Question:
I am a newbie leaning towards tankers (coached by brother in law).
What pros and cons have you all experienced with each? I have done some research and see some pluses and minuses. Looking for some more opinions. Thanks and Happy New Year.
Whistlepunk

Answer:
Whistlepunk, I have never pulled tankers. But I have pulled Vans, Reefers, and Flatbeds. I do not like pulling reefers because of the long waits and 2:00am appointment times at the grocery warehouses. Not to mention the unloading or high priced lumper fees. Dry vans are ok, but again there are sometimes long waits to be loaded/unloaded. My choice is to pull a flatbed. No loading or unloading, rarely wait over an hour or so at the shipper or reciever. The tarps are sometimes a pain in the azz. Especially throwing the lumbertarps in the snow and wind. And iif you do not know what you are doing, trying to cover a load of gypsum board with poly in the wind is darn near impossible. (A staple gun comes in handy here) Not real easy to roll a tarp in freezing weather either. But it's all part of the job and you get used to it. When I first started pulling a flatbed, it would take me upwards of 3-4 hours to tarp a load. Now I can usually do it in about an hour, sometimes less. Some people prefer tankers, reefers or Dry vans. I prefer flatbeds.

Answer:
I have hauled both flatbeds and tankers for 11 years now. Flatbeds are by far my favorite, the tarps, and inconsistant work loads pushed me into tankers. If you look at tankers, consider the comodity first. Gasoline/Crude is seasonal, meaning in the winter time it really slows down. Propane is slow in the summer, but gangbusters in the winter. Chemicals seem to be steady mostly year round, but they have there own hazards. Just take your time and really watch what you are doing, and most times it turns out fine.

Answer:
Ive pulled all and IMHO, I think tankers is easiest.Just stick it in and get it sucked off!
Just watch out for that surge.Its a *****.
RC
Proud to be a Truck Dweller!
The most dedicated truck driver, to the single minded pursuit of cheap thrills."Cats are intended to teach us that not everything in nature has a function."
(Ret) Member, Happy Dweller Society,
Owner Operator Division

Answer:
Rooster Cruiser, I have heard about your misadventures pulling tanks. I may have some O/O options for you to think about, if you're ready to throw in the towel with them tanks. If you're interested, let me know what your setup is, where you want to go, and how long you want to stay out. I recall you once saying you prefer cross-country running, so let me know. I don't post my email address here for obvious reasons, but call Hoss and he can get us hooked up.
I can do better than what you've got going now, for sure....... I will have a lease package by Monday, and I can FAX it to you to look over.
Head Warrior, TFBU
On The Mend.....

Answer:
Thanks Joe! Your gonna have email in about 10 minutes!
RC
Proud to be a Truck Dweller!
The most dedicated truck driver, to the single minded pursuit of cheap thrills."Cats are intended to teach us that not everything in nature has a function."
(Ret) Member, Happy Dweller Society,
Owner Operator Division