I watched this video after accepting a fuel tanker job 6 months ago. Hourly pay, home every night. 14hr days, but OT kicks in after 40hrs. Much better than retail! And a lot easier than most trucking jobs, and I am on schedule to gross 90k this year.
I’ve done 8,000-13,000 gal HAZMAT tanks for 12 years now. Best year I made 140k. I average $1,500-$2,000 net a week now, 4/2 schedule and home every day.
Great video. I’m 29 now and I can say I’m blessed. I been yanking tankers since 23 locally straight baffle hazmat. Although I don’t make much money at all avg 70-80k a year I live super comfortable work mon-fri home everyday off weekends I don’t load or unload I average 40-50 hrs a week and drive no more than 25 miles on a slow day. I can say I am very blessed I don’t take my job for granted and there is gems out there in the tanker industry . Oh I had no prior experience in tankers just right spot at the right time within my company
I've been driving CDL for a 1.5 yrs. This is why I got into trucking, to haul tankers. Thanks for talking about this to us newbies. I'm an instant subscriber to your channel.
I’m a liquid hydrocarbon transfer engineer. I go around town passing gas all day. $110k a year, home every night. 5 on 2 off. Paid holiday and vacation. Best job ever!
The last 30 years of my driving career were with Air Products in the UK loading and delivering Cryogenic liquids with 6 axle rigs,running at 44 tonnes, and I can say it was the best job I have ever had, the pay was good, got treated with respect, decent equipment, Air Products as a company were probably one of the best companies to work for and I worked until I was 74. I have been retired 4 years now,but I sure do miss the job.by the way, great informative video's, I'm a new subscriber to your channel, keep up the good work, safe drivingmate.
He didn't mention "food grade tankers", that haul everything, from "corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, sucrose, orange juice, chocolate, milk, creamer, condensed milk, vegetable oil, etc etc", which is what I do, and it is pretty good too.
I haul chemical, food grade, and dry bulk plastic pellets and I love it. I work for a great carrier that pays good, I’m home most nights, and much less BS to deal with at customers. I will never again be a door swinger.
I LOVE hauling fuel! Excellent pay, and benefits! Been in it for 15 years, and wouldn't do anything else. The smaller independent companies pay better from my experience. Make sure to do plenty of research into all companies that peak your interest. Also, starting out with a larger company isn't bad, just expect to be paid less....but their training is usually second to none. So, if you can handle long days, fuel hauling may be worth trying out! Very rewarding, and home daily!
When I started on my first day of fuel tanker driving was told the most valuable piece of information by the operations manager.... Always cover yourself as when there is a accident the driver is always the first lad to be blamed.
Driving like grandma is definitely the best way to operate these things. Hazmat tanker is very tempting simply for the money and distinction of pulling a tanker. But I couldn’t allow myself to do anything with possible long term health effects, nothing pays enough for that.
Great video. It’s definitely a more mature line of work for a driver. I hope one day drivers are represented nationally and protected because our work is essential and critical to business and progress in the US.
This guy knows his shit. To piggy back off all the hazmat stuff, make sure you know and understand all the paper work and permits you'll need for every situation that's applicable to you. Sit down with someone that knows and have them teach you everything. If u r caught with any missing/expired/mislabeled papers or permits you'll pay a mortgage of fines.
One area of tanker driving you really didn't cover is vac trucks. Vac trucks carry water, oil, condensate, or other chemicals. They're loaded and unloaded using a vacuum pump kind of like on a vacuum cleaner super-sized. These are frequently a tanker pulled by a semi, but sometimes are a straight frame truck with tank which can pull a pup. These are primarily used in the oil and gas fields and are usually jobs that pay by the hour. For all your truckers out there imagine getting paid for every minute while you're waiting somewhere. Whether you're waiting to get fuel or waiting to load or unload or just waiting because of a scheduling glitch, you're getting paid by the hour. Pretty easy to make 80 to $100,000 a year in these types of jobs, but you're putting in a lot of hours to do that. Another big advantage on these jobs is the freedom and the Wide Open Spaces. You're generally going out in the middle of nowhere loading then going someplace not quite in the middle of nowhere and unloading with very little interaction with bosses or customers.
I hauled milk. Replete with a lot of unpaid delays and with the company I worked for , they were very wesily on pay. It wasn't too bad when things went well, but when things went a little off, the milk still had to roll. If it is in the tank too long, the load can be rejected. I agree with your point about the kinetic hazards. One driver doing multiple farm pickup had about a half full tank and while going 25 MPH swerved to avoid hitting a dog and rolled the truck. You really need to respect the physics. The upside is you develop a relationship with both the farmer and the creameries.
Great video, as usual. A couple of things to note: In bulk liquid tanker hauling flammables (resins, alcohols, etc) typically are pumped off with a product pump under low or no pressure. Pressuring flammables may cause combustion. Not good. Pressuring off loads with compressed air is reserved for non-flammables like caustic soda solution, ferric chloride, citric acid and the like. usually you are only working with a max of 25-30 psi. Pressurized transport tanks (propane, nitrogen, anhydrous ammonia) run 50-150 psi and use a hydraulic or pto driven pump to unload. Really have to be careful hauling pressurized as if things go wrong loading or unloading these products, bad things happen quickly with disasterous result. Pressurized pays better than liquid. Hauled anhydrous ammonia for 13 years. Pays very nicely, but not for everybody.
I worked in the oil patch for a couple years and enjoyed pulling tanks. I let my hazmat go years ago and I'm too lazy to set up a new background check and get a book to study up for the test. I hauled water in the patch so I didn't need it there. I'll be honest after the short time I've been trucking I've known of a handful of terrible tanker accidents and none of the drivers got out alive. This niche of trucking is for drivers who are 100%....150% of the time. Hauling fuel is like hauling a bomb. You gotta be on your game. If you can't follow safety rules you better stay out of a tanker. Guys have blown them selves up simply by not attaching their static ground line. Great points Dave... You know your stuff! :)
Joseph Moore jr. WOW I live outside Baltimore. studying for CDL Licence. consider All State Career school CDL program. what do you think it's better than going to Trucking company paid program any Opinions??????!!!!🤔
I’ve been a tanker yanker for 18 years. I love it. I’ll quit trucking before I pull anything else. One thing you said I disagree with and that’s having a compressor to blow off products. You don’t want to blow off flammables and combustibles with air. Only with nitrogen and that’s usually provided at the customer. I’ve got a load of flammable solvent (UN 1268) on now and I’m sure I’ll be using my pump to get it off in the morning.
we had a driver say, "I like to fill the compartments up so I don't feel is slosh."Our 30 year veteran looks at him and says, "If you feel it slosh you are driving too fast."
