Flatbed Vs Tanker?

I hauled dry van back in the in the day but thinking about switching over to one of these this time around. Would be great to hear from those with experience about the pros and cons of each. I have a little perspective on the flatbed thanks to reading Old School's wonderfully detailed posts. Any advise about driving either would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I hauled dry van back in the in the day but thinking about switching over to one of these this time around. Would be great to hear from those with experience about the pros and cons of each. I have a little perspective on the flatbed thanks to reading Old School's wonderfully detailed posts. Any advise about driving either would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I thought about flatbed and tanker once apon a time then I remember last winter with - 53 weather and my almost not making back into my truck cause I had to cover the grill to keep the wind out and the Truck warm. Not pleasant memories. Nope I will stick to my dry van and drop and hook.

Hmm, yeah that is something to think about. I think I am pretty tough weather wise but -53?

I pulled a food grade tanker for a year and I really loved it. It was such a unique experience.

Pros Of Pulling Tanker:

• Most tractors and tanks are considerably shorter in height than other trucks so low bridges are almost never a concern.
• The liquid settles evenly so you never have to worry about axle weights or sliding tandems. You're only concerned with your gross weight.
• No grocery warehouses! For those who have pulled reefer I don't have to explain my feelings there
• Crosswinds flow nicely around the tank
• You're always loaded pretty much near 80,000 pounds which is great in the winter.
• Loading and unloading times are normally not too bad.
• It's a very unique niche in trucking so it's cool to be doing something unique - makes the job more interesting

Cons of Pulling Tanker

• Sloshing liquid is very dangerous when stopping or going around curves. It also makes it very difficult to shift properly.
• You're always loaded near 80,000 pounds which is rough in the mountains
• You often have to pump off the loads you're delivering the way you see gasoline tankers unloading. You get out the hoses, hook em up to the pump, then climb the ladder on the side of the tank to open the hatch on top to vent it. It's certainly not a big deal but it is work you have to do outside in all weather conditions
• It's considered one of the most dangerous and challenging types of trucking because of the sloshing liquid
• There are rarely any drop and hooks
• Most of the time you have to have the tank washed out after a delivery. So you're burning driving time and sitting around a tank wash for an hour or two on average after each delivery

I loved pulling a tanker. It was unique, interesting, challenging, and had some great upsides to it. I didn't consider the downsides much of a concern.

We have a series of articles on How To Choose A Trucking Company which includes an 8 part series that I wrote covering the differences between the different types of freight. Here's one of the articles called Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part VII: Tankers and Flatbeds.

Also, chapter 4 of our Truck Driver's Career Guide covers how to choose the right truck driving job.

Thank you, Brett, for all the detailed info. I couldn't ask for a better answer. This website is the best resource for trucking advice, hands-down. Thanks so much for doing what you do!

Thank you, Brett, for all the detailed info. I couldn't ask for a better answer. This website is the best resource for trucking advice, hands-down. Thanks so much for doing what you do!

I have to agree. I've been researching the industry this past week to see if it's something I really want to do, and your community has really motivated me to continue. Thank you all for those detailed answers you're so willing to provide.

I pulled dry van part time for about a year before trucking became my new full time occupation. I enjoyed it, but thought there might be a bit more of a challenge in flatbed or tankers. My loving wife is pretty tolerant of my endeavors, but pulled the plug on the tanker idea due to the chemicals and other hazards. So I took to flatbed and haven't a regret; most of the time. (Every job has its days.) What GuyJax said is true, you have to deal with the weather a little more up close and personal. However, that is part of the challenge that I enjoy. I think the variety in flatbed is better than any other area of trucking. You never know where or what you are going to pick up. Some of these steel mills are amazing and delivering an irrigation system to a farmer's field is not something others get to do.

I also like the idea of getting some physical exercise on a very regular basis. Sure, it isn't much fun in the really hot/cold temps, but it does make you appreciate how life is for others that put up with it or even how our ancestors dealt with it. Trying to figure out how you are going to legally secure a load makes for some good mental exercise, too. Here at Melton they have started to haul some of those "euro" tanks that you chain to the deck and have to have a tanker endorsement to get. So in reality, you could get the best of both worlds. Just don't tell my wife.

I love my flatbed, but to each their own since all of us drivers keep the economic engine of the US perking along.

Thanks for the feedback, Larry!

The more I hear about the flatbed world the more intrigued I am. When I hauled dry van I got a little bored with the repetition of going from warehouse to warehouse. The contents varied but it was pretty much the same drill over and over. I like the idea of mental and physical challenges and not knowing what I might haul from one day to the next. When I pass flatbeds on the freeway I am always checking out their loads trying to figure out what they are hauling. I like the idea of getting some exercise, too. I want to keep in shape as much as I can since I'll be sitting a lot. I've spend the last year and a half getting into shape and I want to keep that up as much as possible!

As far as being out in the weather and climbing around on the truck, as long as I have the right gear I'm guessing I'll be ok most of the time. It's all about have the right tools for the job, right?

What about the trucks? Do flatbedders normally get condo style or cracker box sleeper berths?

What about the trucks? Do flatbedders normally get condo style or cracker box sleeper berths?

To answer your question the answer is YES!

Here is the newest truck.....

And here is my ride.... She is a 2001 model but that kitten really purrrrs

Joanna, I've met a few lady flat-bedders out here. I've met at least five ladies working for the same company I'm with, and I remember meeting a real short little black lady that worked for Jordan. I don't know if you've seen any posts by StarCar, but she is one of the moderators and she was a flat-bedder. So, there definitely are some ladies out there doing this, but not a whole lot. I see no reason you can't do it, but there will be days that are challenging.