What would you choose?

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MasterFibber@reddit

Double tankers. DOT fucks hard with hotshot drivers

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heavydisme@reddit

The tanker is almost exactly my schedule, but at $50/hour, and it’s not doubles. Fuck that.

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ptk77@reddit (OP)

Jesus where do you work making 50 an hour?

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I know of two drivers that died in a tanker crash. My dad worked for ARCO and when he got promoted out of his truck into the the terminal operator position we were happy. 2 weeks later, his closest friend, Bill Schenk swerved to avoid hitting a blacked out car on I-710N after Firestone flipped and caught fire. Firefighters couldn’t do anything but listen to the man scream. They have the dash footage and the cctv cameras that over looked the freeway/fence line. I have mad respect for truckers in general. Rare breed that i wish I could’ve been part of. Tankers are built different. Y’all driving a literal bomb around.

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AllyBeetle@reddit

Non-trucker here, What do you call that axle arrangement on the tanker trailer? Thanks in advance!

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joshc1957@reddit

If you leave the hotshot position, sign me up on your way out.

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Commercial-Whole7382@reddit

That’s what I’m saying lol sign me up

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Ipad207@reddit

Hotshot has a nice schedule imo. Tanker schedule kinda sucks. Also with hotshot you don’t have a pipe bomb strapped to you

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neonclown@reddit

Unless you’re hot shotting a pipe bomb. There’s something I never thought I’d type.

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AnomalousSquid@reddit

Oilfield hotshots frequently do just that. Perforating tools are explosive charges in a length of pipe.

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SchrodingersRapist@reddit

and now you're on a list

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Fresh_Hospital_7128@reddit

With a name like that I think the correct wording would be we. But worry not I'll be there too

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SchrodingersRapist@reddit

Oh, I'm on all the lists even the ones not made yet

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Mdmrtgn@reddit

Anyone with a brain cell is on a list now.

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BigEdUtah@reddit

Hahahahahahaha k I laughed hard at that

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Auquaholic@reddit

Me too! 🤣

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yuuurp3@reddit

That's gotta be a new sentence.

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ManfredTheCat@reddit

The tanker is 60 hours per week with one week pto. Gross.

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Simplenipplefun@reddit

$37 an hour isnt enough for that shit unless youre single and 22 years old. Then work that shit like a dog until you buy a house with cash, then find a good woman and do the hotshot gig.

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ManfredTheCat@reddit

Imagine having the back of a 22 year old again, amirite?

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JustABrokenDownHobo@reddit

I haven't had the back of a 22 year old since I was 16

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Exnoss89@reddit

This was too funny

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stakeandegg@reddit

I have a couple in my basement now.

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DirectionLow357@reddit

You should let them out before you get kidnapping charges.

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Daddybatch@reddit

Stfu lol

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HasManyMoreQuestions@reddit

It's not even $37/hr now. It's the possibility to earn $37/hr in the 3rd year of employment. OP, I'd stick to hotshot.

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ClementngKR@reddit

By then have fun with all the health problems....back/ obesity...and whatnot

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Adventurous-Cut-4362@reddit

Neither I’m not gay

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G_DuBs@reddit

Top one because I am not actually a trucker and just browse this sub because I find it interesting. And I would fuck that big up like no other. Much respect for y’all.

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frankie310cpt@reddit

Monday-friday what else could you ask for. I worked 3 years for a company that only gave me weekdays off. Missed out on so much family events, parties, life etc just for the company to go defunct

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JumpToCollusions@reddit

Tanks

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Axiom1100@reddit

Hotshot all the way… maybe ask for a few more $ per hour, bring it up to $30 That’s a fair gig tho

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bobsanidiot@reddit

I'll take that hotshot gig

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silverdew125@reddit

I'm not a trucker but, potential $37 sound like it ain't gonna happen. Hotshot free healthcare and great PTO sounds really great tbh

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BleachIF@reddit

Send me the info om the hotshot gig lmao

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node1729@reddit

yeah no kidding, I'd go to hotshotting if this was the quality I'd get

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Automatic-Reason9649@reddit

Death! (By snu snu)

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JackKovack@reddit

Look at all that potential meth!

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HFolb23@reddit

Stay in the small truck. That’s a sweet schedule, working nights sucks IMO and the fact that you have free healthcare and can borrow the truck tells me you work for a company that actually cares about their employees too.