Shawn Hall /bullshit, iv drove chemical tanker no baffles 16 years, u can be sittin still at a light and that wild shit will slam ya, or shifting gears at 5 mile an hour, so much for ur veteran, musta had 30 years driving a baffled tanker
I hauled milk, wine and water in a smooth bore tanker, Hard as hell on the clutch and makes for a bad day when some ahole cuts you off. no baffle, no bulkheads, just a 45' smooth bore slamming into you when your not full. But loved the loading and unloading, no loading docks to deal with and no appts.
Everything you said was right, My dad was driving a tanker in the snow on an icy uphill back road with no pavement under the ice (it was a muddy, rocky, gravel filled hill etc) & his tanker had sloshing, the truck tipped over the guard rail & thankfully he survived. The company is blaming him but dispatch told him he had to go. He talked with dispatch & asked them if he could stop, he told them it didn't look safe, but they forced him to continue.
And your Dad payed the price. He's lucky it didn't kill him and all because dispatch couldn't be bothered to call the customer and delay the delivery. Dave
Hauled milk and had to hook up the hoses, take samples and do the washout. Labor intensive. Liked the work except all the pass chaining in winter at 1 in the a.m.
You're right driver. Been pulling asphalt tankers here in Maryland for about 20 plus years wouldn't want to pull a box trailer for anything in the world.
Hey charles, im actually about to graduate from asc here in md as well. If you don't mind me asking, who is a good company to get my my foot in the tanker door with?
Yeah I've been hauling tankers since I started. Going on 11th yr now. Been hauling railroad oil to rail yards. 24/7 delivers. I never have to wait for other trucks to get unloaded. I did it all myself. Elds don't hurt me at all.
Pulled pneumatic tanks hauling bulk cement. The big pain with that is if your hose gets plugged you have to beat the crap out of it with a mallet and try to shake the hose, or worse, you have disconnect the hose and empty it. Problem with that is the hose weighs a few hundred pounds when it is full up. Also pulled CO2 tanker. The problem with that stuff is that you load at 4,000 lbs. PSI; very dangerous. Also drove milk tanker, farm pick-up (seven dairies per shift). You really have to be on your game when you are at the dairy to where half the load finishes off your semi, and the second half of the load starts the fill into your trailer. If your calculations aren't perfect you will end up taking a bath in raw milk. The valve you need to turn to change the pump flow from semi to trailer is right below your dome (in a box hanging from the bottom of the tank) which is opened when you are loading. If you don't get the valve turned in time you will "dome out". Nothing stinks worse than a raw milk bath! Hauled petroleum also, but that experience would require me to write a book.
I have questions. 1) How much in shape I need to be in order to be a fuel tanker? 2) If I'm well rested, focused, and triple check and take my time will I be successful in fuel tanking?
I’m so happy I found your video I will be starting tanker training in November. And I’m looking forward to learning everything about tankers and flatbeds. I’m switching from class B to class A with hazmat endorsement and I think starting with tanker endorsement was a good choice for me
Oilfield Trucking likely pays more but a lot less job security. The drilling activity slows down for a considerable mount of time, then layoffs come in droves. I recommend people do the type of tanker worker Dave is talking about.
I've been hauling tankers for 5 years now doing fuel. I have definitely been spoiled with being able to load and unload myself. I to do not care much for doing gas stations anymore, I much prefer delivering to bulk customers. I got to wash out this morning had had to go and load motor oil for the Coast Guard, I'm in a day cab and I'm headed down on a 700 mile trip.
Pretty much accurate, but one thing that needs to be added is the fact that either you are a company driver or an OO you will most of the time have forced dispatch, so it will depend on your dispatchers planning and load availability’s if you get to home on an specific date or be back home after 3 - 5 or more weeks!
I’ve been pulling chemical tanks for 5 years now. I’m soo happy I was given an opportunity in this field. I make GREAT MONEY and I’m home more often then most trucking jobs. I like your vids there absolutely rite on.
Before I forget is there a typical truck you prefer to drive when pulling tanks. Type of engine and tranny you prefer then most. I’m looking for a truck now that I have the money. I definitely don’t want a FrieghtShaker any more 👎🏼
My father was a tack coat truck driver.(liquid asphalt too) Either or could've been sprayed but different temps they had to be held at. My father's truck was a Pete 379 and it had two diesel burners built into the tank with exhaust vents to heat up the tack to proper temp before he could spray it. Very dirty job and tack is extremely hard to get off you. Plus all the spray nozzles he had to unplug or replace when they'd get so caked up with tack. His truck also had a PTO pump to load and unload his truck. Very good money and benefits for the job he did but it was really dirty and can be hard work. If he was spraying a state road he made even more money than your typical back roads ect. I'm currently pursuing getting my CDL just trying to figure out exactly what type of trucking I want to do. Very informative video Dave.
Thank you. Tanker work is something I've thought about before. There is a small trucking company down the road from my home in Wisconsin, and they have both food grade and non-food grade tankers. As far as I know, they don't have any fuel or dry goods trailers. Again, you've given much good information in this video. Thank you.
jesus christ If I decided to haul fuel, my first thought would be to compare the various fuel station chains. I'd see which chains go where, what mileage rate, if they offer daily or weekly pay as an alternative to mileage, etc.
did two years OTR with Knight, now I'm doing Diesel and gas with Flying J Making triple what I made it Knight. to be fair though I never stuck up for myself when it came to getting paid right at knight. pfj pays by the hour so you always get what you deserve and what they said you would get.
Thanks for the video. When I was interested in trucking as a career and noticed the pretty much all tanker jobs required at least 2 years experience and I always wondered why. I assumed it was because hauling liquids in a tank is different than a dry van but this video really explains why experience is necessary.
Been hauling milk for almost 6 mos. The tanker I have most has 2 compartments which was nice in the winter and there's less of a surge. But I could only imagine with no compartments. Some trailers feel heavier than others loaded with around the same weight. Its okay but its a resume builder.
I haul propane and found the most important element is the human factor. We're very lucky to have a thoughtful owner, a great dispatcher who inquires if you want more days off or you're ok to go and that creates an atmosphere of friendship amongst the other drivers so everybody helps each other when we can and that relieves the stress of hauling dangerous products. What do you think Dave? P.S.: Been watching you for quite a while and enjoy your videos very much.
