Why are HAZMAT Crude Haulers working for the same pay (or less) as Water Haulers

That makes sense but some of the crude hauling places out here are really good to work for, I just don't think this area pays that well. Tesoro, Pilot, and the rest, all seem to be right around $280/load.

 

You are right the area makes a huge difference. Don't get me wrong $280 is not bad at all even up this way, just know there are a few companies out there trying to pay in the low $200s.

 

If anyone has any suggestions where I can apply..I just need to get started.
Graduated from cdl school in Aug...just about everywhere I've called or applied or been to wants at least 4 mos exp.
No drugs, felonies, tickets...nuttin...
Got T and X endorsements
Prefer DFW or south area, I just dont have money to relocate right now.
Please pm me,
Thanks
Mary

 

Does anyone have any predictions on demand due to the rise in oil prices and the conflict in Syria?

 

Yes, we'll need more drivers able to multitask 3x more than before with lower pay.

 

If you graduated from an accredited cdl school then you should apply at Sunoco. They take rookies.

 

I suggest you widen your search to include water hauling positions. There are more vacuum truck companies willing to hire newbies than crude haulers.

 

I also found this to be true after reading it in this forum first. So I made a plan to get 1 to 2 years experience driving a vac truck and then try to get a job as a crude hauler. Although after talking with a few crude haulers ( working for Mission Petroleum & Gold Spur ) that I'm working near I find that I'm making about as much as them. Obviously the pay scale for crude haulers varies widely.

 

I agree, the pay scale for crude does vary widely and it's one of the reasons I'm hesitant to get into it. It seems that better crude hauling opportunities open up once you hit the three year mark. Of course I found some water haulers in S. Texas that required three years experience.

 

Water haulers get all the perks! I drove by a depot tonight and they had a big sign out front- "Yes we are open- free food and free Wifi". What!?! Only thing I got free tonight was a big huff of benzine.