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ptk77@reddit (OP)

They do. That's one reason it would be hard to leave. When my mom passed away they let me take as much time off as I needed. Took about a week and a half off. When I asked them if I could use sick time or PTO to make up that lost time, they said don't worry about it... it was on them.

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wreckitralph334@reddit

What company is that? I'm done with big companies and I'm trying to get in with these small companies but the ones that I've been talking to can't get their shit together and it's taking forever to actually get started

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TruckFluster@reddit

Absolutely do not leave there

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TheLexoPlexx@reddit

Choose that company.

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Threedawg@reddit

Better yet, use the offer letter in hand to negotiate a slightly higher wage

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IceLessTrash2@reddit

If you have a hazmat certification. You should be paid more. I agree with this. Even it it is only goi.g to get you a 32-hour. That company sounds great.

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Threedawg@reddit

Yup. Just because a company is great to you, doesn't mean that it's wrong to negotiate a slightly higher wage!

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SexyWampa@reddit

You don't quit companies like that. The tanker place will just treat you like a number and run you into the ground.

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Animekid04@reddit

Or into a bridge

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Powwdered_Toastman@reddit

Or off a bridge tunnel? (Happened here in MD, idk how it works. Lol but it did )

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Leinadius@reddit

Or under a bridge. Where the truck can catch fire.

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Ok-Establishment2164@reddit

And then blow up the bridge.

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murkymoon@reddit

Why can't I find any companies like this?

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assfish9000@reddit

How did you get into the dedicated hotshot position? Looking to get into it but trying to start off and find loads all on my own sounds tedious especially since I’d be putting all my eggs into that basket if I went down that road. Also, are you 1099 as a hot shot driver?

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ptk77@reddit (OP)

Started out with a small company, making deliveries in a pickup truck. As they grew they needed a commercial driver. Since I already had some experience driving tow trucks and box trucks they decided to put me through truck driving school to get my commercial license. They paid almost five grand for it and I volunteered my time on the weekend to attend the school. Once I had my commercial license, they bought the Hot Shot rig. The truck driving school was expensive because they also offered passenger endorsement which I took. So yeah my endorsements say TPX. Drove limos part time for a while but that company sucked and the AC didn't work in any of the limos. Broke down constantly. Passengers complained constantly and I don't blame them. Would have been a fun gig if everything worked properly. Glad I got out when I did because the brakes failed on one of those limos and killed the driver.

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Simplenipplefun@reddit

Sounds like they invested in you and they are a good company. Im sure if a little bump in pay is what you need to feel happy, they'd listen to at least a cost of living adjustment raise. But listen to me and all these other fuckers in here telling you about the other shitty as fuck employers. It's always easy to dream of grass is greener and hard to appreciate what you got, ya know. It's hard to go for a risk and $37hr is pretty decent but they have to pay thay becausenthat schedule sucks donkey cock.

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assfish9000@reddit

Awesome man! Thank you for the response

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LordEmrich@reddit

Don't you dare leave them. You're essentially the reason they hot shot and they sound like an amazing company. I forbid you to leave them unless it's to start your own business.

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PurpleK00lA1d@reddit

I'm with everyone else on this one. I wouldn't leave that company at all. It would take a very substantial amount to give up a company that cares for me as a person. Also, your current schedule is way better imo.

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IAMA_Printer_AMA@reddit

You're a fool if you leave that company OP

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SycoJack@reddit

Bruh, don't leave a good thing for "maybe I'll make more in 3 years." If you're W2 and live comfortably, stay with what you got. If the last three years has taught us anything, it's that $37 in 3 years won't be worth 37¢ toady.

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rainboy808@reddit

Honestly it would be hard to say no to a place like that. That’s not treating you like a employee that’s treating you like family

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MurseNtheHouse@reddit

I’m in agreement here with most, stay with your current company. Finding a company that actually cares about its employees is hard to find these days. In the long run you will be much happier for staying with them.

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Mr_Diesel13@reddit

And that’s the company you need to stick with. I left a company that sounds exactly like yours. The owner was an awesome dude and treated us all amazing. Always buying us lunch, jackets, hard hats, hoodies, and all sorts of things. Always sitting down with us asking if we need anything, and if we were happy. My last bonus check from them before I left was $5k. When he gave us our yearly bonus, he always paid the taxes on it. If he wanted you to get X dollars, that’s what you got. None of this $100 Christmas bonus with taxes taken out bull. Do not ever leave a company like that. I’d have never left if I hadn’t of relocated back to my home state.