Hey, couldn't agree with you more about the human factor. Makes it or breaks it as to whether or not it's a good place to work. These days I'd say you're lucky to have found a place like that. I'd stat with them as long as possible. Thanks for watching and drive safe! Dave
I hauled fuel for 14yrs, 5 for Sunoco who was owned by Suncor and 9 for Petro Canada. Suncor acquired Petro Canada and decided to eliminate the fleet as they did at Sunoco. The hourly rate was the tops. But it was a 12 hr shift that rotated to nights and weekends. We worked stat holidays including Christmas and New Year’s Day. We were the last Company Drivers. The carriers paid by trip rate not nearly what we were making. I decided to get into Ready Mix. Its unionized it’s day work most of the time. Weekend work if you want it. Off on statutory holidays. And I make nearly as much as I did hauling fuel after 4 years.
I hauled gasoline for years, and yes it does pay very well. Also hot oil and asphalt which requires another type of tanker called wrapped tanks. They are insulated. Thanks for the video.
One commenter said it right; It doesn't pay well. That's why I don't move bulk liquids anymore or drive a truck anymore for that matter. The lack of pay is why there is a critical shortage of drivers especially hazmat drivers.
Amen brother! That why I left... there's a few guys here on UA-cam that preach about how lucrative driving is, but they run themselves ragged and work like mindless donkeys. Very very dangerous to accept not sleeping or getting very little sleep and staying out in a truck for months at a time as the norm.
@@seanoleary1979 OTR doesn't pay well unless you own your own truck or run team with someone you know so you can share the $. I make more money working local than I ever did doing regional or OTR
I drove Fuel Tankers and Food product Tankers in 11 western states. The Food tankers we hauled vegetable oils different cooking oils. The fuel tankers I hauled Ave gas motoroil gasoline for autos and diesel. All those were mostly in California. The Chemical loads in ran from Washington state to southern California and Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada and Idaho. This was in the early 70s to the late 70s.
The only tankers I haul is water tanks for fire protection on roll off trucks its 3500 gallon tank unbaffled of course. You have to learn how to drive with the slosh. I used to know the guys that worked for Northwest Tank Lines out here in BC these guys haul chemical tanks, not a job I would want to do. One of my buddies he drives fuel tankers I asked him I said to him how he doesn't get a head ache he doesn't smell the fumes anymore. I also knew guys that hauled bulk cement it wasn't an easy job, a funny story he had a hose blow off there was cement powder everywhere. I agree most tank drivers especially chemical tank drivers were older seasoned drivers. One of the drivers I knew I used to tease him why is their acid dripping out of your trailer eating the pavement lol.
One type of tank you didn’t cover is feed truck! Good work, good pay but you have to take your time as your whole load is five feet or more above your head! Been doing it for five years in southern Manitoba and I love it!
Thank you for all this information and getting straight to the point. I am a slow driver and will be when it comes to this type of work. I passed my Hazmat practice test and I am on my way to get my cdl and then see which company will hire me. I will update you on this video when I start my first day on the road.
3:55 Time. Correct, SLOSHING. Had a truck, leased onto Trimac. Hauled mostly hot asphalt, road oils, few loads of diesel fuel, and a few of sulphuric acid. This acid, was hitting 18 lbs. per gallon. So, the STEEL asphalt tanker, they gave me, had baffles. Weight-wise, could only haul (18 wheeler only, ' back in the day ' ) about 2/3 full. Waiting at a light in LLoydminster Alberta, heading to Wollaston Lake, northern Sask. The truck, rolled and backed up, about a foot or two.....Wow....did i get l o o k s from people !. Anyway, EXCELLENT VIDEO EDUCATION, sir, AS USUAL. TO ALL TRUCKERS ; THANK-YOU for making our days....by delivering ALL STUFF WE ALL NEED. ALSO, to all TRAIN CREWS......
I hauled chemicals and I loved it, the dispatcher was shitty but I liked the work , very interesting but can be dangerous at times both driving and loading/unloading
There was a lot I didn't know about tankers. Ships have the same type of compartments to stop sloshing and also aid in water tightness and ship rigidity.
Beer tankers are the tanks to haul ,ie pick up a loaded tank take it to the next bewery for kegging and just sit in the truck and do nothing whilst it is blown out with Co2
One thing about tankers you didn't mention. Allway verify that your hooked up to the right connection (tank at customer). The last thing you want to deal with is cross contamination. Also how important it is not to taint product with bodily fluids like blood. A tank of food products can be consumed by 10s of thousands of people.
Interesting this video came at this time. I decided a month ago to get my tanker/hazmat as well as doubles&triples endorsements, studied the night before the tests and passed with flying colors. Looking forward to upping my pay and doing a new kind of hauling as my new license finally came in the mail today.
Thank you so much for the advice I am looking two be a duesal and unleadead tanker driver I am 20 finna be 21 next and good Lord willing will get started in trucking so thank you so much
I have done every tanker job known. I am not bragging. It was good work. You forgot on tanker work witch was my favorite. Very clean work. And that tanker work is loading ,Driving, unloading., Cryogenics. Liquiefied gases. LOX, LN2, Liquid Argon, LH2, LNG. Liquid Helium. These drivers are in demand.
I ran chemical tanker in the oilfield here in Alberta. It definitely is good work, compared to most of the other hauling or driving jobs out in the patch or off the highway. Paid hourly, great rates and solid work. Lots of chaining up and we flush our own tanks in the patch. Almost all of it is TDG (Hazmat). Just had to be diligent with load weight density and hours of service. And keep those hoses capped! I had an interview with Trimac for bulk hauling and unfortunately it has been undercut a lot more so the pay is about 75% of oilfield pay for a driver with the same amount or more work and stricter safety guidelines, also hauling B-train vs single tri-drive with a tri-axle trailer. They also seem to be a lot less flexible with scheduling.
Like watching your videos . I don't drive truck but my step dad did for 50 yrs . I was always around it plus I used to detail and wax his Peterbilt . All wknd job ...lol. He died in 2015 and his casket was on the back of his Pete . Had about 20 trucks in procession . Wonderful send off to a great guy . Jim Jameson in Bay City Mi. He had a green Pete 379 . Anyway I enjoy your vids . :)
You are so cool. One of the best people I have seen while researching the business. God bless you. May luck be on your side. Thank you for all you do. You have helped me tremendously.
In the one year I’ve been hauling chemical tankers, I have yet to do an air unload with an inflammable product. I thought you were mistaken in your comment about it, but I just learned some valuable information tonight. Thank you sir!
hauled molten sulphur outta fort mac was getting paid 600 for a load. had about 15 to 17 loads a month. really good money. not like 2013 when crude oil guys were making stupid amount cash like 15000 a month being a company driver. got way to burnt out driving for a month straight at times. now I'm on 4 and 4 schedule doing propane
I drive a vacuum tanker. Haul every kind of waste you can possibly think of. Come home every day but am dirty, muddy, oily, stinky. No one would ever guess I drive a truck by the way I look when I get off. Does Pay the irs more though.
