If you think hauling a hazmat tanker might be for you, start prepping now. Most companies want several years of experience and are looking for squeaky-clean driving records. Not sure whether hazmat tanker jobs are the best freight for you?
1.WHAT IS A HAZMAT TANKER DRIVER?
A hazmat tanker driver is a professional truck driver who is endorsed to transport hazardous materials over the road. In this role, you must be specially trained to follow painstaking safety standards as part of your daily duties to ensure the safety of the general population.
A few examples of hazardous materials are gases, explosives, corrosive chemicals, poisons, and radioactive materials to name a few.
2. WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW?
Safety is a top priority for all truck drivers, but for hazmat tanker drivers, that’s even more true. Hauling hazardous chemicals means that the consequences of accidents or spills are more severe. With a hazmat load, route planning is key. The big difference between hauling hazardous and non-hazardous materials is the level of caution and stress involved. Drivers need to be extra careful with hazardous materials.
Some materials are highly sensitive and have a small delivery window, so being on time and making reliable deliveries is very important.
3. REQUIREMENTS
Before even getting started in this job, drivers will need extra endorsements. There is also a minimum age and education requirement. Drivers must be at least 21 years old to haul Hazmat materials and have their high school diploma
4. ARE YOU READY TO START?
The demand for hazmat tanker jobs is expected to grow in the coming years. Even if you’re not ready for a job change right now, you can start getting ready for the switch. A lot of companies want drivers with 3+ years of experience and a clean driving record. Having a clean driving record is especially important for hazmat jobs. If you don’t already have it, you will also need your hazmat tanker endorsement before you start hauling.
Hazmat tanker jobs need good, clean driving, a detail-oriented person, and someone with a lot of patience!
