Tanker companies that hire recent graduates

one would disagree about rocket science. you have to master the skill of shifting first. and to most people. that takes time.

if you haven't learned to shift yet. you certainly won't be learning with 45,000 lbs of slosh jerking you around.

i agree that it's really not that big a deal to learn. but you have to take into consideration the accidents among rookies as it is. with reefer vans. throw em in a tanker and that accident rate will climb 1000 % or better. really fast.

and then we'll all be telling the gooberment to take this job and shove it. cuz we can't take any more screws as it is.

 

I think it's more relative to the particular driver. Hard to say, but I think it's best when it is evaluated on a case by case scenario rather than saying everyone needs experience!

 

I drove for a hazmat/tanker company hauling mostly acid 48 states and they hired 2 fresh CDL graduates. They both were excellent drivers and more receptive to learning than more experienced drivers just getting started in tankers.

 

I can't help but laugh every time I hear or see a veteran driver throw this comment out. I see veteran drivers out on the road that drive far worse because they have gotten too complacent or just think they can drive that way because they are "experienced" and immune to accidents. I would love to see the accident rates among veteran drivers.

I can tell you this for fact. I have heard of three roll overs at our company in the time I have been here. And they have all been by "experienced" drivers, not rookies. Just saying.

 

i was pulling baffled tanks first time i hooked a smooth bore it heavy product tank only half full capacity wise but heavy on weight and didn't know it was a smooth bore. was all fine and dandy till i go to hop out on the highway and thought i didn't see someone and they rear ended me. nope just tank surge.

 

never said experienced drivers couldn't wreck. but rookies are more prone.

you don't just get a cdl. and start pulling a tank. specially shifting. that's the hardest part.

i remember pulling my first tank. i almost turned around and so no thanks. i'll stick with the flat.

that was my first tank in 10 years having my cdl. pulled everything but a tank. till that time. took me 3 trips from salt lake to seattle and back before i got comfortable. 4800 miles.

 

One thing about pulling tanker..IMO it makes you a better driver.
The surge will put the fear into you when going into curves and driving in traffic.

Learning to shift and timing the surge is something learned in time.
Miss a shift on a hill and watch it ruin your momentum.