Seriously, How dangerous is it really?.... Hauling fuel?
#41
07-14-2007, 06:26 PM
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Wilson, NC
Posts: 4,154
The biggest piece of advice I could give you is-NEVER GET COMPLACENT with this job as it will bite you in the ass if you do. Always check and then re-check your connections before ever pulling a handle. It only takes a second to make a huge mistake. As far as being dangerous-of course it can be. You just need to always remember what you are hauling and be the best defensive driver you can be. I never got cut off in a van as much as I do in a fuel tanker. I guess people think it doesnt look as big so it cant do as much damage.
Ben, also remember that you will be loading and unloading in all types of weather so there will be times you'll sweat, get drenched, freeze etc... Oh and be very aware of your surroundings, not all delivery points will be in very good places and if you are riding at night some of the stores will be closed when you pull in to deliver. Kenan frowns upon drivers carrying weapons on the trucks. Be very careful!!!
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#42
07-14-2007, 07:47 PM
Originally Posted by Doctor Who
The biggest piece of advice I could give you is-NEVER GET COMPLACENT with this job as it will bite you in the ass if you do. Always check and then re-check your connections before ever pulling a handle. It only takes a second to make a huge mistake. As far as being dangerous-of course it can be. You just need to always remember what you are hauling and be the best defensive driver you can be. I never got cut off in a van as much as I do in a fuel tanker. I guess people think it doesnt look as big so it cant do as much damage.
Ben, also remember that you will be loading and unloading in all types of weather so there will be times you'll sweat, get drenched, freeze etc... Oh and be very aware of your surroundings, not all delivery points will be in very good places and if you are riding at night some of the stores will be closed when you pull in to deliver. Kenan frowns upon drivers carrying weapons on the trucks. Be very careful!!! I think your advice applies no matter what you haul. you run a load of soda off a mountain, it doesnt explode, but you are just as dead..
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#43
07-15-2007, 02:53 AM
First, I have to say that for years I've been reading great advice and have picked up many helpful tips off the forum board. Thanks to all that take the time to share what they know.
Skywalker wrote
"It may be that some of the companies that do that, will do it because they can get their hands on a new driver....who probably has zero tickets, zero accidents on his MVR, who did very well in his/her schooling, made a good impression and handled the interview process well, also did very well on a driving test.
Also, if they can get the right candidate....they can train them to safely and properly do the job.....before they end up working for a bottomfeeder company and acquire a whole raft of bad driving and work habits. They probably spend far more time in the training process than any "freighthauler" outfit will ever spend on them. Go figure, huh?" I count myself as one of the fortunate ones that was accepted as a "new out of school driver" with a tanker company that is willing take the time and spend the money to train me as a tanker driver hauling dangerous goods. It is very much what Skywalker said. I went into the interview making sure it was understood I wanted to learn how to be a "Professional Driver" not just another truck driver. My training will be 5-7 weeks with a lady trainer that has 28 years driving experience and has a no nonsense approach to what I need to learn. I love driving truck, and and after 3 weeks of training I find I like pulling a tanker, and I take my job seriously. After all, we all want to get home safely.
#44
07-15-2007, 04:45 AM
Originally Posted by Cluggy619
And as you will learn, with the vapor recovery laws soon to cover everywhere(if not in your area already)
#46
07-15-2007, 07:29 AM
I was told that the tanker division of JB hunt didnt work out. the drivers kept drowning when they tried to put the load locks on
#47
07-15-2007, 10:20 AM
Originally Posted by ben45750
Originally Posted by Cluggy619
And as you will learn, with the vapor recovery laws soon to cover everywhere(if not in your area already)
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Anyone can learn to drive a truck. Few become truck drivers. 'Deja moo. It's when you feel you have heard this BS before. 
#48
07-15-2007, 10:25 AM
Originally Posted by yoopr
Don't forget the Ground connection
At least those that I know of. The only pumps I know that don't use those connection is the railyard where you use portable pumps to unload the ethanal. Which I am happy to say, I am banned for life from there.  :shock:
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Anyone can learn to drive a truck. Few become truck drivers. 'Deja moo. It's when you feel you have heard this BS before.
#50
07-15-2007, 10:28 PM
Senior Board Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Pulling a Tanker for Superior Carriers!!
Posts: 3,000
Originally Posted by sidman82
I have driven tankers for a good number of years. I will have to say it is more dangerous than other jobs because of the products involved.
When one drives a tanker, one has to be far more aware, exercise more care, and just be a better driver overall. There is no room for amateurish nonsense. I don't consider it to be anymore hazardous, though, than pulling a 53' van to the South Bronx, or some of the other more "scenic" places I've been. Nor do I consider it to be more hazardous than some of my other occupations... particularly during the period of 68 to 70.... What I found interesting was what I found on Safersys: http://www.safersys.org/query.asp?se...NC#Inspections Thats Superior Carriers...and the two fatalities were our drivers. One of whom was killed in a rollover trying to evade a person intentionally trying to cause an accident. That person is now in prison for Negligent Homicide for about 10years. Witnesses fingered him. The other driver was apparently trying to also evade/avoid an accident and left the road. No witnesses, so they really don't know what happened. Here's Groendyke: http://www.safersys.org/query.asp?se...RANSPORT%20INC Here's Kenan: http://www.safersys.org/query.asp?se...PORT%20COMPANY I believe the "hazards" can be avoided for the most part, but other bad drivers are harder to avoid...and sometimes can't.....but in that event, it really doesn't matter what you are driving... The keys to it are simple: Being SAFE all the time. No hurrying. Doing it right the first time. The only reasons I left the job hauling fuel....were the lousy pay that FL Rock paid...less than they promised because it was by the load and they couldn't keep you busy at that time, and the really lousy hours. Other than that...it wasn't a bad job. I'll stick to Chemical Tanker work...I LIKE!!
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