Profile For Chief

I don't see how backing a tanker can be more difficult. Maybe the spot might be tighter but with a tanker you have so much more visibility and you're 5 feet shorter.

I never stated it was more 'difficult', just that backing up a chemical tanker could rival practically any backing up situation with a box trailer. Until you've actually been inside a chemical plant and can see first hand some of the places you have to back into it's very difficult to understand.

Granted there may be more visibility width and height wise on a tanker but it's the same concept. You're backing up using the edge of the trailer and having to feel where the other side is. Many times there are poles, pipes, catwalks and the such that you have to be aware of that you won't find at a food distro warehouse.

Anyway, the whole point to my reply to the OP was that just because you are in a tanker doesn't mean you won't be backing up much. That's all I was trying to convey, not that any specific type of trailer is more difficult than others.

I've been pulling chemical tankers for a year now. I agree with just about everything posted here except part of Daniel's response to #4.

For fuel tankers, which are typically local hauls, it pretty much is a pull-through type of driving. Most fuel depots are set up so you pull-in to the loading racks and then pull straight through when you're done. Same when you offload, pull into one side of the station and out the other side. Some airports can be different, just depends how the fuel farm is set up.

Can't really say much about food grade as I have never done that or been anywhere where food grade loaded/unloaded.

Here's where I differ from Daniel's response. I can't think of one single place I've been where I didn't have to back up or do some creative maneuvering to get loaded or unloaded. Most chemical plants are VERY tight on space. In my experience (and I have pulled reefers) backing up a chemical tanker can and usually does rival any spot you would have to stick a box.

So...just because one drives a tanker doesn't necessarily mean you won't be backing up. I would just recommend keeping that in mind.

If you take the time to read Brett's book he talks about the various kinds and some of the things associated with each, good and bad. I would suggest reading it. It helped me a lot. I'm leaning towards tankers. I have experience in the chemical manufacturing business and loading sulfuric acid onto tankers, so I know what is involved. I don't know how quickly Prime moves drivers into hauling tankers, but I'm not concerned about that. First it's learn to be an excellent driver and learning the ropes of the industry. When it happens, it happens.

FYI, Prime's tanker division is geographically restricted. Meaning they only run their tankers (food grade only) within a specific triangle. Last time I checked (just a few months ago) your (and my, Panama City) area was out of the triangle. Might want to give them a call if Prime tanker is what you are considering.

GWAD! I have a button on my truck computer that is red. It is a triangle with ! on it. I want to push it so bad to see what it does. I have been scared to do it though. Your story made me laugh so hard. Now I want to push that button even worse!

Are you sure that's an actual button and not just an indicator? If it's the one I'm thinking of it lights up when you have a very important message...such as, you are about to commit an HOS violation!

Seriously though, we use the Qualcomm 110 units. There is no such button. It is just an indicator that reminds you when you have 1 hour, 30 minutes and 15 minutes of drive time left. The actual message has to do with a potential HOS violation.

Looks fine on mini IPad.

Hi Aaron.

My two cents worth. Not only will OTR driving be a big change for you, it will also be a very big change for your wife and children. My advice would be to share everything you learn with your wife and also encourage her to do her own independent research of the industry. She can also sign up on the website and find lots of useful information in the ladies section plus there are several experienced women on here that could share their experiences and wisdom with her.

Whatever you decide to do, it should really be a shared decision, as well as commitment, by both of you.

On a separate note, living in FL is a tough place to get a start in trucking. The freight base can be very specific and limited. While it's not impossible, it just severely restricts you options for starting out.

Best of luck!

No picture to post, but a wayward steer had I-85 N in GA (somewhere around the 136) shut down for a bit. At first I thought it was an accident then I saw the angus just ambling around like he owned the place. The strange things one sees out here.

I was in Shreveport today just entering the on ramp to i49 south. I was still speeding up when this flatbed comes along besides me and his load tips over to the right, and right into my truck and trailer. Neither of us were in each others lane or anything. It is just that there was a slight curve going left and he took it fast enough that these big old john deer pieces he was carrying tilted over far enough that the things hit me.

Problem now is he either did not notice it or he purposely just kept going. I did not get his number or even his company, he was too far ahead to see anything after I got enough sense to look. My jb hunt truck was governed at 61 mph and his was not so there was no hope to catch up with him.

There was no damage to my truck, just a big scrape on the trailer, nothing too serious. I called my company's safety department and they had me file a police report for the hit and run. I have another load tomorrow so I am still employed and all but was not told how this will be classified. Even if it is considered as a non preventable accident I still do not even want that to go on my record.

Anyone have an experience like that? How did it end up?

Based on what you've stated it is not a DOT reportable event and as long as you weren't issued a citation it should not show on either your MVR or your CSA score. How JB Hunt decides to classify it in their files and on your DAC is anyone's best guess.

There is a company (can't remember which one) that puts cameras on that side of the truck specifically for blindside backing.

I drove by it headed south on 65. Does that count?