Bulkmatic is Hiring!

Flatbedder73 · Oct 20, 2013

quatto said: ↑

I apologize but I must respectfully disagree with that statement....

I've been working in tankers hauling hazmat chemicals. Don't think it's easier than reefer or dry van ! You haul loads that move constantly. If you miss a shift or brake wrong the load slams you like you've been rear-ended by a semi. Most people develop bad back problems hauling liquids...especially those liquids with heavy specific gravities. Also, you really have to watch your turns as the CG will shift and capsize you and your 65,000 lb load in the blink of an eye.

Then, if you do what I do, you must don a rubber suit, helmet and inhalation mask. When the weather is hot I think you're in more danger from the danged suit than the chemicals. Also, you must pay more attention to 5th wheel slide settings, drop axle pressure, GVW, tank cleanliness, paperwork (omg the paperwork!), plant procedures (most all them require orientations), and a Twic card is almost essential as loading usually takes place at a port.....at least out here. Plant procedures require checking in at gates, weighing in, filling our paperwork, filling, more paperwork, weighing out, paper work....you get the idea. It can be time-consuming and most companies only allow you a specific time window.

If you use onboard pumps, you have to make sure you vent properly or you'll collapse the tank. Having clean and properly rigged equipment is essential to companies that fill you. You can be banned forever from a chemical company just for having some residue or for forgetting to close a vent after the tank was washed. Some companies require you wash the tank yourself. And don't ever be late for loading or you'll wait for hours to be filled, possibly more.

The hours for tankers tend to be night---especially those who haul fuel. Yes, they get paid well and work local so they are home most evenings. However, the hours are often manipulated so that you might work 80 hours and get paid for 70. Where I work, there's no overtime, no pay for fueling, no border crossing stipend, no break pay, and no paperwork pay. I get hourly pay plus mileage that the computer figures out---usually way less than odometer. Technically, I get $20 per hour and .40 cpm...but if you calculate it by hours I make about $14 per hour. They nickle and dime me to death.

In short, I think dry van is the way to go ! Anybody out there want an experienced driver???
Click to expand...

Wow, you make an easy job sound hard. I spend 4 to 5 mins on paperwork per load. Its just not that big of a deal. After awhile, you dont have to think about shifting....and tankwash operations are a matter of going to sleep for a couple of hours. Going into a plant....maybe the first time you visit one, you have to watch a 10 minute video...then its like anywhere else. In fact, tanker load times can be much faster than vans.....so what is so difficult????

nazia · Oct 23, 2013

I applied!Let's see

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