Tankers what does On duty (not driving look like)?

Fold_Moiler · Oct 1, 2017

Smooth bore thanks aren't too bad full. Dump a thousand gallons and hold on...

Gives it more room to surge but I can't always drive with it full because sometimes I run routes.

Redtwin · Oct 1, 2017

crucar1800 said: ↑

Some companies require driver to unload. They could become challenging considering that you need to supervise the pump, the hoses, the tanker vent, the liquid flow and many other additional tasks.

Extra pay depends on your situation: company driver or lease operator. Possible detention. Do not believe it is a large number. You may be in disappointment.

Tank washes. good question. Anywhere from a drop and hook, two hours or a whole day. depending on what the previous tank was hauling IN IT. Remember some of these must be Kosher, so if the trailer has not be Kosher sanitized for food hauling you MUST find one that complies. ***IMPORTANT*** ALWAYS: Make sure you carry a copy of the tank wash certificate paper. You need to make sure it matches the tanker trailer number. Also have the phone number of the tank wash company in case you need to request a copy by FAX. ***CAREFUL*** some shippers may have terrible paperwork organization skills to the point that it makes one think about the Bermuda triangle. Do not rely on anyone to collect, organized, match or request (fax) YOUR VERY OWN SHIPPING DOCUMENTS. Driver is not involved in the automated cleaning process. You must only park the trailer where you were asked to and double check the end result.

Yes. Driver may get dirty. Always use personal protection equipment, but never rule out possible partial exposure to anything. Imagine what happens when a hose bubbles, leak or when a hydraulic pump fails when unloading. ***IMPORTANT*** Driver needs to study emergency spill procedures. Learn the steps and follow.

Automatic transmissions and tanker, smooth bore, trailers may not be a good match. Driver can not travel at full speed with a loaded tanker. In my opinion, maximum speed is around 61 mph. It may sound funny, but it does not become funny when you have surge pushing the tractor while traveling down hill. 55 mph become 70 mph in less than 6 seconds. Also, consider that driver has around 6 to 7 break applications before air tanks are reach a concerning level and break pads are heating up fast. ***IMPORTANT*** study your gears and select the appropriate gear for the descent or climb that will yield the right amount break applications and revolutions per minute, most commonly known as R.P.M. (check engine coolant and oil levels regularly) I personally like both transmissions, but manual has always been the standard choice of most drivers.

dry tank vs liquid tank? There are no pros or cons only differences. Liquid tanks carry surge, venting and unloading responsibilities. I have not worked with dry tanks, but it does not differ much from liquid. I have observed drivers carrying a rubber hammer to hit the pipes to ensure zero clogging points. You must consult an expert or take a training course in order to fully understand this subject. It is not a simple matter. Pressures per square inch (PSI), material pressure resistance and flow need to be understood. I am no expert. I do not know.

Pulling, bracing and connecting trailer length hoses possibly resembles a tarp or strapping job. I prefer unloading a tanker because it could become a hilariously challenging job. Driver must measure the length of the hoses and the distance of the tanker trailer to the unloading port for continuous attachment; further, Driver also needs to make sure the tank hatch is OPEN for venting and it MUST remain OPEN. The wind may shut it close. Also, customer is to receive ALL product which means wooden blocks are to be placed under landing gear, depending on incline, while the landing gear is continuously and slowly raised to make sure customer gets ALL of what he paid for. Even if it means collecting drips on a container for side delivery. It is their product. In the event of a spill, you need to report and determine whose fault is: the driver? equipment failure? the receiver? the tank wash? I do not know, but companies may dispute about monetary compensation over a gallon or two of spilled material like if having a good/clean/strong business relation is not relevant.

Sorry for the detour, but to answer your question there is less driving on tanker hauling, more waiting on tank washes, less work than putting a tarp and lighter unloading work. It sounds a bit more relaxed, but on the other end...all unloading and waiting require you to be on ON DUTY/NOT DRIVING, so there goes your clock. ***IMPORTANT*** keep track of your times because if you forget to switch duty status you may not have the hours to run the load. Be compliant with DOT.

I cannot tell you for what company I worked as a lease driver, but if it wasn't for the ridiculously large weekly truck payment; it would have been profitable. Maybe as an owner operator...who knows.

Very much tired of typing at this point.....good luck. Keep your eyes on the road. be safe.
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Who are you and what have you done with X1Heavy?.

MACK E-6 · Oct 2, 2017

Fold_Moiler said: ↑

Smooth bore thanks aren't too bad full. Dump a thousand gallons and hold on...

Gives it more room to surge but I can't always drive with it full because sometimes I run routes.
Click to expand...

Half full is the worst with a smoothbore, IMHO. The ratio of liquid vs space to move is highest.

scythe08 · Oct 2, 2017

It also depends on the viscosity of the liquid. I can Friction reducer or some other polymer and not really care. Then haul something like beef grease or fertilizer and get the living tar beat out of me on the same road, with a similar number of gallons

MACK E-6 · Oct 2, 2017

scythe08 said: ↑

It also depends on the viscosity of the liquid. I can Friction reducer or some other polymer and not really care. Then haul something like beef grease or fertilizer and get the living tar beat out of me on the same road, with a similar number of gallons
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Different liquids have varying weights per gallon, as I'm sure you may know. Water is of course 8.3 lbs per gallon. Vaping fluid on the other hand is the worst I've had to deal with so far. That stuff weighs about 13 lbs per gallon.

Roberts450 · Oct 2, 2017

My sulphuric acid is 15.7pounds per gallon and the consistency of water. Yea buddy.

Fold_Moiler · Oct 3, 2017

Yeah I haul def so basically fertilizer and almost 10 pounds per gallon.

I'm taking a break now in worthington mn and let's just say I'm glad I'm empty. It's slow going. 50 mph winds and it's pouring.

wis bang · Oct 3, 2017

titanium dioxide slurry[TIO2] - white pigment in water- 22.5 #/gal...2150 gal in a 5k 'tight fill' you felt like Indiana Jones with that big boulder rolling after him....

wis bang · Oct 3, 2017

Roberts450 said: ↑

This is exactly why I never pressurize a tanker before opening valves. The extra 5-10 minutes it takes to unload from a 0psi start can save your life. Worst chemical I haul is 94% sulphuric acid and it will literally melt your skin on contact.
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That's how we taught trainee's at Matlack, not that they all followed our teaching.

Try Sulfuric99%, 100% or one of the oleums [101% up to 114.63%] they add SO3 to H2SO4 to get concentrations over 100% and Dupont had a training video of two guys who were burned with oleum. described it as instant severe pain. they guy ran past the shower on the barge, down the gangway to the shower on the dock that he remembered. I forget how many operations and skin grafts...

Most of the concentrations went to soap companies; breaks the fat down faster...

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