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When is it time to move to Tanker?

Discussion in 'Tanker, Bulk and Dump Trucking Forum' started by grusco, Apr 27, 2012.

  1. Apr 27, 2012 #1
    grusco

    grusco Light Load Member

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    Feb 25, 2012
    Rosemount, MN
    0
    I'm still getting the CDL at a MN school. I'm going to Roehl in mid-June. While there I'm starting with Van, then might move to Reefer and perhaps flatbed. It's good to get some experience in different aspects without changing companies. I figure I'll be there at least 1 year as I have no desire to start jumping from company to company.

    I'd like to move to tanker at some point. As I gain experience what might I need to be doing to better prepare for tanks? I already have the endorsement but as you know that is meaningless when it comes to ability to do the job.

    I also am interested in your opinions on what companies might be a good starting point in a year or so. I see a few in my area just south of Twin Cities (Wayne, Kane).

    Thanks for any advice you may have for this wannabe!
     
    grusco, Apr 27, 2012
    grusco, Apr 27, 2012
    #1
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  3. Apr 27, 2012 #2
    RickG

    RickG Road Train Member

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    Owensboro , KY
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    There isn't much pulling van or flatbed can do to prepare you for tankers. As has been discussed in another thread the time when ready depends on the individual. Most tank carriers require a year or more OTR experience . If you check with poultry processors or feed mills you might get hired earlier hauling chicken fat . Most chicken fat used to go to feed mills but more and more goes to biodiesel plants.
     
    RickG, Apr 27, 2012
    RickG, Apr 27, 2012
    #2
    grusco Thanks this.
  4. Apr 27, 2012 #3
    dca

    dca Road Train Member

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    non hazardous materials, milk etc... a hazmat endorsement will open more doors for tankers.. with training of course either way
     
    dca, Apr 27, 2012
    dca, Apr 27, 2012
    #3
  5. Apr 27, 2012 #4
    wsyrob

    wsyrob Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Sep 14, 2007
    Winston Salem
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    If tanks is where you want to be check out Schneider. They will take rookies and train them on tanks. You would make as much money as Roehl starting out.
     
    wsyrob, Apr 27, 2012
    wsyrob, Apr 27, 2012
    #4
    andre and grusco Thank this.
  7. Apr 27, 2012 #5
    oldmack

    oldmack Light Load Member

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    Apr 9, 2011
    philadelphia, pa
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    To prepare for pulling tanks practice patience and prudence. Schneider has a good training program if your willing to listen.
     
    oldmack, Apr 27, 2012
    oldmack, Apr 27, 2012
    #5
    grusco and andre Thank this.
  8. Apr 27, 2012 #6
    Guntoter

    Guntoter Road Train Member

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    Phoenix, AZ
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    I third that. Schneider is a good training program for tanker. Get your year with them, keep your record clean then start mass E-mailing your resume...

    Good luck.
     
    Guntoter, Apr 27, 2012
    Guntoter, Apr 27, 2012
    #6
    grusco and andre Thank this.
  9. Apr 28, 2012 #7
    Voyager1968

    Voyager1968 Road Train Member

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    I was about to post the same thing, but you beat me too it!
     
    Voyager1968, Apr 28, 2012
    Voyager1968, Apr 28, 2012
    #7
  10. Apr 28, 2012 #8
    andre

    andre Medium Load Member

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    Feb 10, 2008
    Jacksonville, FL
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    4thed!

    Go Schneider. Roehl doesn't have tankers unless you count the one truck and tank in Marshfield that goes and gets fuel for them. And actually, you'll make more money than at Roehl. Do a search for Roehl pay here, and you will find that you will be looking at 30,000 that first year. Maybe.

    Or just start putting in apps at the dairy farm tanker companies. You live in MN, right? That's dairy farm country. Just like WI. Or find small fuel companies and start putting your apps in. Start talking to tanker drivers at the fuel islands of truck stops. You may find a place that you can stay at for more than a year. Then you can eliminate that starter company step of your plan. That step sucks.
     
    andre, Apr 28, 2012
    andre, Apr 28, 2012
    #8
  11. Apr 28, 2012 #9
    GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    Vegas/Jersey
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    I disagree with hauling fuel or hazardous loads with no experience. You can practice being as smooth as you can in your driving. Practice good defensive driving habits and learn to be patient with the worse drivers out there.

    I would recommend starting out with no hazmat loads. You just have too much to learn and adding all the hazmat rules is just too much IMHO. If you start out with milk you'll gain all kinds of experience with tanks or any tank that is smooth bore. Just leave the more dangerous loads until you're ready to take on more responsibility.
     
    GasHauler, Apr 28, 2012
    GasHauler, Apr 28, 2012
    #9
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