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The_Kurrgan_Shuffle@reddit

I think you already know what to do

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Auquaholic@reddit

Don't go anywhere.

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drock_1983@reddit

That’s a good company. Glad to hear stories like this.

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1breathatahtime@reddit

You already know the answer bro. The company you work for (healthcare alone) is way better

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Mahesvara@reddit

Yeah, I am with a company that treats you like you are human. Never let it go if it is working well. There is something to be said with being content.

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Ok_Conversation_4042@reddit

You'd be a fool to leave I think.

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Prior-Ad-7329@reddit

Never leave this company

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8ofAll@reddit

Stay with hotshot. Seems this company actually treats you like a person. You’re also driving a smaller vehicle. Hours are better. Overall less stressful. Yeah you’ll be making more money with the tanker but at what cost to you?

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peakriver@reddit

Don’t give that up!

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Onehighcat@reddit

I think you just answered your question.

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papitaquito@reddit

Is there any way to negotiate with HotShots? If you brought them the acceptance letter and say ‘hey these guys are trying to poach me away’ they may be willing to negotiate a little. Just a thought.

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Narstification@reddit

You should ask for a raise - been there 8+ years and cost of living rose like 10% plus in the past year. That way, it’s a win-win.

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bigbird8960@reddit

I wouldn't even be considering anything else at that point.

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OurMessiah@reddit

This. This is the answer to your question. The hotshot company is the only choice you can make here.

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NateLee1733@reddit

Oh man that is wonderful, stick with that, that will be hard to replicate.

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love_to_eat_out@reddit

Don't leave that company. Companies like this a rarity, and as long as your bills are getting paid, I'd recommend riding that shit out til you retire or something extreme happens

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FireStar_Trucking_01@reddit

Yeah, normally I'm not for hotshots, but you've got a pretty good thing going right now. Don't toss it for a very combustible position. Some people will tell you to go where you want, that you only owe loyalty to yourself, but this company sounds like someone worth sticking with. That better pay won't feel so good when you need that time off, or you need that better health insurance, or a pickup to move something.

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legoman31802@reddit

That is a one in a trillion company! Stay there and get me a job there lol

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wreckitralph334@reddit

What company is that? I'm done with big companies and I'm trying to get in with these small companies but the ones that I've been talking to can't get their shit together and it's taking forever to actually get started

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wreckitralph334@reddit

Hands down in taking hotshot. I like tankers but the hotshot is just a way better deal

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Butter-Truffle@reddit

Stay where you’re at. To me, the semi is a lot less comfortable to drive than a hotshot truck. You can lean your seat back ALOT further, takes bumps better and you’re not bouncing all over the place, the stereo system has some good bass to it, and it’s insulated better so the loud ass engine and wind from outside doesn’t mess up phone conversations or podcast videos you’re listening to. I would personally do hotshots if I fell into a situation like you’re in. Good all around. Driving a semi is not all that it seems.

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AbuTin@reddit

The hotshot experience is basically worthless, the tanker job will test you. If you've never driven that combination of vehicle before, know that it's not like any tractor trrailer. It backs differently and you can get stuck somewhere without being able to back up, fairly common for wreckers to have to pull you out even if it's on a straight line. It's very easy to get into an accident with the tanker job.

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goodolddaysare-today@reddit

Hot shot in this case. Fuel is big money typically but as long as the HS gig has long term stability then that’s a sweet gig especially if you have family

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Hellefiedboy@reddit

I mean, I'd love to choose both, but if I couldn't, I'd choose the drivable pipebomb.

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ydontujustbanme@reddit

Taaaank. Its always the tank. And you all know it.

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Excise1902@reddit

Dude that hot shot gig sounds way better imo. I make 1 dollar less then you in the hot shot and I'm hauling cars in a semi. Fuck I hate my job

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mretamar@reddit

I value family and personal time. I’d take the first one all day every day. Healthcare and home time. Can’t beat it.

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Grimizzi@reddit

Hotshot is a lot of fun and keeps you in better shape. I’d pick hotshot for sure.

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ptk77@reddit (OP)

Also should mention tanker is 24/7/365, so there's a good chance you're you're going to be working on holidays.

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Uknow_nothing@reddit

Sounds like tanker guys need to go union for better healthcare and PTO.

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BennamStyle@reddit

Fuck no. Absolutely fuck no.

