Fuel Transport and Hauler Trucking Jobs
What are fuel handler and fuel driver jobs?
Typically, fuel handlers transport fuel from petroleum companies to gas stations and other places that need fuel. Drivers transport fuel in large tanker trucks and have many responsibilities that require company-specific training that goes beyond your CDL and endorsement requirements. The information below is meant to help you determine if this trucking job would be a good fit for you.
Like many trucking jobs, there are a variety of companies, routes and benefits available for these types of drivers. That’s why we recommend speaking with several companies about their pay and benefits before making a decision. You should also review the information below to make sure you have the right training and endorsements before applying for jobs.
Please note, this job is referred to as fuel transporter, fuel hauler – and sometimes fuel handler, which is mostly used in regards to aviation jobs. This information is geared towards drivers who deliver fuel, and in many cases, have to fill the fuel at their destination, such as gas stations that motorists use to fill up.
Do you want to talk with trucking schools or carriers that can help you find fuel transporter jobs?
We have connections with the professionals in both respects who can help you determine the next best step towards a career as a fuel truck driver – or other position in the transportation industry. There is a national need for OTR drivers of all kinds, which gives you several paths of success you can pursue. Use our directories to search for options in your state.
Or, continue reading to learn more facts about fuel handler trucking jobs…
What is the average salary for a fuel driver (fuel handlers)?
Fuel handlers can expect to earn a salary that is competitive with other OTR driving jobs. Although we only trust the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for official salary expectations, we recommend talking with trucking companies in your area to get the most accurate picture. BLS data simply isn’t updated as often as your local job listings, so we think it’s fair to point readers in that direction for accuracy.
Although the BLS states the average heavy truck driver earned an average salary of $40,260 in 2015, you can see a wide variety of wages across different jobs in the industry.
When we looked at fuel driver jobs on major job sites, and compared them with companies we have relationships with, here’s what we found out about fuel driver salaries in October, 2016. If you have additional or new information on this topic, please let us know!
In the higher end of the fuel transporter salary range, you can make anywhere between $65,000 – $75,000 per year at some companies. Typically, jobs that pay closer to $60,000 might be a little more common, especially in less competitive areas.
What are fuel hauler job duties?
Keep in mind, the hours, routes and other types of duties will depend on the company you work for. There can be a great deal of difference between some companies and others. But in general, you’ll find the duties and responsibilities align with the ones listed below.
• Shifts ranging from 40 to a maximum of 70 hours per week
• Lift heavy weight and use heavy machinery
• May have to work night or weekend shifts – our need for fuel never takes a break!
• May have to work holidays – especially for newbies
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspection
• Follow strict safety and driving guidelines
• Maintain a clean driving record
What job benefits are available for fuel haulers?
Fuel handlers and transport drivers can receive the same job benefits as many other types of truckers. When we looked at available positions across the nation, here are some of the benefits we saw listed for Fuel Haulers – please keep in mind that this is only an example, and your benefit options may vary.
Examples of benefits some companies offer fuel haulers include:
• Paid training – average 3 weeks
• Home daily
• Weekly pay
• Free re-certification
• Consecutive days off
• Paid vacation
• Safety and performance bonuses
• Medical/dental/vision/life insurance
What requirements or endorsements are needed to work as a fuel handler or transporter?
As you can expect, driving fuel is considered more dangerous that carrying loads of non-hazardous cargo. This means that drivers should be equipped with at least their HAZMAT endorsement when applying for jobs driving and handling fuel. You may need your tanker endorsement as well. There are also fuel handler jobs that focus on aviation fuel, which have their own Federal Aviation Administration requirements.
When we researched this topic, we found that states and employers have standards that drivers may have to meet that exceed federal guidelines. You will have to speak with employers in your area to see exactly what they require – and what requirements they will help you meet.
Typically, you can expect these endorsements to be pretty standard for fuel handler or hauler truck driving jobs:
• HazMat
• Tanker
• Doubles and Triples
Common qualifications for fuel transporter careers
• Many companies require drivers be at least 23 years old
• 2 years minimum OTR experience
• Valid CDL
• Hazmat & Tanker endorsements
• Clean driving record
• Physically capable to get the job done
• Pass the DOT physical and stay up-to-dates
If you have your CDL-A already, but need any of those endorsements, we can connect you with local trucking schools. Or, you can use our company listings to find out if there are fuel transport jobs in your area – and what the requirements are. Don’t forget, many companies provide paid training or have partnerships with schools for drivers who need it.
Also, since many companies prefer drivers with 1-2 years of OTR experience before driving fuel tankers, it’s a good idea to look at the big picture and see what driving jobs are available for you – before committing to training.
Fuel Handling and Transport Companies
Solar Transport, located in Colorado Springs, CO, has been transporting fuel since the 1960’s. They have a solid reputation and very clear website that lists the expectations and qualifications they require for their fuel drivers. In addition to a HazMat endorsement, their drivers receive additional certification through the Homeland Security and Highway Watch program. This program was designed to help bus drivers, transportation workers and other professionals who spend a significant amount of time on the road recognize potential threats to public safety.
Having these additional qualification on your trucking resume can’t hurt – and you might even help you in future positions.
Pilot Flying J is a company almost every truck driver is familiar with; and all types of drivers use their filling stations every day on America’s highways. Their fuel handler and driver positions are called Crude Oil Transportation Drivers. They prefer candidates have at least 2 years of experience driving OTR/fuel, and you must have your tanker and HazMat endorsements. They claim that drivers can get home daily and get paid weekly, with opportunities for safety bonuses, and competitive benefits.
Aviation Fuel Driving is another option for truck drivers, but will require additional Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification. Macro Companies provides this service for customers across the Gulf region. Their drivers deliver fuel in large tanker trucks, but they also drive a variety of double and triple combination vehicles to provide many services to customers. If you live in an area where there are opportunities in aviation, you may want to speak with companies in your area to see if you meet the qualifications.
A day in the life of a fuel tanker driver
In 2013, BP Magazine hit the road with a fuel tanker driver to give readers a real glimpse of what it’s like on the road in this job. While traveling on a shift with a professional driver, you gain a sense of the commitment to safety and training that is essential in performing the job duties this role requires.
When pulling into the gas station, the driver has specific instructions, and sometimes pictures, that show exactly how they should pull into the gas station. The tanker has to get in the right position, but also make sure to give room for customers who are in a hurry to get in and out. Fuel hauler jobs take a lot of concentration to perform your tasks while minimizing the stress you may feel from outside pressure – namely other drivers.
Jeremy, the driver in the article, says that it is physically demanding to hook the tanker hoses into the manholes for filling the up the fuel station. You also have to be sure to fill the correct lines – never mixing the diesel with unleaded fuel. Jeremy advises being highly conscious of your checklist all the time.
There are critical steps you need to take during every phase of your job. One small mishap can have a significant financial impact, and possible damage to the company’s reputation, the driver’s future – and it can cost lives.
Are you ready to learn more about fuel transporter jobs in your state?
If so, don’t hesitate to use our directories of trucking schools and hiring companies to find out what fuel transporter careers you can pursue. You can also compare open positions to the work of a fuel handler, and discuss what type of driving job – and training you’ll need to be successful!