Is there a lot of tight backing with Hazmat tankers?

Just park on the CAT scale. Nobody uses them anyway. Get shut down early though. That's one of the first parking spots to go.

 

So, you wanna pull a cargo of dangerous, often flammable material with a minimum amount of experience and doubt in your maneuvering capabilities... Seems legit.

 

Get in where you fit in!

 

I haven't pulled tankers but others who have can answer your first question.

I do have a hazmat endorsement. And I know different outfits have different pay rates. For example, one that never pulls hazmat loads won't pay the driver anything extra. Another will pay the driver extra for just hazmat loaded miles. And another will pay extra for ALL miles (loaded, empty, hazmat, non-hazmat). So you just have to ask.

Be careful with parking at motel spots. They may not care or they might raise a stink if you do not rent a room.

If you are carrying hazmat - placarded load or not - park only at designated safe havens.

You sound new which probably means you drive for a large or midsize company. Remember - all it takes is one phone call from the motel manager with your truck and trailer number.

If you must park tractor+trailer in these places, park as far away as possible from the check-in office. And ALWAYS leave as soon as your 10 is up. Otherwise, you'll just draw unnecessary attention to yourself.

In order to avoid these scenarios, try to get an early start so you can arrive at a truck stop before the evening crowd. This will increase the odds you'll find an easy spot to park.

I realize getting an early start isn't always possible, so take it upon yourself to learn how to back.

All truck drivers should learn how to back safely and efficiently. We were all new once. But a driver who doesn't take the time and effort to practice backing will get very little sympathy.

 

Maybe... just a thought.... learn to back a truck up....
Avoiding it just prolongs your inexperience.

 

So you wanna be a suicide jocky...

 

They pay the most because the accessorial pays are much better. The only risk is speeding; drive the speed limit and when exiting the interstate drive 10 mpg slower than posted speed.
Backing is easy because tankers don't block your view like reefers or dry van trailers do.
Don't need driving experience to work for some tanker outfits; just a cdl school diploma.

 

How about dry bulk if people don't want to deal with hazmat

 

Dry bulk is good too. I've done liquid and dry bulk.
@VIDEODROME - these have terminals in the warmer climates such as Las Vegas.
Apex Bulk Commodities - Minimum 6 months or more of verifiable Class ‘A’ Commercial Motor Vehicle experience. Apex converts to ALL HOURLY pay for its drivers, plus OVERTIME after 40 hours.
A&R Logistics - 6 mos. Class 'A' driving experience.
Pan Western
NO PRIOR BULK PNEUMATIC EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED- WE TRAIN ON HOW TO OPERATE PNEUMATIC TANKERS