Attn: Tanker Yankers

Well, I've done a lot of research on tanker jobs myself and the conclusion that I've reached is that food grade tanker jobs are low pay. The average that I see is about .32/mile. That's LOW, in my opinion.

Some people (especially the recruiters) will justify this low pay with the "high miles" that you run. If you can run 3000 miles per week at say, .37/mile or 3000 miles per week at .32/mile, which would you choose? On the other hand, if you have a job that pays .37/mile and only runs you 1700 miles v that 3000 mile/week job at .32/mile then there's a problem. So, do you move over to the .32/mile job and get the miles? My thinking is that I'd go find another .37/mile job that runs that 3000 miles instead.

The major flaw in my thinking is that if your desire is to pull tanks then you may, if you can't find another solution, have to work for one of the .32/mile companies to get that experience.

There is no "one size fits all" solution in trucking so my way of thinking will be completely foreign to many other drivers. That's ok. You need to do what fits your style best.

As far as Bynum, I've heard a lot of good things about them and I contacted them myself. I left a message on a Friday (I actually make notes of all conversations and actions taken on each company I'm considering) and the recruiter called on Monday and said "lets get this paperwork done so I can get you into orientation on Wednesday".

As it turned out, I had been out of the truck a little too long to be considered so Bynum was out but I thought I'd find out some details and asked him about the pay. After some major skirting the issue on his part (red flag) he finally told me the pay, which was .32/mile. They also want their drivers out a minimum of 3 weeks at a time.

I also called Indian River. .32/mile, no pay for orientation, and no pay for washouts.

You asked about Oakley. There's two different Oakley Transportation companies, both tanker outfits. One, Bruce Oakley Transport in Little Rock, AR. Recently, on this site, I've read some negative post but you have to take those with a grain of salt. The other Oakley is out of Lake Wales, FL. They require 3 years experience and, for me, the kicker was that they drive Volvo tractors. I'm allergic to something that Volvo puts in the sleepers.

Hope that all helps.

Good luck.

L

 

Superior will take you on with no experience. They are chemical.
Carry transit and caledonia pay better than florida companies for food grade.

 

Foodliner , bulkomatic and A & R. Rhet are bulk dry tanker outfits that pay better than liquid tanker. Also.

 

GP, 'scuse me if I'm talking out of school. Newbie, ya know. But, I didn't see
Quality Carriers mentioned in any of the posts. Maybe I missed it or maybe they're not what you're looking for. I dunno. Just thought I'd open my big mouth.
If Quality is a possibility, there's an inactive member of this board, RickG, that drives for them or, at least, did drive for them. He was pretty high on them as a carrier.
Okay, I'm gone. Good luck, my friend!

BTW, I'll be in Cortland, "good Lord willin' and the ice don't rise", sometime tomorrow or Wednesday. Gonna try to hook up with TruckerDave1970 and Sammycat in Rachacha. It'd be a real coup to hook up with you too! If I go across 86, I'm gonna try to get in touch with ChromeDome too.

 

I was in the same boat as you. Looking into a tanker company, but they would LIKE tanker experience. All I had for tanker experience was a 3000 gallon tanker wagon for my local volunteer fire department. I applied any way and since I had other experience driving and a completely clean MVR, they gave me the job anyways. Only been on for a week and a half now, but really enjoying it. Pulling propane so this cold weather sucks, but is good for the paycheck so far. I live in the middle of nowhere KS so I can't be much help to you. Sorry, but just thought I would share my experience. Good luck to ya.