Excellent information I did chemical hauling for 3years and it was tricky but good money but big carriers under bid each other so I quit and now driving flat decks
A buddy of mine drives Milk Tankers most of the trailers he's pulled do not have baffles in them. Exceptions might be if he's moving kosher and none kosher to the same or two different dairies. Wait times for him on average some days can be direct to the bay as soon as he arrives and other days he's got stuck waiting 1 to 5 hours before unloading. The only thing that sucks is he dose not get a share of the $500 an hour wait time if he was not unloaded on the time that he was told to be there and left to wait.
Fuel hauler - railroad fuel tech - we use a normal fuel tanker but with a PTO and hose -50 ft . I work with red dye diesel and right next to train and crane exhausts . We wear face shields , gloves designed for oil rig workers , and fire proof clothing . We also use fiberglass absorbent rags to handle Snyder adapters and hose fittings . I rarely smell like diesel but I believe it’s because of the precaution we take now to ensure the safest handling also railroad+epa doesn’t like any drips of fuel on the floor - a single drip is logged as a spill with the epa . Point is I have really rough days but I haven’t noticed the smell of fuel really set in . I’m in California but I know some areas have more or less additives and sulfur that makes the worlds difference in smell .
If you pull a Chemical tanker and your not hauling flammable you do have to vent the trailer but do not ! bang on the wash out caps under pressure or you will be seriously injured by having your face caved in from the cap flying off the trailer under pressure is about 10,000 pounds per square inch which can kill you so take your time when unloading and don’t rush it will get you in trouble from a tanker hauler
I hauled sulfuric acid for the copper mines in the southwest, at 18 plus pounds per gallon and a smooth bore tank that stuff would take you for a ride. You can make six figures without even trying, it was hard work and it sucked waring a rubber suit all day but it was worth it.
And ... there are liquid food grade tankers, hauling oils, juices, vinegar, liquor, etc. Also, doing chemical and food grade for 17 years ... I’ve pulled maybe 4 baffled trailers.
Snap-on tool freakazoid As a tanker driver you usually have to ride with or follow another driver for several loads then they card you some do it right away
FAST card is obtained at customs border crossings and is used like a passport for I.D. purposes. A TWIC card is for specific entrance to ports that receive out of country ships like oil tankers and again is a form of finger printed customs and homeland security I.D. control. Specific offices throughout the U.S. issue these and that info is available on the web. Got mine in an office in Joliet Ill. Dave
twic is available at TSA offices, usually at the local airport-- you start with the 85.00 security background check and for another 85 the twic card, but they want to know where you will need it for-- so waiting for a position is helpful first-- they are both good for 5 years-- you can also get a pass through card for when you fly-- same price again--
Hazmat tanker drivers used to be the highest paid drivers on the road. Now, everyone and their brothers have authority to haul chemicals thereby, cutting the rates thus cutting drivers pay. But, all in all, tankers is the way to go, no lumpers, no grocery warehouses, rarely have anyone looking over your shoulder while unloading, you're the only one there
Was running in Michigan off interstate one time with a smooth boar tanker ahead of me and every time we took a curve the tanker was all over the road. So I called him up on the CB because I thought he was having trouble staying awake and could use someone to chat with to stay awake. He told me he was fine. Just half full and when he was taking curves his load was pushing him around. Decided I didn’t want to run tankers that day.
I can tell and be sure of what I say that the way you explain things makes me watch every moment in this video It is important information from someone who has experience that no one can benefit from or ignore.thx allot
Dave, Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I had a friend who pulled chemicals for 35 years and had a good standard of living. It's not for everyone but if I had the health to be truckin, I would be a tanker yanker.
Have you heard of this one, Banked Overtime, it was new to me, only found out after I quit my gravel truck job, big mistake. Banked hours just means when its quiet, they can take hours from your bank, also means your week goes from 5 days to 7.
I am aware of that and it's illegal where I live here in Ontario. The company needs your written permission to do this and nobody ever agrees to it. Dave
.....I dont think you mentioned the one tanker rule to ingrain into your truck driving noodle and that's venting an empty trailer before ever un -dogging the hatches on your trailer .One little momentary lapse in reason or getting ahead of ones self and forgetting .and you can have a a very bad day .
I watched this video after accepting a fuel tanker job 6 months ago. Hourly pay, home every night. 14hr days, but OT kicks in after 40hrs. Much better than retail! And a lot easier than most trucking jobs, and I am on schedule to gross 90k this year.
That's the way to go these days! Dave
I’ve done 8,000-13,000 gal HAZMAT tanks for 12 years now. Best year I made 140k. I average $1,500-$2,000 net a week now, 4/2 schedule and home every day.
Jim C did you own the Tank ?
As a tanker guy, I can tell u his information in this video is very much on point. Glad he doesn't spew false information like some of these guys
Great video. I’m 29 now and I can say I’m blessed. I been yanking tankers since 23 locally straight baffle hazmat. Although I don’t make much money at all avg 70-80k a year I live super comfortable work mon-fri home everyday off weekends I don’t load or unload I average 40-50 hrs a week and drive no more than 25 miles on a slow day. I can say I am very blessed I don’t take my job for granted and there is gems out there in the tanker industry . Oh I had no prior experience in tankers just right spot at the right time within my company
Food Grade
Tankers, milk, sugar, peanut oil, malt
I'm 21 working the north Dakota oilfield making 2-3 a week hauling water. I highly recommend it.
2-3 what a week😕❓
2 to 3 grand a week?
I bet u also work 12 hours every single day
ryancj1542 I live in South Dakota, Diesel Mechanic for JFI, I’m about to be 21 soon this month, do you need experience?
What's the name of the company you work for?
I've been driving CDL for a 1.5 yrs. This is why I got into trucking, to haul tankers. Thanks for talking about this to us newbies. I'm an instant subscriber to your channel.
I’m a liquid hydrocarbon transfer engineer. I go around town passing gas all day. $110k a year, home every night. 5 on 2 off. Paid holiday and vacation. Best job ever!
The last 30 years of my driving career were with Air Products in the UK loading and delivering Cryogenic liquids with 6 axle rigs,running at 44 tonnes, and I can say it was the best job I have ever had, the pay was good, got treated with respect, decent equipment, Air Products as a company were probably one of the best companies to work for and I worked until I was 74. I have been retired 4 years now,but I sure do miss the job.by the way, great informative video's, I'm a new subscriber to your channel, keep up the good work, safe drivingmate.
I’m a tanker driver and I’m one of the very few who can say I love rolling through Wyoming. Some of you will understand why.
