Tanker driver jobs

When someone introduces themselves as a truck driver, some listeners may believe that this is the whole extent of their occupation. However, if you are a driver, regardless of whether this is your first year on the job or you are a seasoned veteran, you are aware that there are a variety of vocations that include driving. The occupation of a tanker truck driver is going to be in the limelight today. What aspects of driving a tanker truck are most enjoyable for drivers? What do you think they would change? If you are considering a career as a tanker truck driver, the following information is crucial for you to be aware of.

The Pros

1. Acceptable wages in relation to the industry

The national average wage for tanker truck drivers in the United States is $20.32 an hour. That is far greater than the typical hourly income offered by the majority of other driving jobs. Pay rises with endorsements and experience, just as it would with any other career.

Some tanker truck drivers may have longer hours. The good news is that the vast majority of these positions pay on an hourly basis. You will be compensated for your time if the run is very lengthy.

The remuneration is also influenced by the kind of cargo that is transported. The additional expertise and responsibility necessary to drive a hazardous materials vehicle often results in a higher salary.

2. Good benefits

Although not all tankers drive Hazmat, a significant number of them do. Because driving a tanker truck is seen as being somewhat riskier than driving other kinds of commercial vehicles, the perks associated with the job are much higher. Tanker drivers are often provided with generous benefits, including health insurance, life insurance, and vacation time.

3. Typically quick timeframes for loading and unloading

A sizable hose is used for both the loading and unloading processes of a tanker truck. When you're unloading a tanker, the process typically just takes 15–20 minutes, in contrast to the hours that you could have to wait in order to have your dry van or reefer emptied. It takes around half an hour, on average, to load everything.

4. Each night, a good number of drivers go to their homes.

The majority of tanker trucking jobs involve regional or local hauling. The ability to go home on a regular basis is a significant benefit of being a tanker truck driver. You are able to remain closer to home and spend more time with your loved ones when you pursue a career that interests you.

5. This freight cannot be handled in any way

As a driver for hazardous materials, you are often out of reach. Your customers will usually take care of loading and unloading the freight, which relieves you of the responsibility of managing big loads and the liability that comes along with handling freight. You may still be required to link up hoses, but on windy days, you won't have to cover a cargo with a tarp.

The Cons:

1. Driving needs some adjusting time

As you're behind the wheel of a tanker truck that isn't completely filled, there is space for the cargo to shift about when you start and stop. The term for this phenomenon is "surge." If you slow down too rapidly, the liquid in your load will be a little bit behind schedule. This is basically the case. After a few seconds, you should be able to feel the liquid crashing against the front of the tank. It's possible that the power is strong enough to push your whole vehicle a few feet ahead! The majority of drivers report that they are able to adjust fast and maintain safe driving behaviors, despite the fact that it is first tough.

2. May provide a greater risk than other types of hauls

There is a strong probability that you are transporting hazardous materials if you are the driver of a tanker truck. It doesn't matter whether it's chemicals, hot oil, gasoline, or another substance; the fact is that the danger is increased.

In ice circumstances, standing on top of a tanker truck poses a risk even if you are transporting food grade or other non-hazardous goods.

3. Becomes the focus of increased attention from DOT

Although there are no studies that can officially corroborate this, several drivers claim that the Department of Transportation pays extra attention to them because they transport hazardous materials. This may also rely on the reputation of the firm that you drive for as well as the location that you live in when you do your driving.

4. Safety equipment

As a driver of hazardous materials, you will be subject to a few additional safety regulations. The uniform that you have to wear is a significant factor. Tanker drivers are normally required to wear coveralls that are resistant to fire as well as an H2 monitor as a form of protection from harmful gases.

Additionally, you will protect yourself from potential danger by using safety glasses and a helmet fitted with a face shield while you are loading or unloading cargo.