Im about 95% pre-hired for the Schneider Tanker Division. Got my CDL in December and applied at about a dozen companies. Wasnt aware the app I sent to Schneider was the tanker division (guess I did it late at night). Would this be a decent choice for a new driver? Or would I be better off doing freight to start? Didnt really care for the "your going to have to shave your face daily" and have to wear long sleeves and hazmat suit. Their telling me the pay is .37 cpm +++ (loading/unloading a little extra and short runs a little extra). Would be OTR 12/3 schedule apparently out of Jersey terminal. Anyone got any insight on this route? I've tried pumpkindriver.com but most of the posts in the bulk division havent been updated in months. So the info is more or less outdated. Also any insight on the Pittsburgh training center and Keasby/Paulsboro terminals? thanks
Chemical tanking has it's whole unique set of challenges. Full rubber suits in New Orleans in August, for a 3 hour attended loading???? Also, placarded loads tend to get inspected more often. But if you enjoy or need challenge ... But I'm not sure I'd be one to recommend a new driver begin his career hauling bulk hazmat, but that is just this driver's opinion. Also, I've seen some of the tanker (pump) tractors of Schneider's and many look like they've been rode hard and put up wet. Also, probably will take a cut in avg weekly mileage vs a typical van/reefer gig as this is the nature of the tanker hauling business, and I understand the tanker mileage pay is not hardly more than a few pennies more per mile than van ... waiting in washout lines, avoiding tunnels, going around loop/bypass routes, etc.
I kind of figured. Dont want to have to work harder to make the same amount of $$$. I personally prefer smooth and easy to headaches and drama. Might have to see what other OTR jobs they might have and what the difference in the payscale is. Thanks Stexan
I heard the when they 1st stared doing tanks that they lost a couple of drivers due to drowning due to the drivers trying to install load locks .on the load LOL
No that was the PRIME drivers... One plus is that tankers are shorter so you won't be trying to stuff a 53 footer into a 38 foot space.
This can be a great experience for you. Tanker training can only lead to other tanker jobs that might pay more, have better benefits, etc,etc. You could end up at Coka-Cola, Pepsi, for instance doing tankers. Or you could like the "drama" of the chemicals after a while. Money will come to you later. Good luck to you.
Thanks Looks like Im about 98% approved for tanker training. I inquired about the other OTR jobs and pay was only .30 cpm with no other benefits. So Im sticking with the tanker. Looks like I'll prolly be heading to Steeler country next month for training.
I wish I were young again, and had THAT opportunity to be training for tanker right out of the box. "Back in my day", drivers had to have at the very minimum of 5 years experience to get to drive tankers. What I find very annoying/disappointing, is the constant changes the industry has gone through, from bonafide requirements down to "we take all now". So take what you can get now, lest some day the requirements change again, and then you will not be able to get tanker training, until YOU put in at least 10 years (if the government, and citizens safety groups have their way)
A lot of tank hauling isn't like all that if you get regional hauls with the right terminals . None of our loads require suits . Most tanks are dedicated and brought back and toploaded so no tankwash waits . For the few that need to be washed we have a wash at our terminals . We just drop the trailers and don't wait . We get more miles than most vans . Loads are either drop and hook or most often delivery by appointment and out in 2 hours or less . I have a restart away from home around once every 6 months . Three or four day trips pay $700 - $800 , local day trips $175 - $200
I do agree tanker hauler for 2yrs,driver 19+ and i will never go back to van.All of our customer that we p/u from load the product,exxon,dow,lubrizol,ect, but i do perfer this over all..Del i do some pump off but very rare.