He didn't mention "food grade tankers", that haul everything, from "corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, sucrose, orange juice, chocolate, milk, creamer, condensed milk, vegetable oil, etc etc", which is what I do, and it is pretty good too.
I haul chemical, food grade, and dry bulk plastic pellets and I love it. I work for a great carrier that pays good, I’m home most nights, and much less BS to deal with at customers. I will never again be a door swinger.
I've been pulling tanker gasoline and diesel products for about 6 months now. I do like the job. It has been a big learning curve.
I LOVE hauling fuel! Excellent pay, and benefits! Been in it for 15 years, and wouldn't do anything else. The smaller independent companies pay better from my experience. Make sure to do plenty of research into all companies that peak your interest. Also, starting out with a larger company isn't bad, just expect to be paid less....but their training is usually second to none. So, if you can handle long days, fuel hauling may be worth trying out! Very rewarding, and home daily!
When I started on my first day of fuel tanker driving was told the most valuable piece of information by the operations manager.... Always cover yourself as when there is a accident the driver is always the first lad to be blamed.
Driving like grandma is definitely the best way to operate these things. Hazmat tanker is very tempting simply for the money and distinction of pulling a tanker. But I couldn’t allow myself to do anything with possible long term health effects, nothing pays enough for that.
only drive chemical 1 yr then get your was into FOOD GRADE ASAP!!!YOU CAN SELDOM BE HURT BY ORANGE JUICE SPILL
And if they overload you, you can drink yourself legal on a hot day and benefit from the vitamin C! Dave
Great video. It’s definitely a more mature line of work for a driver. I hope one day drivers are represented nationally and protected because our work is essential and critical to business and progress in the US.
This guy knows his shit. To piggy back off all the hazmat stuff, make sure you know and understand all the paper work and permits you'll need for every situation that's applicable to you. Sit down with someone that knows and have them teach you everything. If u r caught with any missing/expired/mislabeled papers or permits you'll pay a mortgage of fines.
One area of tanker driving you really didn't cover is vac trucks. Vac trucks carry water, oil, condensate, or other chemicals. They're loaded and unloaded using a vacuum pump kind of like on a vacuum cleaner super-sized. These are frequently a tanker pulled by a semi, but sometimes are a straight frame truck with tank which can pull a pup. These are primarily used in the oil and gas fields and are usually jobs that pay by the hour. For all your truckers out there imagine getting paid for every minute while you're waiting somewhere. Whether you're waiting to get fuel or waiting to load or unload or just waiting because of a scheduling glitch, you're getting paid by the hour. Pretty easy to make 80 to $100,000 a year in these types of jobs, but you're putting in a lot of hours to do that.
Another big advantage on these jobs is the freedom and the Wide Open Spaces. You're generally going out in the middle of nowhere loading then going someplace not quite in the middle of nowhere and unloading with very little interaction with bosses or customers.
Son of Liberty Hi That sounds Great I like to get the chance. studying for CDL Licence.
I hauled milk. Replete with a lot of unpaid delays and with the company I worked for , they were very wesily on pay. It wasn't too bad when things went well, but when things went a little off, the milk still had to roll. If it is in the tank too long, the load can be rejected.
I agree with your point about the kinetic hazards. One driver doing multiple farm pickup had about a half full tank and while going 25 MPH swerved to avoid hitting a dog and rolled the truck. You really need to respect the physics.
The upside is you develop a relationship with both the farmer and the creameries.
Great video, as usual. A couple of things to note: In bulk liquid tanker hauling flammables (resins, alcohols, etc) typically are pumped off with a product pump under low or no pressure. Pressuring flammables may cause combustion. Not good. Pressuring off loads with compressed air is reserved for non-flammables like caustic soda solution, ferric chloride, citric acid and the like. usually you are only working with a max of 25-30 psi. Pressurized transport tanks (propane, nitrogen, anhydrous ammonia) run 50-150 psi and use a hydraulic or pto driven pump to unload. Really have to be careful hauling pressurized as if things go wrong loading or unloading these products, bad things happen quickly with disasterous result. Pressurized pays better than liquid. Hauled anhydrous ammonia for 13 years. Pays very nicely, but not for everybody.
I worked in the oil patch for a couple years and enjoyed pulling tanks. I let my hazmat go years ago and I'm too lazy to set up a new background check and get a book to study up for the test. I hauled water in the patch so I didn't need it there. I'll be honest after the short time I've been trucking I've known of a handful of terrible tanker accidents and none of the drivers got out alive. This niche of trucking is for drivers who are 100%....150% of the time. Hauling fuel is like hauling a bomb. You gotta be on your game. If you can't follow safety rules you better stay out of a tanker. Guys have blown them selves up simply by not attaching their static ground line. Great points Dave... You know your stuff! :)
I have been pulling tankers for 15 years and love it most days at least your not waiting for lumpers and the pay is better
Rodney Stewart Thank you Mr.Stewart.im studying for CDL Licence
I did reefer for almost 2 years. Keep the fuel tank full!!!
Love you videos. I've made 90000 my first year driving a tanker. And I drive a tandem axle straight truck. Union gig.
Joseph Moore jr.
Where out of?
Who u work for? ...if u don't mind me asking
Good deal!! Dave
Baltimore Md. Local 37
Joseph Moore jr. WOW I live outside Baltimore. studying for CDL Licence. consider All State Career school CDL program. what do you think it's better than going to Trucking company paid program any Opinions??????!!!!🤔
Damn, I live in southern Maryland. Starting my CDL class soon.
I’ve been a tanker yanker for 18 years. I love it. I’ll quit trucking before I pull anything else.
One thing you said I disagree with and that’s having a compressor to blow off products. You don’t want to blow off flammables and combustibles with air. Only with nitrogen and that’s usually provided at the customer. I’ve got a load of flammable solvent (UN 1268) on now and I’m sure I’ll be using my pump to get it off in the morning.
we had a driver say, "I like to fill the compartments up so I don't feel is slosh."Our 30 year veteran looks at him and says, "If you feel it slosh you are driving too fast."
Shawn Hall /bullshit, iv drove chemical tanker no baffles 16 years, u can be sittin still at a light and that wild shit will slam ya, or shifting gears at 5 mile an hour, so much for ur veteran, musta had 30 years driving a baffled tanker
I hauled milk, wine and water in a smooth bore tanker, Hard as hell on the clutch and makes for a bad day when some ahole cuts you off. no baffle, no bulkheads, just a 45' smooth bore slamming into you when your not full.
But loved the loading and unloading, no loading docks to deal with and no appts.
Everything you said was right, My dad was driving a tanker in the snow on an icy uphill back road with no pavement under the ice (it was a muddy, rocky, gravel filled hill etc) & his tanker had sloshing, the truck tipped over the guard rail & thankfully he survived. The company is blaming him but dispatch told him he had to go. He talked with dispatch & asked them if he could stop, he told them it didn't look safe, but they forced him to continue.
