Professionals and Cons of Being a Tanker Truck Driver

When somebody says they’re a truck driver, some individuals would possibly suppose that’s all there may be to it. However for those who’re a driver, regardless of for those who’re in your first yr or a seasoned veteran, you recognize that there are numerous varieties of driving jobs. At present’s highlight is on being a tanker truck driver. What do drivers love about hauling tanker vehicles? What would they modify? Right here’s what it’s essential know for those who’re occupied with turning into a tanker truck driver.

The Professionals

1. Good pay for the business

Tanker truck drivers common $20.32/hour throughout the US. That’s greater than the common hourly wage for a lot of different driving positions. As with every job, pay will increase with endorsements and expertise.

Some tanker truck drivers could have longer hours. The excellent news is that almost all of those jobs are additionally hourly. If in case you have a long term, you’ll receives a commission to your time. 

The pay additionally relies on the fabric you haul. Hazmat driving sometimes earns extra due to the expertise required and further job dangers. 

2. Good advantages

Not all tankers drive Hazmat, however many do. As a result of being a tanker truck driver is taken into account barely extra harmful than different varieties of CDL driving, the advantages are additionally higher. Good medical health insurance, life insurance coverage, and trip days are all commonplace for tanker drivers. 

3. Usually brief load/unload occasions

Loading and unloading a tanker truck is finished with a giant hose. Whilst you would possibly anticipate hours to get your dry van or reefer unloaded, you’re often out and in in 15 – 20 minutes when unloading a tanker. Getting loaded often takes round 45 minutes. 

4. Many drivers are residence each night time

Tanker truck jobs are sometimes regional or native hauls. Frequent residence time is a big perk of being a tanker truck driver. You get to spend extra time with your loved ones and keep nearer to residence whereas doing a job you like.

If residence time is a precedence for you, turning into a tanker truck driver is likely to be a good way to be residence each night time or practically each night time. 

5. Might be no contact freight

As a Hazmat driver, you’re usually no contact. Continuously, your purchasers will deal with loading and unloading, so that you don’t have to fret about heavy hundreds or the legal responsibility of dealing with freight. You should still be hooking up hoses, however you gained’t need to tarp a load on a windy day.

The Cons:

1. Driving takes some adjustment time

When driving a tanker truck that isn’t full to the highest, there may be room to your load to maneuver while you begin and cease. That is known as “surge.” Principally, for those who decelerate too rapidly, the liquid in your load can be a little bit bit behind. A second later, you would possibly really feel the liquid slam into the entrance of the tank. The power could be sufficient to slip your complete truck ahead a number of toes! It’s difficult at first, however most drivers say they adapt rapidly and use protected driving habits.

2. Might be extra harmful than different hauls

In case you’re a tanker truck driver, there’s likelihood you’re hauling Hazmat. Whether or not that’s chemical substances, sizzling oil, gasoline, or one thing else, it does enhance your threat.

Regular actions like checking your load and your driving time could be extra harmful.

Even for those who’re hauling meals grade or different non-hazardous supplies, climbing on high of a tanker truck in icy circumstances could be harmful.

3. Attracts extra consideration from DOT 

Whereas there aren’t any research that formally verify this, some drivers report that Hazmat drivers have a tendency to attract extra consideration from DOT. This additionally could rely upon the popularity of the corporate you’re driving for and the area you’re driving in.

4. Security tools

In case you’re a hazmat driver, you should have a couple of further security necessities. A giant one is the uniform you put on. In case you’re a tanker driver, you sometimes put on hearth resistant coveralls and an H2 monitor as safety from poisonous fumes.

In case you stay in a sizzling a part of the nation, it’s not all the time comfy, but it surely’s a small value to pay to maintain your self a little bit safer.

Throughout load and unload occasions, additionally, you will put on security glasses and a helmet with a face protect to scale back your threat. 

The Take Away

As with every job, there are professionals and cons to being a tanker truck driver. If residence time and good pay are a excessive precedence, this is likely to be the right job for you. There are further dangers for tanker truck drivers, however there are additionally particular guidelines to assist drivers keep protected. Total, most drivers who haul tanker vehicles say they adore it and are by no means going again.