My New Job

I haven't been on here in a bit, as things have been busy. I'd been keeping in touch with a tanker trucking company I'd had my eye on even before I went into trucking. They reached out to me over a month ago and offered to bring me onboard. I gave two+ weeks notice at my other job, finished a week of orientation and training ("tank school"), and then spent a week doing local runs with a trainer. I just finished my first week solo.

I love the culture of this company so far and the additional learning/challenge of operating tankers (both the driving and the pumping/airing off the tanks). They also have an hourly pay structure that kicks in whether you're driving, loading, unloading, getting a washout, etc. That pay structure just sits better with me psychologically.

I'm humbled and glad for the opportunities that have opened up for me since I started trucking. My stress is much less than it was before I made the career change; I love the challenge, adventure, and travel; and I'm already making more money than I did in my previous career, despite 17 years' of experience.

Anyone need 6,000 gallons of kosher-grade canola oil? ;-)

Congrats Matt. Best load I hauled and wished would have had heel was Padron Tequilla. Lol,

The tanker world is alot different. Always be smooth and it’s not as bad. I loved it and did it 5.5 years. Folks you deal with are generally a cut above most warehouse workers and actually glad to see you. I never had to pump anything, just aired off. Always make sure you respect it. Low pressure/high volume can be very dangerous.

I’m slowing down these days so went back to hauling headstones.

Congrats Matt!

I'll pass on the Canola oil, I'm more of an olive oil kind of guy.

Safe travels and enjoy your new job.

I haven't been on here in a bit, as things have been busy. I'd been keeping in touch with a tanker trucking company I'd had my eye on even before I went into trucking. They reached out to me over a month ago and offered to bring me onboard. I gave two+ weeks notice at my other job, finished a week of orientation and training ("tank school"), and then spent a week doing local runs with a trainer. I just finished my first week solo.

I love the culture of this company so far and the additional learning/challenge of operating tankers (both the driving and the pumping/airing off the tanks). They also have an hourly pay structure that kicks in whether you're driving, loading, unloading, getting a washout, etc. That pay structure just sits better with me psychologically.

I'm humbled and glad for the opportunities that have opened up for me since I started trucking. My stress is much less than it was before I made the career change; I love the challenge, adventure, and travel; and I'm already making more money than I did in my previous career, despite 17 years' of experience.

Anyone need 6,000 gallons of kosher-grade canola oil? ;-)

I haven't been on here in a bit, as things have been busy. I'd been keeping in touch with a tanker trucking company I'd had my eye on even before I went into trucking. They reached out to me over a month ago and offered to bring me onboard. I gave two+ weeks notice at my other job, finished a week of orientation and training ("tank school"), and then spent a week doing local runs with a trainer. I just finished my first week solo.

I love the culture of this company so far and the additional learning/challenge of operating tankers (both the driving and the pumping/airing off the tanks). They also have an hourly pay structure that kicks in whether you're driving, loading, unloading, getting a washout, etc. That pay structure just sits better with me psychologically.

I'm humbled and glad for the opportunities that have opened up for me since I started trucking. My stress is much less than it was before I made the career change; I love the challenge, adventure, and travel; and I'm already making more money than I did in my previous career, despite 17 years' of experience.

Anyone need 6,000 gallons of kosher-grade canola oil? ;-)

I'm so happy for ya, Matt! You put your year in, and moved on. That's the way to do it; if one so chooses, and/or if/when opportunities arise. It's a whole new ballgame, isn't it? I learned in reverse, myself . . . and I don't mean the gear, LoL! I'm still afraid to back a box; too long, too tall..haha!

I'm looking forward to hearing more, as it becomes available to share with Trucking Truth. It's always awesome to hear from y'all tanker yankers, as we've not had many for quite awhile...poor PJ was the 'sole switchboard.'

Many of our tank guys on here don't stop in much, so .. we've passed the torch!!

I'm with PJ, if you ever end up w/heel of 'something good,' let me know! Then again, Bill has it right....I'm an 'Olive Oil' kinda girl, and I don't mean Popeye's wife.....! We actually put good use to some asphalt heel back in the day, right on our road. (Oops, SHHHH....Anne.)

Matt, this is an EXCITING example of what can open up, after a year of training and driving via company paid/sponsored acquirement of one's CDLA.

Thanks for sharing, stay safe & keep learning. Photos as ya can, please~

~ Anne ~

Congrats Matt on your new adventure in tankers....Kosher? canola oil? hahaha Now if it was 6,000 gallons of gas or diesel, you'd be sold out in an hour hahaha.......Enjoy the new job, and stay safe out there

Congratulations on and good luck with your new job, MM. I second PJ’s advice… be mindful of the pressure inside your tank. Air pressure not properly bled off thru bleeder valves has caused more harm/injury than the commodities we carry.

Holy crow! That year went by stupidly fast! (Or am I mis-remembering?) Either way, congrats on the new gig!

Holy crow! That year went by stupidly fast! (Or am I mis-remembering?)

Solo started March 2022 according to Matt's Bio.

Thanks PackRat! I thought I was losing my marbles! Matt I hope your new gig is everything you need it to be, and more!

Holy crow! That year went by stupidly fast! (Or am I mis-remembering?)

Solo started March 2022 according to Matt's Bio.

Holy crow! That year went by stupidly fast! (Or am I mis-remembering?) Either way, congrats on the new gig!

Don't feel bad, I thought he started during this past winter. I don't remember him being out here for a year! Should have asked PackRat, he remembers a lot of trivial stuff 😉

Laura