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Home > Forum > New Operator Has Entered The Chat

New Operator has Entered the Chat

Apr 24, 2022 at 01:47 AM CST
+ 4 - 1
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.

Im a new owner operator based out of Lafayette, IN. I love tankers. There are two Tate and Lyle plants, a grain elevator, a distribution center out here, and a Cargil plant.. I have 2 years food grade experience and willing to learn hazmat chemical and pneumatic.

I have no idea how to get direct loads out of here. And the DAT load board is not really good for tanker loads.

Any suggestions on how to get direct loads? Also how much should I pay for a tank wash? Is tanker work more profitable than flatbed or dryvan work by comparison? I'm also open to any other advice.

Thanks.
Replied on Sun, Apr 24, 2022 at 01:31 PM CST
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.

Don't buy any equipment until you KNOW what you're going to do with it.
Replied on Mon, Apr 25, 2022 at 07:42 AM CST
+ 1
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.
I'm with Dean. Don't buy anything until you have the work. Tankers are specialized. But the best paying work is the work where they NEED you. Work that you look for never pays as good. Good luck though, I wish you the best, it's a tough time to buy anything!
Replied on Mon, Apr 25, 2022 at 07:42 AM CST
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.

I'm excited you're an O/O. I hope everything goes well for you!

I agree with Dean. Dont buy anything until you know what you'll be pulling. Research all your options. If you'r a member of Bulk Loads, call some of the brokers and carriers you see posting loads and ask them. Thats a start! Find other drivers you know and talk to them. We know hoppers because of the area we are in. (In the middle of Kansas) I've looked at the DAT loads boards. They aren't friendly for tankers or hoppers. That's mostly for vans, refeers and flatbeds. I'm not sure what bull-haulers do to find loads.

We were lucky when we started. Pulled regional for a guy that made his drivers talk to the brokers and we grew our contact list off of that. Asked questions about getting set up and how things worked and started up on our own. Learned of other opportunities by word of mouth from other drivers when sitting and waiting to unload/load. We keep growing and learning new things everyday. We've had our own little company for about 7 yrs now.

Most importantly my friend is patience. You'll get there.

Replied on Mon, Apr 25, 2022 at 09:46 AM CST
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.

Aw thanks guys. I never expected this type of positive feedback. Please keep it comming. And yeah tanker work is definitely specialized that's one of the many reasons why I like it so much. I even know how to and willing to pull Doubles/LTL also.

I simply like to learn and drive. I'm still in the process of gathering the right equipment together. But first I'm trying to find the work 1st before I go any further.
Replied on Mon, May 02, 2022 at 09:00 PM CST
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.

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