Newbie in California wants to start driving a tanker or belly dump.

Not from that area so can't help you with who to contact but something to keep in mind. A lot of trucking companies pulling these kinds of loads can't hire inexperienced drivers because of insurance regulations. Just keep that in mind.

 

Check out Prime or Schneider for tankers. They are both starter companies.

Most local or regional tanker companies require at least one year. Might as well get it with a smooth bore tank.(Prime food grade) You learn how to handle one of those and you'll be able to run any tank.

 

schneider may be a good start. get some tanker experience with them and i believe they help you get your hazmat as well. get at least 6 months. my lady has relatives in north dakota and i dont know about texas but your in for it when it comes to housing around those booming oilfield areas. cost of living is sky high so keep that in mind. your going to need some serious cash saved just to move in. my advice is get some otr tanker experience with schneider and buy a cheap rv to shack up in for a few months once you get to texas.