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Powwdered_Toastman@reddit

Hotshot

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Nice_Hope_8852@reddit

All other things equal, I'm probably going with #1

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Former_Trucker@reddit

I may be an outlier here, but I would take the Tanker. It may suck in the first few years as you are low on seniority, but as time goes one and you get up on the board, you will get better hours. The primary reason is specialization. They hotshot job can be replaced by the next young/hungry company/driver/outfit that will race the prices to the bottom. (The barrier to entry into Hotshot trucking is low) The great gig now can evaporate as contracts get negotiated. Being a tanker driver limits the pool of potential talent who can do the job. As you gain my experience and value as a CDL tanker driver, you get to start to pick jobs that only you can fill. This can lead to much better hours at those higher pay rates. Think long term. Hotshot may be a great gig in the now. Tanker will probably be a better/stable position long term.

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ptk77@reddit (OP)

The company I work for now isn't a transportation company though. It is basically a service and sales company and I deliver new and used equipment to customers. Also the hours at the tanker job... those are the good hours. The other start times are 2am 3am and 4am. There isn't a shift that starts at 8:00 a.m. or anything, even with seniority. Best you can hope for is to have one of your days off be a Saturday or sunday.

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bigsam1960@reddit

Bottom

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luigilabomba42069@reddit

never believe the "raise you to X after X amount of time"

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ChatSMD@reddit

That tanker gig SUCKS

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Automatic-Divide-597@reddit

Can’t replace time with family imo. I’d go with the first one personally

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J-Kensington@reddit

Do the math on your Healthcare costs. Odds are the tanker company is getting that $9 an hour "raise" back with a huge deductible. If your Healthcare is just you AND you're fairly healthy AND you just *really* need that extra $630/hour AND you're going to work 70 hours a week to even make the $630 difference... Then MAYBE it's worth considering. But if you don't meet every single one of those requirements, stay where you're at.

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murkymoon@reddit

If you quit that hotshot gig, please PM me immediately so I can snap it up.

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0nly_Up@reddit

Is that the actual hotshot rig? It looks like a short trailer, I'd take that all day over a tanker. You can go anywhere with it and fuel up at most 4-wheeler fuel stations. Way easier day to day

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ptk77@reddit (OP)

Yeah. Dodge 5500 with 32 ft hydraulic gooseneck. It's actually a pretty sweet trailer. Hydraulic ramp and jacks.

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0nly_Up@reddit

great setup. I shutdown/suspended the hotshot portion of my business but I've still got a 3500 w/ a 40' gooseneck. If I drive hotshot again it'll be with a trailer just like the one in your pic

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ptk77@reddit (OP)

30'...32' seems to be ideal for our needs. Small enough to manuver in tight spaces, big enough to fit what we need.

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Marvin2021@reddit

We love diamond c trailers! They cost extra but are worth it

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Green_Lawyer_1049@reddit

1 week off for a job that dangerous is a fn joke

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CDaarnl1@reddit

As a night shift tanker yanker, I'm going with night shift tanker.

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ntice59@reddit

Hotshot. You’ll be more comfortable and if you ever get stuck anywhere you’ll at least have a back seat to sleep in for emergencies.

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Dragonr0se@reddit

Hotshot... i don't fuk with the boom juice

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In-the-age-of-covid@reddit

If owner/operator…. #1 If W-2…. #2

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shred1@reddit

FDS?

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robexib@reddit

I'd take the hotshot.

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Natural_Bookkeeper_7@reddit

Bro same here im very frugal so money is never an issue to me and people around me and at work are so suprised when I say this. Everyone's so caught up living beyond their means they get stuck paycheck to paycheck its sad. I grew up very poor so I learned the value of money at an early age.

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robexib@reddit

It's not even that. I just don't ever feel the need to overspend. I don't purposely count every penny I spend, I just don't want anything too crazy.

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Ok_Conversation_4042@reddit

Time should be the most important thing to anyone. It's the only single thing we can't get back. There is no point working 60+ hours a week ever for any job. I'd never do it. If you spend more time at work than you do at home, I think you're losing 🤷🏻‍♂️

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robexib@reddit

I mean, some people *want* to work those kinds of hours. I don't know why, but it's not my life.

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Natural_Bookkeeper_7@reddit

It's the big corporations that gave people the false hustle culture mentality that ots good to put all your time into the company instead of actually creating memories with friends and family. You can never gain your time back on this earth you can always gain money.

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robexib@reddit

But even without that, people will want to work some ridiculous hours. The current culture promotes that in a toxic fashion, no disagreement there, but some people do just live to work.

