Tanker jobs in chicago for recent grad

Just start knocking on doors with resume in hand and present yourself well. Most of the companies want 2 yrs exp before hiring you for a tanker job, but the terminal manager has a lot to say in who gets hired. About every major player in the tank industry plus a large # of smaller ones have terminals in and around Chicago, so you should be able to find something. Do it in person, it is harder for them to blow you off if you are standing in their offices, go in looking professional with a copy of your MVR and your resume. Most of the companies are located at or near a tankwash, so you should be able to hit multiple locations in a single day.

 

Insurance is a major issue for any trucking company when hiring drivers. My guess is that it would be even more so for tankers due to the additional hazard of learning to drive safely with your load constantly surging.

 

FFE has a tanker division in Texas. driveffe.com
Texas is a good state to re-locate to also, no personal income tax.
Texas is one of only nine states with no personal income tax.

 

If you're dead set on driving tank take your wife's uncle up on the offer. If you have an "in" such as a family connection, take full advantage of it. It can shorten the learning curve for you by a few years and get you experience in tanker right off the bat. Once you get a year or two under your belt out in NM you will more than likely be able to get back to Chi town and get with a tanker company there. If you really want to drive tanker the only thing stopping you is you.

 

Yea, I'm not aware of tanker companies that have rider programs.

 

I believe Superior Carriers might. I know QC, Heineff, A&R and Miller require 2 years experience OTR (not tanker) so you might have to go with a non-tanker job out the gate to get the experience. Tankers are a very delicate being, and not really a good place for a newbie to be starting out. Not saying you are not capable, but sometimes it's just good to learn the gravy equipment(vans) before moving onto specialized stuff.

Schneider is about the only one's I know of who will take a newbie, but their training and work is very good. You'll learn all you need to know there, and after a year you can move on. They are a good company

 

Being as your wife's uncle is in New Mexico....what outfit does he drive for. I am thinking milk hauling....but I could be wrong. Now.....IF you want to learn tanking and you want the ability for your wife to ride along...milk ....or food grade....wouldn't be a bad choice. Indian River, Bynum, Oakley.....all food grade and all will train "Rookies". I am trying to think of a food grade outfit that has a terminal around Chicago.......

You could check with Cargill and ADM. They both have tanking operations in the Chicago area. As was stated earlier.....go in person, do not call. Take the time to research where they are located, then drive out there looking professional and acting professional.

There are many companies that will train you as a "Rookie" to do tanking. But...You do have to search them out.