And your Dad payed the price. He's lucky it didn't kill him and all because dispatch couldn't be bothered to call the customer and delay the delivery. Dave
Hauled milk and had to hook up the hoses, take samples and do the washout. Labor intensive. Liked the work except all the pass chaining in winter at 1 in the a.m.
i'd imagine cleaned not only for cross contamination but also for chemical reactions!
You're right driver. Been pulling asphalt tankers here in Maryland for about 20 plus years wouldn't want to pull a box trailer for anything in the world.
Hey charles, im actually about to graduate from asc here in md as well. If you don't mind me asking, who is a good company to get my my foot in the tanker door with?
Yeah I've been hauling tankers since I started. Going on 11th yr now. Been hauling railroad oil to rail yards. 24/7 delivers. I never have to wait for other trucks to get unloaded. I did it all myself. Elds don't hurt me at all.
Sounds like you've got a good deal going there Eric! Stay safe! Dave
Smart-Trucking.com I definitely plan to stay safe. I was in the Erie pa storm twice a day all week. Slow and steady wins the games.
Pulled pneumatic tanks hauling bulk cement. The big pain with that is if your hose gets plugged you have to beat the crap out of it with a mallet and try to shake the hose, or worse, you have disconnect the hose and empty it. Problem with that is the hose weighs a few hundred pounds when it is full up. Also pulled CO2 tanker. The problem with that stuff is that you load at 4,000 lbs. PSI; very dangerous. Also drove milk tanker, farm pick-up (seven dairies per shift). You really have to be on your game when you are at the dairy to where half the load finishes off your semi, and the second half of the load starts the fill into your trailer. If your calculations aren't perfect you will end up taking a bath in raw milk. The valve you need to turn to change the pump flow from semi to trailer is right below your dome (in a box hanging from the bottom of the tank) which is opened when you are loading. If you don't get the valve turned in time you will "dome out". Nothing stinks worse than a raw milk bath! Hauled petroleum also, but that experience would require me to write a book.
I have questions. 1) How much in shape I need to be in order to be a fuel tanker? 2) If I'm well rested, focused, and triple check and take my time will I be successful in fuel tanking?
Lots of dairy tanker work in wisconsin.
hauled fuel for 23 years.right on. every word !!!
Thanks Don! Dave
I’m so happy I found your video I will be starting tanker training in November. And I’m looking forward to learning everything about tankers and flatbeds. I’m switching from class B to class A with hazmat endorsement and I think starting with tanker endorsement was a good choice for me
Great decision. Talk to everyone you can and find the good companies to work for or lease on to. Don’t waste your time with a bad company. Good luck
Oilfield Trucking likely pays more but a lot less job security. The drilling activity slows down for a considerable mount of time, then layoffs come in droves.
I recommend people do the type of tanker worker Dave is talking about.
I've been hauling tankers for 5 years now doing fuel. I have definitely been spoiled with being able to load and unload myself. I to do not care much for doing gas stations anymore, I much prefer delivering to bulk customers. I got to wash out this morning had had to go and load motor oil for the Coast Guard, I'm in a day cab and I'm headed down on a 700 mile trip.
Pretty much accurate, but one thing that needs to be added is the fact that either you are a company driver or an OO you will most of the time have forced dispatch, so it will depend on your dispatchers planning and load availability’s if you get to home on an specific date or be back home after 3 - 5 or more weeks!
I’ve been pulling chemical tanks for 5 years now. I’m soo happy I was given an opportunity in this field. I make GREAT MONEY and I’m home more often then most trucking jobs. I like your vids there absolutely rite on.
Before I forget is there a typical truck you prefer to drive when pulling tanks. Type of engine and tranny you prefer then most. I’m looking for a truck now that I have the money. I definitely don’t want a FrieghtShaker any more 👎🏼
Thank you for watching! Dave
The milk tankers I drive, most of them are two compartments. Load the front first and it makes grade climbing allot better
My father was a tack coat truck driver.(liquid asphalt too) Either or could've been sprayed but different temps they had to be held at. My father's truck was a Pete 379 and it had two diesel burners built into the tank with exhaust vents to heat up the tack to proper temp before he could spray it. Very dirty job and tack is extremely hard to get off you. Plus all the spray nozzles he had to unplug or replace when they'd get so caked up with tack. His truck also had a PTO pump to load and unload his truck. Very good money and benefits for the job he did but it was really dirty and can be hard work. If he was spraying a state road he made even more money than your typical back roads ect. I'm currently pursuing getting my CDL just trying to figure out exactly what type of trucking I want to do. Very informative video Dave.
Thank you. Tanker work is something I've thought about before. There is a small trucking company down the road from my home in Wisconsin, and they have both food grade and non-food grade tankers. As far as I know, they don't have any fuel or dry goods trailers.
Again, you've given much good information in this video. Thank you.
Nate Jones
Hey I'm from Wisconsin too, are you talking about (food liner) company?
You should check out kane transport don't know much about them but i think the haul fuel
Thank you Nate! Dave
Ki77a WhSpRz Jim Richardson Trucking, near Boscobel, WI.
jesus christ If I decided to haul fuel, my first thought would be to compare the various fuel station chains. I'd see which chains go where, what mileage rate, if they offer daily or weekly pay as an alternative to mileage, etc.
did two years OTR with Knight, now I'm doing Diesel and gas with Flying J Making triple what I made it Knight. to be fair though I never stuck up for myself when it came to getting paid right at knight. pfj pays by the hour so you always get what you deserve and what they said you would get.
That's the way to go these days, in my opinion! Good move! Dave
Thanks for the video. When I was interested in trucking as a career and noticed the pretty much all tanker jobs required at least 2 years experience and I always wondered why. I assumed it was because hauling liquids in a tank is different than a dry van but this video really explains why experience is necessary.
Been hauling milk for almost 6 mos. The tanker I have most has 2 compartments which was nice in the winter and there's less of a surge. But I could only imagine with no compartments. Some trailers feel heavier than others loaded with around the same weight. Its okay but its a resume builder.
I haul propane and found the most important element is the human factor. We're very lucky to have a thoughtful owner, a great dispatcher who inquires if you want more days off or you're ok to go and that creates an atmosphere of friendship amongst the other drivers so everybody helps each other when we can and that relieves the stress of hauling dangerous products. What do you think Dave?
P.S.: Been watching you for quite a while and enjoy your videos very much.