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Jozz11@reddit

Hey, I’ve been considering doing hot shot trucking on the side just for extra play money as I have 3-4 days free a week and have a truck set up to haul. Any tips for trying to get started/find jobs once I finish setting up the legal side?

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ptk77@reddit (OP)

Start knocking on doors. Find regular and local customers. Try subhauling for equipment rental companies like Sunbelt. Or feed stores. Make your life easy and haul products that are easy to load/unload, easy to tie down and not easily broken.

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Jozz11@reddit

Appreciate it

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Rancho8Deluxe@reddit

Depends how much OT is available at tanker company and how much worse the bennies are.

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Super1003@reddit

As a fuel hauler, it’s hard to not get 10 hours overtime. With my company they have no problem with 25 hours of overtime

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Rancho8Deluxe@reddit

Yeah ive heard the money in fuel tanker is highly dependent on location. Northeast guys do great southern guys not so much

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Super1003@reddit

I’m in Michigan and we get paid pretty good for since we have the big tubes, I think we get about a dollar more than the guys just south in ohio

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Rancho8Deluxe@reddit

I think the only fuel job Id do is Sheetz . Seems like they have good reviews and make decent money. Starts at 37 per hour.

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Marvin2021@reddit

Northeast tanker driver here, mandatory 20+ hours OT. But we get time and a half and everyone is desperate for drivers. You could start out anywhere around here at $35 and go from there. I am at 40 and $60- for the OT. Nothing like great paychecks, even if you have to put the time in for them

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Rancho8Deluxe@reddit

Yeah i was looking into getting into either fuel or cryogenics in PA. Cant seem to find a ton of options

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TheBotchedLobotomy@reddit

As a teenager I joined the army for the 4 weeks PTO and free healthcare. Great marketing they put out. For a while I didn’t know that was even a thing for civilians. To be a civilian, make more cash, and keep the 2 big bennies I value id kill for. Yeah I get housing but I’d rather pay for a spot to live then be in the barracks. Live a normal life. Give me the vacation and healthcare and I’ll live like a peasant. God bless America lol

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lIlIlIlIlIIllIlIl@reddit

Take the tanker and give me a nice recommendation to the hotshot company, thanks bro. My body is ready! 🤣

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stormiu@reddit

While I’d prefer to drive the big explosion truck, hotshot has inarguably better specs

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fumblingwisdom@reddit

3 - 3 actual stands out there to me as being highly undesirable. Look into circadian rhythm, it's legit and rooted in science and not Chakra nonsense

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BurghMeatEater@reddit

Negotiate more pto

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Zestyclose-Can8814@reddit

I know that tanker company..which yard?

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Gregorvich123@reddit

I'd prefer it if trucks didn't block every lane.

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Opposite-Promise-206@reddit

Never liked double bottom tankers, a half full pup can put you in all kinds of trouble, especially if it's a shotgun tank (no baffles)

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GooberMcNutly@reddit

Depends on who you gotta have in the crew cab and if they fart a lot.

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RustyBootyFlakes@reddit

Man is your company hiring???

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Gaiterpinwheelz@reddit

That hotshot jobs is the tits and its not even close. My healthcare cost 250 a week for family and the let you use the truck for personal use? Dont ever leave

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04limited@reddit

Hot shot. Im not trying to discover the long term health complications of handling fuels on a daily basis even if it pays a couple of extra bucks

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A_Tad_Bit_Nefarious@reddit

>Im not trying to discover the long term health complications of handling fuels on a daily basis even if it pays a couple of extra bucks I feel super bad because one of our fuelers pumping jet fuel into our helicopters on a daily basis is like hella pregnant. I can't help but think that can't be good for the baby, but she needs the money so I can't blame her. At least our parental leave policy is fairly decent.

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04limited@reddit

I used to deal with cargo in the military and whenever we worked on a plane where the engine was running, we would always lose our sense of smell for a few hours and if we were behind it for long enough we might taste jet fuel whenever we ate for a day or two. I never had a diagnosis but since I’ve gotten out I haven’t had random shortness of breath. Granted, that might’ve been caused by the mold in the dorms. I do know whenever it rained on base the cars would get clouded up from all the exhaust contamination.

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A_Tad_Bit_Nefarious@reddit

Yep, my sense of smell has definitely changed since first joining. Chock it up to age, or covid, or jet exhaust, or fuel or all those chemicals I handled when I ran POL/Hazmat. Whatever it is, the military is not a healthy place lol. That, on top of the high frequency noise and vibrations, and countless hours under NVGs, I'm going to be a deaf, dumb, blind, and broken sack of meat and bones by the time I'm done lol.

