Finally making the switch to tankers (help deciding between 2 companies)

I know nothing about hauling nitrogen, so I can't compare them, but I always did like a short as possible commute, currently 10 minutes.
It does depend a lot on the terminal manager, but I work for KAG hauling gas/diesel and am happy enough that I bought my own truck, and signed on with them. Everyone is different though, where some are happy, others are not.
As a company driver you will share a truck, and that could determine how happy you are. If you get a good partner, all is well, if you get one of the jagoff's, well..... Comes back late all the time (maximizing his hours, screw you), always leaves a load on the truck, leaves his trash in the truck, doesn't fuelup or clean windshield, etc. Make sure you talk to him and see how he wants to work with you.
Best bet is to talk to a driver doing a drop if you get a chance. Where I am we don't get pushed hard, usually have plenty of time for our scheduled drops. We can call off if weather is too bad, I don't see that as a problem in your area. KAG seems to be one of the few companies that practices what they preach on safety, at least where I am.
Fuel is not a place to be daydreaming, you must stay focused, and double check everything. Don't push yourself too hard, haste makes waste. Take your time, you're paid hourly. Keep your mind on your driving, (no cell phone) and avoid road rage at all costs!
Stay in contact with dispatch, let them know if you are having trouble, other drivers will usually assist too, even other company drivers.

 

Praxair; no question about it.

 

I pulled hazmat tankers for 5 years.
Fuel hauling is one I'd never consider, because of potential for bumping into something while delivering to gas stations, especially in congested cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, etc. Customers at gas stations couldn't care less about the truck driver delivering gas and don't even think about blocking you in or smoking near the truck and will tell the driver to "stuff it" if they don't like it.
At least with Praxair you won't have to deal with that and get to stretch it out on some long runs to Oregon, etc. every now and then. When I pulled hazmat tankers OTR, I never even one time had a bad experience with a customer.
Probably have good benefits with Praxair. It's an international company and here to stay.
Info:
"Praxair, Inc. is an American worldwide industrial gases company. It was the largest industrial gases company in North and South America, and the third-largest worldwide by revenue. In 2018 it merged with Linde AG to form Linde plc."

 

I remember you now; you changed your avatar. Am I right?

 

That's what I was thinking. The nearness to home with Praxair and the hourly plus OT and DT sounds fantastic.

Driving in snow is not that big of a deal, just drive slower than ANYONE else on the road and drive like you have no brakes. It's not like a cryo company is going to be pushing their drivers to hammer down in winter conditions.

 

I've done both while running out of terminals in Southern California. Inner city fuel hauling will be very busy which usually means alot of short full loads. We ran around 4-5 loads a shift on 12hrs with fuel and you will be dealing with the general public and very tight stations at times.
Cryo is usually longer runs to private customers and less physical then fuel. Downside is offloading and loading in cold and wet weather. Depending on the product temps can range from -300 to -400 degrees which drops the ambient temperature alot and can make your gloves freeze to hoses valves etc. I love cryo though and would find it hard to go back to fuel, also most cryo drivers are former fuel haulers.