Profile For TheSchmeltz

Again, thank you all for your input. I know the other day I came off bull headed about this situation and even became argumentative. I sincerely apologize about that. I completely understand where you all are coming from and understand that you all have my best interest in mind. I really do appreciate that and that is why I first posted this post. Currently I am going to look in to other options. Driving a tanker is still something that intrigues me but clearly I need to get better experience first. The tankers aren’t going anywhere! Lol. Although I’m not sure what route to take next, I will look into something not quite as dangerous. Thank you all again, and once more , I apologize for the attitude earlier. Safe travels!

I do apologize for becoming defensive. Itjust seems that I’m being made out to be fresh out of school and never being behind the wheel. I will take all of the comments of this post into consideration and I value all of your opinions. Perhaps I may have taken on more than I can chew. Again, thank you all for your advice.

I want to let you all know that I am not going into this blind

So then you've considered the fact that you're taking the lives of innocent families into your own inexperienced hands and accepting a job you do not yet have the experience or skill set to handle safely?

If you received a phone call today saying a family member was killed by an inexperienced truck driver who decided to take a job they weren't yet prepared to handle, how would you feel about that? Wouldn't the obvious thought be, "Why would he do that?? Why wouldn't he have gotten a little experience first instead of putting other people's lives at risk?"

It's a fair question.

There are plenty of safer job opportunities out there that pay just as well and can get you home on the same schedule. I think you should reconsider your choice.

I take this into consideration every time I get behind the wheel of not only my work truck but also my personal vehicle. And to say I don’t hold the experience or skill set to perform this job is wrong. How do you know what skills I have? Have been in a truck with me? I’ve driven in snow and ice conditions, I do it every day! Ive been behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle for 3+ years. Yes, you’re right, not pulling a tanker, but that is where training comes in. I wouldn’t put myself in a situation that I can’t handle or don’t feel comfortable in. Safety is always top priority and I will not jeopardize that for innocent drivers, or myself.

Thank you all for your input so far. I want to let you all know that I am not going into this blind. I have researched what comes with hauling a tanker and am not taking it lightly. By no means do I think this is going to be an easy job. I decided to go this route with my career for a couple different reasons. The challenge of it being one of them. Pulling soda around for the last year and half hasn’t been bad but it’s not for me. I want more of a challenge. Another reason I took this job is because of the company I’ll be working for. I have heard nothing but good about them. They will be putting me through a few weeks of training and I plan on soaking it all in. The home time they offer is good and certainly beats being gone weeks ata a time doing otr.

Do you have any experience? That's a really tough way to start this career. Tell us a little more about it.

I’ll be driving for Caledonia Haulers.

No, this is not my first driving job, I hauled garbage for 2 years ( class b ) and most recently have been working for Dr Pepper delivering out of a 28’ pup trailer.

I’m starting with a local company hauling a food grade tanker. I’m looking for any and all advice you might be able to offer up! Thank you in advance!