Hey, couldn't agree with you more about the human factor. Makes it or breaks it as to whether or not it's a good place to work. These days I'd say you're lucky to have found a place like that. I'd stat with them as long as possible. Thanks for watching and drive safe! Dave
I hauled fuel for 14yrs, 5 for Sunoco who was owned by Suncor and 9 for Petro Canada. Suncor acquired Petro Canada and decided to eliminate the fleet as they did at Sunoco. The hourly rate was the tops. But it was a 12 hr shift that rotated to nights and weekends. We worked stat holidays including Christmas and New Year’s Day. We were the last Company Drivers. The carriers paid by trip rate not nearly what we were making. I decided to get into Ready Mix. Its unionized it’s day work most of the time. Weekend work if you want it. Off on statutory holidays. And I make nearly as much as I did hauling fuel after 4 years.
I pulled tankers for years. You left out food grade, asphalt, rocket fuel (which is in a class by itself), food grade pneumatic and anhydrous ammonia.
I hauled gasoline for years, and yes it does pay very well. Also hot oil and asphalt which requires another type of tanker called wrapped tanks. They are insulated. Thanks for the video.
Thank you sir! Dave
One commenter said it right; It doesn't pay well. That's why I don't move bulk liquids anymore or drive a truck anymore for that matter. The lack of pay is why there is a critical shortage of drivers especially hazmat drivers.
Amen brother! That why I left... there's a few guys here on UA-cam that preach about how lucrative driving is, but they run themselves ragged and work like mindless donkeys. Very very dangerous to accept not sleeping or getting very little sleep and staying out in a truck for months at a time as the norm.
@@seanoleary1979 OTR doesn't pay well unless you own your own truck or run team with someone you know so you can share the $.
I make more money working local than I ever did doing regional or OTR
Worse thing about fuel tankers is allocations, product outages at loading facilities, and price changes.
I drove Fuel Tankers and Food product Tankers in 11 western states. The Food tankers we hauled vegetable oils different cooking oils. The fuel tankers I hauled Ave gas motoroil gasoline for autos and diesel. All those were mostly in California. The Chemical loads in ran from Washington state to southern California and Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada and Idaho. This was in the early 70s to the late 70s.
The only tankers I haul is water tanks for fire protection on roll off trucks its 3500 gallon tank unbaffled of course. You have to learn how to drive with the slosh. I used to know the guys that worked for Northwest Tank Lines out here in BC these guys haul chemical tanks, not a job I would want to do. One of my buddies he drives fuel tankers I asked him I said to him how he doesn't get a head ache he doesn't smell the fumes anymore. I also knew guys that hauled bulk cement it wasn't an easy job, a funny story he had a hose blow off there was cement powder everywhere. I agree most tank drivers especially chemical tank drivers were older seasoned drivers. One of the drivers I knew I used to tease him why is their acid dripping out of your trailer eating the pavement lol.
Just about 30 years of tankers. You can use air with flammable product. Nice video your the man.
Hauled CNG in Alaska; 10,000 gallons a trip. Good work.
One type of tank you didn’t cover is feed truck! Good work, good pay but you have to take your time as your whole load is five feet or more above your head! Been doing it for five years in southern Manitoba and I love it!
Good to hear! Thanks!
I very much enjoyed my 2.5yrs as a tanker driver, I would have stuck around but they installed driver facing cameras, no thanks. Good times though.
Thank you for all this information and getting straight to the point. I am a slow driver and will be when it comes to this type of work. I passed my Hazmat practice test and I am on my way to get my cdl and then see which company will hire me. I will update you on this video when I start my first day on the road.
Congrats all the best
3:55 Time. Correct, SLOSHING. Had a truck, leased onto Trimac. Hauled mostly hot asphalt, road oils, few loads of diesel fuel, and a few of sulphuric acid. This acid, was hitting 18 lbs. per gallon. So, the STEEL asphalt tanker, they gave me, had baffles. Weight-wise, could only haul (18 wheeler only, ' back in the day ' ) about 2/3 full. Waiting at a light in LLoydminster Alberta, heading to Wollaston Lake, northern Sask. The truck, rolled and backed up, about a foot or two.....Wow....did i get l o o k s from people !. Anyway, EXCELLENT VIDEO EDUCATION, sir, AS USUAL. TO ALL TRUCKERS ; THANK-YOU for making our days....by delivering ALL STUFF WE ALL NEED. ALSO, to all TRAIN CREWS......
I hauled chemicals and I loved it, the dispatcher was shitty but I liked the work , very interesting but can be dangerous at times both driving and loading/unloading
There was a lot I didn't know about tankers. Ships have the same type of compartments to stop sloshing and also aid in water tightness and ship rigidity.
Thank you for sharing your tanker experience.
Beer tankers are the tanks to haul ,ie pick up a loaded tank take it to the next bewery for kegging and just sit in the truck and do nothing whilst it is blown out with Co2
One thing about tankers you didn't mention. Allway verify that your hooked up to the right connection (tank at customer). The last thing you want to deal with is cross contamination. Also how important it is not to taint product with bodily fluids like blood. A tank of food products can be consumed by 10s of thousands of people.
Interesting this video came at this time. I decided a month ago to get my tanker/hazmat as well as doubles&triples endorsements, studied the night before the tests and passed with flying colors. Looking forward to upping my pay and doing a new kind of hauling as my new license finally came in the mail today.
Good job! Congratulations and enjoy! Dave
Thank you so much for the advice I am looking two be a duesal and unleadead tanker driver I am 20 finna be 21 next and good Lord willing will get started in trucking so thank you so much
Good luck! Dave
I have done every tanker job known. I am not bragging. It was good work. You forgot on tanker work witch was my favorite. Very clean work. And that tanker work is loading ,Driving, unloading., Cryogenics. Liquiefied gases. LOX, LN2, Liquid Argon, LH2, LNG. Liquid Helium. These drivers are in demand.
I'm a tanker driver and I thank you for all your good advices, god bless you.
22 I haul chemical and water in the oilfield it pays damn good but it is dangerous but more so because of other drivers
I ran chemical tanker in the oilfield here in Alberta. It definitely is good work, compared to most of the other hauling or driving jobs out in the patch or off the highway. Paid hourly, great rates and solid work. Lots of chaining up and we flush our own tanks in the patch. Almost all of it is TDG (Hazmat). Just had to be diligent with load weight density and hours of service. And keep those hoses capped!
I had an interview with Trimac for bulk hauling and unfortunately it has been undercut a lot more so the pay is about 75% of oilfield pay for a driver with the same amount or more work and stricter safety guidelines, also hauling B-train vs single tri-drive with a tri-axle trailer. They also seem to be a lot less flexible with scheduling.
Their always looking for fuel tank drivers where I live. The pay is good but the hours are as bad as OTR. Plus most of it is overnite work.
