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How to hire a tank truck operator

Tank truck operator hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring tank truck operators in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire a tank truck operator is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new tank truck operator to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a tank truck operator, step by step

To hire a tank truck operator, you should create an ideal candidate profile, determine a budget, and post and promote your job. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a tank truck operator:

Here's a step-by-step tank truck operator hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a tank truck operator job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new tank truck operator
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    First, determine the employments status of the tank truck operator you need to hire. Certain tank truck operator roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    A tank truck operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, tank truck operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

    The following list breaks down different types of tank truck operators and their corresponding salaries.

    Type of Tank Truck OperatorDescriptionHourly rate
    Tank Truck OperatorHeavy and tractor–trailer truck drivers transport goods from one location to another. Most tractor–trailer drivers are long-haul drivers and operate trucks with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) capacity—that is, the combined weight of the vehicle, passengers, and cargo—exceeds 26,000 pounds... Show more$13-23
    Commercial DriverA commercial driver is responsible for transporting people, goods, and services from one place to various destinations as required. Commercial drivers must have a clean driving record to ensure the safety and security of the passengers and the merchandise's quality while on the road... Show more$16-29
    Over The Road DriverOver the road, (OTR) drivers are the truckers driving the big semi-trailer truck that hauls all types of goods to their destinations across the states. Their journey typically begins with loading the freight onto the trailer, requiring them to lift heavy materials and load the cargo properly to avoid shifting while in transit... Show more$20-42
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • CDL
    • DOT
    • Safety Regulations
    • Hazardous Waste
    • Routine Maintenance
    • General Maintenance
    • Hazardous Materials
    • Customer Specifications
    • Oil Tanks
    • Storage Tanks
    • Bus Tables
    • Fresh Water
    • Rail Cars
    • Vacuum Truck
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Perform and record daily pre-trip inspections using company checklist and submit detailed reports after trips and deliveries.
    • train and develop young marines operate main gun of m1a1 battle tank
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your tank truck operator job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A tank truck operator can vary based on:

    • Location. For example, tank truck operators' average salary in florida is 44% less than in alaska.
    • Seniority. Entry-level tank truck operators 41% less than senior-level tank truck operators.
    • Certifications. A tank truck operator with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a tank truck operator's salary.

    Average tank truck operator salary

    $38,114yearly

    $18.32 hourly rate

    Entry-level tank truck operator salary
    $29,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 17, 2025
  4. Writing a tank truck operator job description

    A tank truck operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a tank truck operator job description:

    Tank truck operator job description example


    • Competitive Weekly Pay and Paid Time Off
    • 401(K) with Employer Match.
    • Tuition Reimbursement
    • Work/Life Balance and Community Involvement
    • Comprehensive Health Benefits including; Health, Dental, Vision
    • Life/Disability Insurances
    • Award Winning Peers & Projects
    • And A Foundation Built on Safety

    POSITION PURPOSE

    CDL Class A Boot Truck Operator must hold a valid CDL driver license. CDL Drivers work as part of a crew and at times may also operate equipment or provide general labor.


    ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

    • Employee shall perform all duties and responsibilities with Sunland's Core Values at the forefront.
    • Must work quickly, productively and safely to meet production goals as outlined by the foreman, superintendent and/or production manager.
    • Operate heavy equipment such as trucks, screeds, rollers, pavers, paving finishing machines, paving curbing machines and front end loaders to apply asphalt products according to job specifications.
    • Know, understand and comply with all Department of Transportation, (DOT) as well as state and local regulations.
    • Responsible for ensuring vehicle is road-worthy prior to leaving the yard and/or jobsite and work directly with mechanics to guarantee any repairs needed are made to the vehicle prior to leaving the yard.
    • Inspect truck and trailer before and after trips and completes DVIRs, to ensure compliance with state, federal and local laws.
    • Use Company's suggested method to compile, maintain and log driving hours as required by state, federal and local laws.
    • Actively participate in job-site and safety meetings and all Company related training.
    • Must be a strong communicator and be in constant contact with the paver operator, truck drivers and general laborers.
    • May operate trucks to transport equipment to and from production sites as required and assist in the maintenance of all equipment.
    • Inspect, clean and maintain equipment and machinery.
    • Invoke Sunland's Core Values.
    • May set up and tear down equipment.
    • Maintain a clean job site; pick up all tools and equipment and secure job site each day.
    • Serve as front-line company representative and must provide excellent service to the customer and to the public.
    • Use equipment and/or an assortment of hand tools such as rakes, shovels, wheel barrels, etc.
    • Perform all other general laborer work as needed.
    • Any and all other duties assigned. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

    Competencies

    • C ustomer Focus Customer Orientation
    • O wnership Results Driven, Performance, Time and Stress Management and Composure
    • R elationships Teamwork Orientation, Diversity and Inclusion
    • E thics Honesty, Integrity, Do the Right Thing
    • S AFETY The Foundation of Everything We Do

    Physical Demands and Work Environment

    • This position operates at professional construction sites, requiring the ability to communicate with verbally others on site, in person and over the telephone, ability to read printed materials, signs and directions, stamina to maintain attention despite interruptions, ability to lift, push, pull, carry, handle or feel objects, supplies, tools, machinery and/or controls weighing up to 50 pounds and reach with hands and arms; climb stairs and/or ladders; balance, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, lift overhead, traverse around or otherwise position one's self around the required work and safety requirements to navigating and perform activities on various construction sites in a safe manner.
    • Will be required to work on project sites and operate vehicles, trailers, machinery, equipment and other tools within local, state and federal safety guidelines.
    • This position operates in a professional field environment. The position requires working outside, frequently for long periods of time in all weather, including extreme hot and cold temperatures.
    • While working, the employee might be exposed to various chemicals, vapors, pollutants, virus or other air-borne pathogens, gases, uneven surfaces, loud noises, moving vehicles or machines and dust/debris.

    POSITION TYPE/ EXPECTED HOURS

    • This is a full time position. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.
    • Must be willing to travel to any and all jobsites without exception (including staying away from home if necessary.)

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

    Education, Work Experience and Requirements

    • A high school diploma or GED is preferred.
    • Six (6) months to one (1) year related experience is preferred.
    • Fluent in English, i.e., able to speak, read and write English preferred.

    Certifications, Licenses, and Registrations

    • A current, Class A, CDL license in the state where the majority of work is being performed is required.
    • A Hazmat or tanker endorsement may be required depending on position/dept./division.
    • Must be able to pass DOT physical and maintain a current medical card.
    • Must pass a DOT drug test and a safety road test.
    • Must have a clean motor-vehicle record.
    • Must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening and background check.

    AAP/EEO STATEMENT

    Sunland Asphalt is an equal employment opportunity employer.



    Job Posted by ApplicantPro
  5. Post your job

    To find the right tank truck operator for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

    • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with tank truck operators they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit tank truck operators who meet your education requirements.
    • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your tank truck operator job on Zippia to find and recruit tank truck operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Recruiting tank truck operators requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

    Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new tank truck operator

    Once you've decided on a perfect tank truck operator candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

    It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new tank truck operator. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a tank truck operator?

Before you start to hire tank truck operators, it pays to consider both the one-off costs like recruitment, job promotion, and onboarding, as well as the ongoing costs of an employee's salary and benefits. While most companies that hire tank truck operators pay close attention to the initial cost of hiring, ongoing costs are much more significant in the long run.

You can expect to pay around $38,114 per year for a tank truck operator, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for tank truck operators in the US typically range between $13 and $23 an hour.

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