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Marvin2021@reddit

Tanker drive here northeast. Most companies here have to START at $35 to even get a driver and you go from there. I do 20 hours a week OT at time and a half and love it. $40 straight time $60 overtime = great paychecks

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basshed8@reddit

Just curious What personal use could you do with the tanker?

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TheBotchedLobotomy@reddit

The value you get being hotshot far outweighs the extra pay for tanker. Tanker has extra pay and a bunch of negatives. Hotshot has lower pay and perks many don’t even get

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nohcho84@reddit

You didn't say what is the Startong pay with the tanker?

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ptk77@reddit (OP)

27 during two or three months training. Then starts at like 31 and you get $2 raises each year up to 3 years if you maintain perfect safety record.

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nohcho84@reddit

What state are you in?

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zino332@reddit

Hotshot…

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Throway1194@reddit

Definitely the hot shot. More solid hours and better benefits

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PeacefullyFighting@reddit

I thought truckers were pulling closer to 100k, is that long distance or owner operator only?

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WhyRUTalking4231@reddit

A tanker job with those hours is more than likely driving for a refinery delivering to gas stations. Local route not OTR nor O/O.

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Ill-Confidence-423@reddit

I don't even think this was worth asking. lol, don't go work for some larger shittier company stay with what you have...

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Kuzinarium@reddit

You’re losing three weeks of PTO. That’s no small thing. Plus you are losing the truck use perk. You’re also going to give up a pot of social life having to work every weekend. Only you can decide whether the extra money is worth the forfeits.

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cnash@reddit

It's not even that it's *paid* time off— that, you can just fold into your wage calculations (a week of PTO represents about a 2% wage or salary increase). It's the understanding that you're not going to be working every week, and that if you want to take a long weekend just because, we've planned for that kind of thing. It's not going to be this big disruptive hassle that your boss resents you for.

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1breathatahtime@reddit

I mean free healthcare alone is imo this best perk

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StrawberryMilkStache@reddit

Having zero experience in this world at all, based purely on your written descriptions of both opportunities, the Hot Shot gig seems like the winner. Apparently others agree

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WhiteBird6944@reddit

Hotshot all day. The only way you can convince me to go tanker is to give me the 37 per hour right there, especially with the halfass healthcare plan.

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thatcooldude23@reddit

I would offer a counter offer to the tanker company but otherwise I’d stay hotshot, seems better in the long run with more PTO, less deducted for healthcare, and having the truck for personal use is always a win. Plus a potential to make that much after three years is just that. A potential.

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cbree_zy@reddit

This is the answer. Ask them to match the benefits Hotshot has (basically make them make it worth it for you to leave) and if they say no, no harm no foul. One of the best negotiating chips is being able to walk away.

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Courtsey_Cow@reddit

Not a trucker, but the tanker job's $37/hr is a so-called "check in the mail". They may talk about it now, but those things rarely ever actually happen. Schedule and benefits sound better with the hotshot gig.

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Zollery@reddit

Don't be blinded by the pay. I've done 5 12ish hour night shifts. You will have no life outside of work unless you know people that work something similar.

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Unlucky-Education125@reddit

Honestly dude the free healthcare is a huge plus. You might make a little less hourly but your life is going to be better with HOTSHOT imo. You can have a life on the weekends with friends and family. Don’t take the shitty schedule for a little more pay.

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sand2sound@reddit

There's more to life than the bottom line. This job comparison is a great example. I'd definitely stay in the small truck.

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YaBoyQueso@reddit

I’d go hotshot. I do run a 4 car rollback for a major used car dealer for $25/hr, with a pretty sweet schedule. I have a few years RB experience in roadside assistance and this company helped me get my CDL. Been here 2 years now, the schedule is what really helps keep me here. I would love to make more money, but right now it is exactly what I need.

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StinkyWizz@reddit

If the bills are payed, the job is good, and your not tight financially what more could one ask for. Gotta take the wins when we can.

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shewstepper@reddit

Hotshot

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MrRGG@reddit

For pure $$ perspective... Tanker. at a 40hr week, It's about $1000 more a month AFTER removing lost vacation and adding health ins cost. You will need to work 23 hours of OT at hotshot to balance out the pay difference. Looks like the Tanker would be a lot of OT? 12hr shifts x5 days? 60hr weeks with one week off a year is NOT sustainable for very long without burnout. That said your Work Life balance will suffer a lot more. Only you can value that.