Like watching your videos . I don't drive truck but my step dad did for 50 yrs . I was always around it plus I used to detail and wax his Peterbilt . All wknd job ...lol. He died in 2015 and his casket was on the back of his Pete . Had about 20 trucks in procession . Wonderful send off to a great guy . Jim Jameson in Bay City Mi. He had a green Pete 379 . Anyway I enjoy your vids . :)
Thanks Steve. What kind of work did Jim do? wondering if I'd ever come across him. Dave
You are so cool. One of the best people I have seen while researching the business. God bless you. May luck be on your side. Thank you for all you do. You have helped me tremendously.
Well thank you for saying so! Dave
In the one year I’ve been hauling chemical tankers, I have yet to do an air unload with an inflammable product. I thought you were mistaken in your comment about it, but I just learned some valuable information tonight. Thank you sir!
I work at a tank wash, latex is not a joke to clean .. takes about a week to clean
hauled molten sulphur outta fort mac was getting paid 600 for a load. had about 15 to 17 loads a month. really good money. not like 2013 when crude oil guys were making stupid amount cash like 15000 a month being a company driver. got way to burnt out driving for a month straight at times. now I'm on 4 and 4 schedule doing propane
I drive a vacuum tanker. Haul every kind of waste you can possibly think of. Come home every day but am dirty, muddy, oily, stinky. No one would ever guess I drive a truck by the way I look when I get off. Does
Pay the irs more though.
Excellent information I did chemical hauling for 3years and it was tricky but good money but big carriers under bid each other so I quit and now driving flat decks
A buddy of mine drives Milk Tankers most of the trailers he's pulled do not have baffles in them. Exceptions might be if he's moving kosher and none kosher to the same or two different dairies. Wait times for him on average some days can be direct to the bay as soon as he arrives and other days he's got stuck waiting 1 to 5 hours before unloading. The only thing that sucks is he dose not get a share of the $500 an hour wait time if he was not unloaded on the time that he was told to be there and left to wait.
Fuel hauler - railroad fuel tech - we use a normal fuel tanker but with a PTO and hose -50 ft . I work with red dye diesel and right next to train and crane exhausts . We wear face shields , gloves designed for oil rig workers , and fire proof clothing . We also use fiberglass absorbent rags to handle Snyder adapters and hose fittings . I rarely smell like diesel but I believe it’s because of the precaution we take now to ensure the safest handling also railroad+epa doesn’t like any drips of fuel on the floor - a single drip is logged as a spill with the epa .
Point is I have really rough days but I haven’t noticed the smell of fuel really set in . I’m in California but I know some areas have more or less additives and sulfur that makes the worlds difference in smell .
I'm a tank driver and I love it good money less b.s.
If you pull a Chemical tanker and your not hauling flammable you do have to vent the trailer but do not ! bang on the wash out caps under pressure or you will be seriously injured by having your face caved in from the cap flying off the trailer under pressure is about 10,000 pounds per square inch which can kill you so take your time when unloading and don’t rush it will get you in trouble from a tanker hauler
Yup, you've got to know your stuff! There's a lot to it!
I hauled sulfuric acid for the copper mines in the southwest, at 18 plus pounds per gallon and a smooth bore tank that stuff would take you for a ride. You can make six figures without even trying, it was hard work and it sucked waring a rubber suit all day but it was worth it.
7 more months with Stevens and ill have my 2 yrs OTR. Wanting to go food grade tanker.
Stevens transport? I run for them im after my year im gonna start lookin for something else
Tom B what tanker company did you go with?
And ... there are liquid food grade tankers, hauling oils, juices, vinegar, liquor, etc. Also, doing chemical and food grade for 17 years ... I’ve pulled maybe 4 baffled trailers.
Awesome video, I’ve learned a lot. Could you explain more on the different cards and how to obtain them.
Snap-on tool freakazoid As a tanker driver you usually have to ride with or follow another driver for several loads then they card you some do it right away
FAST card is obtained at customs border crossings and is used like a passport for I.D. purposes. A TWIC card is for specific entrance to ports that receive out of country ships like oil tankers and again is a form of finger printed customs and homeland security I.D. control. Specific offices throughout the U.S. issue these and that info is available on the web. Got mine in an office in Joliet Ill. Dave
twic is available at TSA offices, usually at the local airport-- you start with the 85.00 security background check and for another 85 the twic card, but they want to know where you will need it for-- so waiting for a position is helpful first-- they are both good for 5 years-- you can also get a pass through card for when you fly-- same price again--
Hazmat tanker drivers used to be the highest paid drivers on the road. Now, everyone and their brothers have authority to haul chemicals thereby, cutting the rates thus cutting drivers pay. But, all in all, tankers is the way to go, no lumpers, no grocery warehouses, rarely have anyone looking over your shoulder while unloading, you're the only one there
Was running in Michigan off interstate one time with a smooth boar tanker ahead of me and every time we took a curve the tanker was all over the road. So I called him up on the CB because I thought he was having trouble staying awake and could use someone to chat with to stay awake. He told me he was fine. Just half full and when he was taking curves his load was pushing him around.
Decided I didn’t want to run tankers that day.
Yeah, they can be a handful when not full to the top. Dave
Thanks for your videos Mr. Dave.
I'm 29 years old trucker in Europe. But I use your videos to learn a lot. Very useful.
Fuels have to be pumped. Not pressurized cause it get hot and boom
I can tell and be sure of what I say that the way you explain things makes me watch every moment in this video It is important information from someone who has experience that no one can benefit from or ignore.thx allot
Dave,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I had a friend who pulled chemicals for 35 years and had a good standard of living. It's not for everyone but if I had the health to be truckin, I would be a tanker yanker.
Have you heard of this one, Banked Overtime, it was new to me, only found out after I quit my gravel truck job, big mistake. Banked hours just means when its quiet, they can take hours from your bank, also means your week goes from 5 days to 7.
I am aware of that and it's illegal where I live here in Ontario. The company needs your written permission to do this and nobody ever agrees to it. Dave
.....I dont think you mentioned the one tanker rule to ingrain into your truck driving noodle and that's venting an empty trailer before ever un -dogging the hatches on your trailer .One little momentary lapse in reason or getting ahead of ones self and forgetting .and you can have a a very bad day .
Here in Pennsylvania the gas and oil industry is huge. Water bottle and sand can jobs are always in demand.
BrandonPryorMusic are you in North East ps
...Tankers when sloshing, can push you right into the vehicle in front of you.
Your are following to close if the slosh pushes you into the vehicle in front of you.
I drive a fuel tanker to n OZ . I also used to cart a bulk chemical tanker which had a tautliner on top.