Differences between van and tanker

Dry van from what I've experienced is a lot of drop n hook, fast unload times , and windows not tight appointments. Length of haul is usually around 300-500 miles .

 

I went from dry van to chem tanks a few years ago and I'll never go back. My customers are always happy to see me and they treat me like a human being unlike most of the warehouse jerks that I used to deal with. Also when I pull up on a jobsite or facility, I'm always the only truck there. Not waiting to get worked in with the other 40 drivers. I get a ton of exercise throwing hoses and climbing etc.

Alot of tank companies are no touch but I use my own equipment daily and usually get to be out of the truck for the better part of the day. I doubled my pay when I went to tanks too. Also, tank work challenges me and I get to use my brain troubleshooting problems and figuring out loads and such. In no way am I saying that van drivers are stupid or anything bad but for me personally, I was incredibly bored just bumping docks and waiting for hours on end to get a handful of pallets counted. It helps that my company does such a variety of jobs whether it be at an electrical substation, treatment plant, or a new construction site etc. I get to do many different things. Maybe tankers aren't the best option for everybody but I honestly became a much happier person once I stopped doing van work. Good luck.

...Oh yea and I've never been refused a bathroom at any of my customers either!

 

I drive food grade tanker. I bring ingredients into many places where the finished product leaves in a reefer.

I went to a new customer a month or so ago, walk through the Shipping and Receiving Office door.....

Four guys standing in line at a thick glass window plastered with signs: "NO driver bathroom.....NO drivers in warehouse......" etc.

Guy behind the window barks at me: "DESTINATION?"

"Corn syrup. Bulk delivery. Never been here."

"Oh, sorry, sir.....you want bulk receiving, southeast corner of the building. The two big doors on your left as you pulled in. Just drive back down there and I'll let 'em know you're coming."

"Thanks"

"No problem!"

The guy is standing next to the door, waving me in.

"Just pull 'er through till I tell ya to stop."......"STOP!!"

"OK, never been here before. What do ya need from me?"

"Nothing. We pump. Bathroom's right over there, second door is the break room, got snack machines in there. Takes about 45 minutes after the lab sample clears....."

Is EVERY day like that? No. I do my share of two-hose pump-offs in the rain......

But MANY days are like that, and nearly all receivers are glad to see me.

I cannot IMAGINE the circumstances under which I'd drive a van.

Oh, and with a tanker, you don't "look for empties".......they TELL you which one to take, and WHERE to find it.