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LouisVuittonLeghost@reddit

Top and just save up for a down payment on truck and trailer and start your own business

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Wildcatb@reddit

"*Potential* to make... *after* third year..." What does it *start* at?

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Seasaul@reddit

Go with the hot shot pto is valuable

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_Alabama_Man@reddit

Hotshot! The Tanker would have to pay $55 an hour to possibly equal the stress of only getting one week PTO and a worse health plan. Stay with the company that takes care of you. If you NEED more money/hours just ask your boss and see what might be available... you never know, they might have something else they could do for you.

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redrobin1257@reddit

Hotshot 10 times out of 10. The schedule seems really sweet and the listed benefits are quite noteworthy.

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thrumpanddump@reddit

Smaller truck, better schedule, more time off and borrowing the truck could be real helpful. You can always make decent on OT

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Renault_75-34_MX@reddit

Hotshot, though I'd replace the pick up with a box van/ad a box on the pick up that I can use for transporting smaller stuff like push mowers, and a ball hitch that hooks up to a 2 axle low bed with easily removable side walls. That's pretty much the set up I use at work for transporting lawn equipment, from robot's to ride ons and compact tractors.

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BrightPerspective@reddit

Uh, the gas (or whatever) truck is three times as dangerous, but not paid accordingly

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Blackarrow145@reddit

I just see the 5 12s for the tanker gig. Assuming you get time and a half, you’d gross 10k a month once you got to 37/hr.

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marv_alberts_hair@reddit

FDS? Which yard would you be working out of?

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musicalmadness1@reddit

You all thinking small. A meme someone sent showing a rv with 5th wheel hauling. No cdl required lol

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Forgottenmuppet@reddit

Top picture is me daily except it’s a Ford. My brother does long hauls of oversized/ over length loads. They both have their perks.

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smirglass@reddit

Top

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Cmdr_F34rFu1L1gh7@reddit

Hotshot because it can fit in a drive thru when you drop the trailer.

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pianodude01@reddit

That's a pretty good hotshot gig... if someone offered me that right now I'd quit my otr heavy hauling without a second thought

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No_Department_1352@reddit

All am going to say is the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Really weigh out your pros and cons. I left jobs thinking things would be better somewhere else and they weren’t.

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TubabalikeBIGNOISE@reddit

Hotshot because working days. Although driving at night is way less stressful from what I'm told

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MadThad762@reddit

I’m not a trucker but id take the hot shot job any day! There is more to life than money.

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LizStone1776@reddit

I would prefer number one over number two considering what happened to Nathaniel Moody but also if you could switch out cab number two with the trailer of number one it would be great

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Smarkey17@reddit

Moved small equipment for a year at a construction company and it was probably the best job I’ll ever have. Super social meeting everyone on the crews, got to know the business and logistics of these kinds moves as well would highly recommend

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ShawnShipsCars@reddit

Dude, see if the hotshot will give you a couple bucks more per hour. You have a sweet gig that others would chew their arm off for. You'll be miserable in the tanker

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EleceedGreed@reddit

What would you be paid per hr for the first and second year?

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ComeOnCharleee@reddit

I'll take that hot shot gig if you end up choosing tanker.

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daniellederek@reddit

Let me guess, last 3 guys on the tranker got fired at 35 months, never saw the pay bump

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helloimmichael4@reddit

Stick with the hotshot, that's a way better company to work for judging by what you said. They actually cars about you as a person

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Annon221@reddit

stay with the company that cares about their employees. hourly rate is great and all but not everything. hotshot is the way to go from what ive read here

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Kalirasta@reddit

Does the hot shot require a cdl?

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mp3006@reddit

Free healthcare like you didnt earn it lol

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NoGuitar6320@reddit

Potential wages mean nothing, what are they offering now

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Sudden-Pineapple-821@reddit

Hotshot for sure. Doesn't require you to drive a bomb, and the reasonable home time means that I can attend after-school stuff with the kids. That's invaluable.

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Dovah-Keene@reddit

Did that one up top for a couple years. Fun times.

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justthoughtidcheck@reddit

Uh is the hotshot company hiring? .... 👀👀👀 Asking for a friend

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justthoughtidcheck@reddit

Hotshot all day.

