I have 15 months OTR experience driving a van but I am considering driving a tanker for my next gig.

I am sure I will recieve proper training but i would guess you would take turns 10-15mph below the posted speed limit.

I have seen some tanker trucks fly past me taking curves at 65-70mph I assume they must have been empty.

The whole idea of rolling a tanker causes me to hesitate and stick to vans.

 

Why would you worry about rolling a tanker...especially if you don't worry about rolling a van? A tanker is going to hold together in a roll-over...unless you go into a curve doing well over the posted "suggested speed" of that curve.

As for hauling tanks..it's just like anything else...it takes time to learn to do it properly. If you learn to do it properly...then you should automaticly be doing it safely.

 

Its not that bad at all. Sometimes the surge will hit you pretty good. but you get used to it. As far as curves go, I was taught that if you can feel the centrifugal force in a curve you are going to fast. That may be extreme but it works. HTH

 

I agree, mdf1576. I always told myself that if a curve was trying to pull my body out of the seat, I was taking the curve too fast.

 

I had a load of transmission fluid to GMC Truck & Coach. At the guard shack, I was given a map of the plant and told that a pipe fitter would help me hook up. I was so naive. I thought this would be easy. I pulled down an alley in the plant complex and waited. Before long, a man in sport coat and tie came along. He said, "I'm the pipe fitter. There is the pipe you hook to. I'll be back in an hour to sign your bills." Then he went through a gap in the chain link fence to a tavern across the street.

 

It's all about having respect for what you're pulling behind you. Just take it slow and easy and you shouldn't have a problem.

I always do 10mph below the posted speed for the sharp curves. IMO that seems to be safe for any curve that I've encountered.

 

Ohio.......Nothing to fear. I think that Orangetxguy was absolutely on the money with "If you learn to do it properly...then you should automaticly be doing it safely. Fuel Hauling pays well.....and you are home everyday! Of course, if you still are looking for OTR, there is some very good info on here from the OTR tanker yankers. (search under author "Cyanide"). Whether you decide to stay out there with the "big dogs" or remain behind with us "pups," I think you'll be fine as long as you have a healthy respect for safety.

 

What he says is correct! As so was what "Orangetxguy" said!

It isn't the tank thats "dangerous"....it would be the driver. If one is a safe driver who has taken the time to learn and understand his or her craft, then there is no issue where safety is concerned.

 

ditto,ditto,ditto.

I can only give you what I know,I wished I had found this job in my first couple of years of driving,oh all the headaches I would've missed from pulling freight. :lol:

 

The first time I yanked tanks I thought this ain't for me. I been yankin for 20 years now. I have having to hump freight with a dry van.