The pros & cons of fuel hauling?

Discussion in 'Hazmat Trucking Forum' started by Zonno, Dec 17, 2024.

  1. Zonno

    Zonno Light Load Member

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    From what I understand, hauling fuel can be a great (paying) career and there are a lot of drivers who eventually want to land a job doing it. But there are other drivers who have previously done it and would never do it again; some of them on this forum. So for everyone who has experience (current or past), what are the good, bad, & ugly of fuel hauling?

    I’m aware that when hauling fuel, you’re literally almost driving a bomb. And while a wreck is always bad in a commercial vehicle regardless of the load type, it’s SURE ENOUGH disastrous with a loaded fuel tank. I also understand many jobs will start you out on night-shift, and in the northern states that means having to hook up the hoses in the bitter cold during winter.
     
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  3. Rugerfan

    Rugerfan Road Train Member

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    Biggest downside starting out will be schedule. Most likely nights and weekends. Most places have you working on holidays and the like. Super easy work once you get a routine down however. Get a solid, safe routine down and stick to it. Eventually the work will seem easy.
     
  4. Kenworth6969

    Kenworth6969 Road Train Member

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  5. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    Statistically speaking, fuel carriers have one of the best safety records. In 2023, the US consumed 364 million gallons PER DAY, and it was mostly hauled by truck. I think you have to be careful no matter what is behind you, although, I'll admit, it is a bit intimidating. I hauled 1 (one) load of gasoline in my life, and realized, it wasn't for me. A load of toilet paper isn't near as hazardous, until it's used, that is. Tanker yanker is without question the best trucking job you can get, and why openings are rare. It doesn't have to be just fuel, lots of things go through a hose. So many conventional trucking hassles are eliminated,,,, pallets, docks, appt. times, crabby receivers, etc, all go out the window. Fuel hauling is about the least interaction with the public, and that's a big plus. Most deliveries are at night, hitch up the hoses, and out comes the can of wax. Just don't forget the top vent!
     
  6. Boardhauler

    Boardhauler Road Train Member

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    From an old post of mine

     
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  7. Zonno

    Zonno Light Load Member

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    Yes but if the money is good, it makes it worth it.
     
  8. Cat sdp

    Cat sdp . .

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    Your out in the weather all day long…

    the racks are antiques and suck.

    the yard rats at the racks suck

    the lines at the racks, well you know

    always very busy on the holidays

    dealing with the public and the 3rd worlders that work at the C-stores

    chipping ice out of the fills

    rates are not good either
     
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  9. Rugerfan

    Rugerfan Road Train Member

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    I’lol counter all of this with I can be in and out loaded from a rack in 9-20 minutes. I don’t rely on anyone but myself to get loaded or unloaded. Once I get my dispatch, I’m left to myself to get it done. Not all racks are bad. Most are in good shape.
     
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  10. lual

    lual Road Train Member

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    I think this was already alluded to above....but fuel delivery will also include driver-facing cameras.

    Some of the resulting feedback that I got from safety was 1st-class nitpicking. :rolleyes:

    -- L
     
    hope not dumb twucker Thanks this.
  11. Rugerfan

    Rugerfan Road Train Member

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    And I have no driver facing camera. But I will say I do enjoy everyone else thinking hauling fuel is ssooooooooo scary, because it means job security.
     
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