Questions about what it's like to drive a tank

Reading your post I detect a little apprehension and fear. Those are two characteristics you don't want to have dealing with liquid tankers. RESPECT is the "rule of thumb", and nothing else will suffice.

Many have given you a general idea of what to expect, but there's nothing like first hand experience. So, before you make a change; if at all possible, jump in the passenger seat and take a ride to "feel the surge". Afterwards, you can truly decide if it's right for you. I have seen too many make the switch, only to last one day.

Good luck.

 

I have also come across veteran OTR and LTL drivers who have been driving tankers for as long as 40+ years, in some cases, with the same company.

More power to them. God bless them and their families!

God bless every American and their families! God bless the U.S.A.!

 

Bwahahahahahaha.......This is the honest truth.

Don't forget we get paid detention and accessory pay. (Which makes up a nice portion of my settlement)

I've only been to one place that drummed off really really fast (1.5 hours), but they had everything lined up and 3 guys drumming. It was someplace in St. Louis.

 

The stuff I haul is gooey,nasty and bonds to your skin.....BUT, I'll take it any day over van and reefer freight!
Put my Michelin man suit on,gloves and pump that goo off....Hammer down!
90% of my deliveries there is nobody there but me.....Love it!

 

Let's put it this way, by the end of my first month driving tankers I was kicking myself for not doing it the whole time I've been driving.

It would take quite a bit of extra money for me to pull anything but a tank again.

 

I agree.....I should have kicked myself 30 years ago!....lol!

 

Been pulling tanks for 5 years and I got hired as a rookie by a local tanker company- I got REALLY lucky. I'll end my career on tankers. Best darn job in trucking and I found that I get a lot of respect and admiration when I tell people I drive tanker trucks.

 

I got my CDL when I was 22 and the first two years I drove for Werner and Performance Food Group before hiring on with a local chemical tanker company. Been hauling chemicals for almost a year now. Pulling tankers is the best thing I've ever done and I don't see myself pulling anything but a tank the rest of my career!

 

it never too late.

 

Okay new question. I've called a few companies and they say that having cdl experience isn't really a factor. Having TANKER experience is. So I have to get on with a beginner tanker company. Schneider bulk is not hiring from my area currently and I can't think of anyone else. Ideas?