[Malaki86]

I'm considering the change from dry van to tanker. First, though, I thought I'd get some opinions/comments from those with experience in tankers.

1 - What's the average training time to learn about driving/operating tankers? I've been driving a little over 8 years.

2 - How long does it take to get used to hauling liquid?

3 - Are there any tanker companies running autoshift trucks? My knees definitely aren't the best and some days driving my autoshift is the only way I can manage to drive. No, it's not from the clutch. It's my right knee and the constant movement from working the throttle for the shifting is what gets to me.

4 - I live in north-central WV, about 15 miles south of the I-68/I-79 interchange. Are there any tanker companies that will get me home weekly in this area?

5 - Where do you keep your trailer on your hometime? Something tells me that they wouldn't want me to bring home a loaded HazMat trailer home with me on the weekend.

Any additional info would be great.

[ben45750]

Hey Mal. Kenan Advantage has a terminal in Clarksburg. There is also Slay, they are in Ohio across the river from New Martinsville, WV. Advantage is mostly daycab work but they do run OTR trucks that haul motor oil. Slay is a pretty decent job and lots of home time, have a buddy that drives for them and he likes them.

[Orangetxguy]

Originally Posted by Malaki86

I'm considering the change from dry van to tanker. First, though, I thought I'd get some opinions/comments from those with experience in tankers.

1 - What's the average training time to learn about driving/operating tankers? I've been driving a little over 8 years.

2 - How long does it take to get used to hauling liquid?

3 - Are there any tanker companies running autoshift trucks? My knees definitely aren't the best and some days driving my autoshift is the only way I can manage to drive. No, it's not from the clutch. It's my right knee and the constant movement from working the throttle for the shifting is what gets to me.

4 - I live in north-central WV, about 15 miles south of the I-68/I-79 interchange. Are there any tanker companies that will get me home weekly in this area?

5 - Where do you keep your trailer on your hometime? Something tells me that they wouldn't want me to bring home a loaded HazMat trailer home with me on the weekend.

Any additional info would be great.

Ben told you off those closest to you. If you don't mind a bit more of a commute you will find Enterprise Transportation up in Parker PA. If you don't mind the commute and being out 10 days at a time, then you can go down to Nitro/Belle area, where you will find Enterprise, Slay, Miller, Dana/Suttles/LTC, New River Trucking, Superior Carriersand some that I won't suggest. Enterprise, Slay, Superior Carriers and New River hire company drivers. Dana & friends, and Miller will both want you to buy a truck (Miller will sell you an auto shift), though they both may have an O/O that is looking for a driver.

In Belle and in Washington WV you will find Sentinel Transportation. They only haul DuPont products.

Learning tanks is a piece of cake. Two weeks should see you on your own. Right now is a pretty iffy time to change jobs. I would suggest Sentinel for getting training, and a decent job with the economy the way it is. Once the economy improves you could look at other prospects.