Delivering fuel

Once you start getting comfortable delivering fuel, I can't stress one of the most essential habits to get into is double checking the address when you get to the station. It is a major pain in the ### for your shipper if you drop at the wrong place. I worked in the Las Vegas area, and we had the Shell contract, and there were literally 3 shell stations on the same Blvd within 5 miles of each other. On a couple of occasions I pulled into the wrong station assuming it was the one I needed only to recheck the address finding out I was in the wrong place.

Another habit to get into is after loading and you are walking back to the cab, stop at the front of the truck, turn around, and take a good long look and make sure nothing is still hooked up. With all the pipes, wires, and bright lights, it's easy to miss something and take off with something attached. I used to see it all the time.

You have to go slow, and follow a safe routine. Once you start rushing, and taking shortcuts, thats how you screw up. When your loading, do not talk with the other drivers that are loading on the other lanes. You would be surprised on how much this will distract you. Focus on your load, and pay attention to whats going on in YOUR lane.

Good luck and enjoy yourself. Hauling fuel is alot of fun, easy, and you can make some decent scratch.

 

I was officially offered employment with a fuel hauling company today... I may embark on what is hopefully my last career/industry!

 

That's funny but at least you were at the same company. Here's one you might know. The ARCO on Main street right by the spahetti bowl on the south side. And the (76) Rebel car wash just down one block on Stewart (I think) anyway it was the next block down on the left side going south on Main. This Rebel driver comes into the ARCO with a Bobtail and starts to drop 3000 gallons of super. The Manager comes out in his Am/PM uniform and politely request that the driver check his paperwork because he didn't order any gasoline for that day. The driver get all rude and tells the Manager to mind his own business and don't worry what he's doing. Again the Manager makes the statement that he is sure that there is no gasoline ordered for that day. The driver tells him just to get away and let him do his job. I can't tell you how much fun we all had with this one. I mean the ARCO sign is right there above his truck. We made a few phone calls and found out that Rebel gasoline can meet our specs as long as we tell the proper people and it's only for that day. So we just gave them 3000 gallons of premium and I don't know what happen to the driver. If you remember Rebel used to load over at the old Gulf loading rack and was away from everyone. Good thing for that driver. But still it may have been all different with CalNav because Shell had an agreement with ARCO and we got some of their stations and they sold the others when they left so CalNav could have switch all the loading racks around. But that's about the best mistake I've seen a driver make at dropping as far as where to be.

 

A TWIC card could work in your favor but it's not guaranteed. I don't think a prospective employer will automatically hire you though just because you have a TWIC. I suspect though that the Govt in it's infinite wisdom will require all CDL-A drivers with Hazmat to carry a TWIC. I mean why stop at drivers who load and unload around waterways as is now the case? They can't leave stuff alone so they will tweak it more, so it may be a good idea to get one. I recently got mine but it was a pain to get it.
They won't send it through the mail, once you qualify......oh no, you have to go and collect it personally so they know it's you, again, and to do a fingerprint scan. Just another form of paranoia

 

I was offered a fuel hauling job, and I don't have a TWIC card... I'm not sure if I will need one or not. I'll find out if I take the job I guess. Trying to decide between hauling fuel, and working for ABF...

 

ABF used to be a real good company. Not heard anything to make me think they aren't still.

 

They are still very highly regarded. Big reason I applied for them as well. Waiting to hear back about my background check. Pay/benefits are great, better than that of the fuel job... But you may be laid off each winter for a few winters, not guaranteed hours, and you never know how long the teamsters will be around...

 

It's not hard, but you need to always pay attention and be very conscientious about what you're about to do.

1. Every rack operator and every terminal manager has some rule that they are very anal about (in addition to the fact that they're all anal about PPE). Ask your trainer what each person's pet rule is, at every rack you go to.

2. Also, ask your trainer how each rack handles the situation when you Scully out. Some will let you drain the compartment into a sump or transmix hose until the Permissive light comes back on, but some will lock you out immediately, and make you leave with whatever product you have onboard.