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530whiskey@reddit

I have 0 need for a pete with a tank and a pup, I have have need for a dodge with a 5th wheel trailer and a mini excavator.

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nedasherman283@reddit

Schedule is everything !!!

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Pollymath@reddit

Buy an excavator or small piece of equipment and do side jobs.

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CaptainWo7f@reddit

That tanker schedule sucks dirty balls

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bdgreen113@reddit

I've never been one to chase money. I'd go for the hotshot gig because that schedule is something I'd like far more than the tanker job. As long as I could live *comfortably* off the hotshot gig in your area, that's the one I'd choose. But if you have a family and whatnot, might wanna do tanker just to be able to support them more comfortably.

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FunRain9100@reddit

Top

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killerdude1989@reddit

I'd stay with the hot shot pay less but the benefits more then make up the difference

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Rocqy@reddit

Be careful taking the hotshot rig for personal use. Plenty of insurance companies will drop you for that.

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yes-disappointment@reddit

the one that is not a bomb. you cant pay me enough to hual fuel

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yes-disappointment@reddit

the one that is not a bomb

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SrNetworkEngineer@reddit

“Potential to make $37/hr” ??? What’s the starting pay? I don’t care about potential. I care about what’s in writing in front of me.

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mrockracing@reddit

I'd stick with that hotshot. Sounds like a great place to be. The tanker job, standard "after X years of employment" thing. Been there at another job. I wouldn't risk it.

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Important_Low_6989@reddit

Top im not driving a tanker

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hotdog11inch@reddit

One is a truck driver rig other is a wanna be truck driver rig

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apoletta@reddit

I need to see my family. Option B means paying someone else to do your part of the housework. That’s big $. Take A.

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BennamStyle@reddit

Why the hell would you leave the Hotshot? I’d take a company that cares about me and my wellbeing instead of a company with less healthcare benefits and a company like the tanker that makes me work ridiculous hours.

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hardzoup@reddit

hotshot. 4 weeks pto

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Amber_Rift@reddit

Best post I've seen here because is so relatable. Got the top set in the yard, and the other Tues-Friday 7am-??,weekly $33hr. Tho I have to get that business license and get septic certified. I would say hotshot, guaranteed Tanker is a station drop job nights 🌙 🙄 ugh, no thanks, boring and driving in the dark with all the other creatures that dwell in those hours.

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davisdamen@reddit

If you're not hurting for money, stick with the hotshot. Good hours, good benefits, sounds like they take care of their employees. $37/hr sounds awesome but that's also 3 years away

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Suspicious-Channel70@reddit

depends what your goal in life is, your family, etc. that decision is very personal. in my case, right now, i’d go tanker. but that’s me.

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mythicohio@reddit

I’d stay hot shot, your life is more important than the money. Kiss your social life and free time goodbye running tanks

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ptk77@reddit (OP)

Current company will probably come up something to try and retain me. Just not sure how much yet.

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I_are_Carrot@reddit

Pretty much the only upside of moving to driving tanker is the increased pay. Assuming you are able to have some sort of raise at the current job, it negates what little upside there was to moving. This really comes down to what your financial situation looks like. If you’re in need of extra money, long term the fuel tanker is probably the better bet. If you’re fine, take the quality of life.

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OutcomeSalty337@reddit

A bird in hand is worth 2 in the bushes.

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InternalAd7121@reddit

The only people that make money when you stay at the same company is the company

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TheTuggingOfBoats@reddit

Coming from someone who runs fuel for a living. Stay with hotshot, that's a way better deal than moving to a tanker.

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TamponTom@reddit

Yeah hot shot in that case

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lunchwithjohn@reddit

I do the hot shot thing now as an o/o and there’s not much work. I had to go get a job for a local company as a driver.

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RurouniRinku@reddit

My current company is basically the worst of both of those jobs mixed together ($27/hr, Wed-Thur off, 2 weeks PTO, must work all scheduled holidays), and I can say without a shadow of a doubt that the worst thing is the schedule. I have less of a social life now than when I was OTR, and the hours are just off from dayshift enough that you'll never fully adjust, and will frequently wake up 3-4 hours early despite being tired.

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Mobile_Misanthrope@reddit

Hourly rate isn't everything. I'd stick with the hotshot rig. I took a pay cut to get PTO and full medical insurance, and I would change a thing.

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RedFacePubes@reddit

I'd take the tanker. I'm worried about making money

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skipei@reddit

Hotshot. Boom boom cans scare me.

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patheos79@reddit

Hot sho

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