockworker but havent met one yet. I do show up looking professional, long pants with long sleeved shirt and work boots. Not sure if it makes a difference but not tarping or standing in the freezing rain makes me feel like I am on vacation.

 

Oh, I forgot! So much easier to back a tanker into a spot at the TS. A lot more visibility, and a shorter length.

 

Tankers also don't have to worry about backing into tight docks or areas that jeopardize your CDL I imagine.

 

Au contraire, mon frére. There are some chemical plants that were built a century ago. And refineries can be pretty tight and cluttered. No, on location you might have to twist into a pretzel.

 

That's true of chemical and food grade tankers. And I think it's a great system because the driver gets very little exposure to the product. Some what they haul is nasty. I hear some of the chem-tanker guys talk about having to wear either PPE or a full on hazmat suit but theres a good reason for that. That's hearsay on my part because I've never hauled chemicals, just petroleum products and liquid fertilizer.
Fuel tankers almost always load and unload themselves but there are strict procedures that just about do away with the chance of a mishap. Pay strict attention anyway...all that computer stuff has been known to fail.

 

Going into a mini-mart with a load of gasoline in the daytime might not jeopardize your CDL but it can sure stretch your patience.
LOL...first thing you do is get your orange cones out. That might keep the customers from driving over your hoses.

 

Pulled tankers 5 years and never had a bad experience with a shipper or receiver

 

I can think of some tight spots for tankers such as lubrizol in painesville had to back down a plant alley with about a foot on each side.
Places that receive van and tanker likely have a separate place to unload tankers so out of a line of trucks they likely call you. I remember something happened at nestle in Indianapolis and trucks weren’t able to pull in, phoned nestle and they were like come to the front we’ll let you in.... the 30-40 trucks ahead of me weren’t hearing that as expected the guy said well we are out of product hold on... directed me to a side entrance.. and I was called all kind of names that day on the cb. So yes receivers are generally happy to see you . Another benefit is you’ll be shorter length and height wise.. some parking spots are left for you.
Some cons tho some places only have that one guy that knows how to unload, but he’s not in today and you can’t touch our equipment.
Surge in traffic, or on a scale that just will not stop. Depending on the company waiting for a trailer.

 

Chemicals aren't too bad. I hauled acid once and had to wear a full length green coat, big rubber gloves and a face shield, but it all comes on and off in a minute or 2. Not so fun in the summer but once everything's hooked up I took all that junk off until I was empty

 

I hauled dry van for 3 years and have been hauling food grade tanker for two. World of difference as stated above. Yes, there is a place or two where the workers are crabby and at larger milk plants they are super busy and can take it out on the driver from time to time. But it all is pretty dang mild compared to some of the food distributors or paper plants I hauled into and out of in dry van. I actually look forward to going to work. Usually they keep me moving too.