having a hard time getting a hazmat job

They pay based on experience but are capped out at 29.50/hour tops. They’re pretty flexible on scheduling. Some run 5/2 5/3, some run a straight 5/2. Some guys from Houston will come up to West Texas and run a straight 6/1. The company pays for housing and transportation.

 

I left Sun Coast almost 3 years ago, if $29.50 is tops then evidently they have rolled back the ‘top’. It was nearly $32.00 hr at the time.
One of the biggest issues of consternation, was the drivers that came out from Houston was they were allowed to do all their driving within the State of Texas, so they logged all their time under TX hours of service, not the Federal HOS. In a weeks time, that’s not a small amount of coin, us ‘local’ drivers were forced to cross state lines.

 

Can confirm: Reladyne reduced top pay and Houston drivers flying in, running 6/1s and taking many loads still annoys existing drivers.

 

Doesn't read like there's much "fun in the Sun"....

-- L

 

You were right. I was wrong. $32.00/hr is still the top pay.

 

The GOOD: I have tank/hazmat endorsements (doubles/triples too) with experience in baffled and single bore tanks. Some hazmat loads, some food grade. I have experience with end dump and pneumatic trailers most recently working for a pool/gunite company hauling! the bulk material. I have a crystal clear criminal background, can pass a hair test, clean MVR and PSP, clean drug/alcohol clearinghouse, TWIC card, current DOT medical obviously, and for what's its worth, I'm a dual branch veteran with honorable discharge from both branches (Army/ AF). I'm not saying I'm better than a non-veteran by any means. I just know companies like to see that. In fact, when I list the BAD next, you will see that I"m not better than anyone. I have about 5 years total experience.

The BAD: I have had a lot of jobs, and am considered a job hopper. I'm not running from that. I own it. I've quit jobs b/c of safety issues on equipment that wasn't getting fixed after repeated requests. I've quit after only 10 days b/c I only got 1000 miles total, and spent my 1st 5 days with said company sitting at a Loves truck stop. I've quit b/c my ex-wife (wife at the time) was getting lonely and needed more help back home with with our 2 young boys. I've quit b/c I was sick of 1099 IC work. I've quit b/c the grass seemed greener elsewhere. I've quit after 2 months on a job. Its not pretty.

Point is is that with all of the GOOD I listed, I feel that I have canceled that out with the BAD/
my job hopping. I disqualify myself from even applying for jobs b/c I automatically assume I won't get hired. And I just recently became unemployed again for neglect of equipment by the company, some of which would be DOT violations.

I'm sharing this b/c I'm at a crossroad. I feel like I've quit enough jobs that I can't possibly succeed in this industry with a reputable company. Especially now with the way the market is.

I'm open to reading comments from other drivers, positive and negative.

God Bless

 

What was the “neglect of equipment” specifically?

 

First, that your for your service, it is greatly appreciated.
What’s your definition of a ‘reputable company’?
Thru all my years in this industry, I have noticed former military either ‘fall right into trucking’, have zero challenges adapting to the ‘command structure’ of private industry. Others, depending on the duration of that military service, and how high in rank they achieved in that very stringent/structured ‘command structure’, take years to adapt, some never do and seek other vocations.

 

Im in Austin and I Took a local job hauling Welding tanks ,Propane and Nitrogen /Oxygen Dewars . Work 35 to 40 hrs a week but get paid for 40 regardless with a little percentage on certain accounts . Involves labor but the hours have me off early everyday .

 

@txboy10 --

Suggestion: since you have 2 young boys -- it's fair to say that you probably need a gig that has you home daily.

Thus -- if you have not already done so -- seek out & apply for fuel-hauling jobs in your area.

Try to score a fuel job that either:

• pays you by the hour (& NOT by the load) -- OR
• has a decent minimum weekly pay guarantee, that is reasonably easy to attain

When you get such an offer -- take it --then KEEP IT (for a good while).

Fuel is actually pretty easy work, once you get the hang of it. It pays pretty good, to excellent -- depending on the fleet in question.

Good fuel haulers are always a sought-after prize.

Fuel also makes a great stepping stone to other opportunities, later on (assuming your safety record is good).

-- L