CDL-A Bulk Tank Driver – Regional Industrial Freight
Hiring Radius: Louisville, KY Area
📍 Louisville, KY 🚚 Regional ⚙️ Tanker
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Terminal Location:
Louisville, KY
Average Weekly Pay
$1,750–$2,250
Estimated Annual:
Based on typical earnings
Sign-on Bonus: $3,000
Home Time: 2–3 nights away per week
Driver Type: Regional Bulk Tank
Weekly Miles: 1,900–2,500 paid miles
Freight: Industrial Bulk Liquids
Equipment: Freightliner Cascadia, Kenworth T680, Volvo VNL
Experience: 12 months CDL-A
Position Overview
A mid-sized transportation company operating throughout the Ohio Valley is hiring experienced CDL-A Bulk Tank Drivers for a Regional Industrial Freight operation based out of Louisville, Kentucky. This position supports industrial customers that require dependable bulk liquid transportation between manufacturing facilities, processing plants, distribution locations, and regional production sites.
- Handle scheduled pickups and loading procedures at industrial sites.
- Complete delivery appointments, documentation, and equipment inspections.
- Follow product compatibility, loading procedures, and customer safety requirements.
- Operate in Kentucky, Southern Indiana, Tennessee, Ohio and surrounding regional freight lanes.
- Work with consistent operations team and dispatch planning based on customer production schedules.
- Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of tanker equipment, valves, hoses, and safety components.
This is a regional tanker position requiring attention to detail with loading and customer procedures. Drivers must maintain accurate ELD records and follow tanker-specific safety procedures.
Pay Breakdown & Earnings Structure
Compensation includes base mileage pay, tanker operational premium, and detention pay.
Typical Weekly Earnings $1,750–$2,250 per week
Weekly Miles 1,900–2,500 paid miles per week
Sign-On Bonus $3,000 paid $1,000 after 30 days, $1,000 after 90 days, $1,000 after 180 days
Detention Pay $30 per hour after 2 hours
Why Drivers Choose This Account
- Regional schedule with 2–3 nights away from home per week
- Consistent industrial freight demand in the Louisville market
- Specialized tanker experience in a mid-sized carrier operation
- Dispatch planning based on customer production schedules
- Opportunity for consistent communication with operations team
Driver Benefits & Company Advantages
The company provides a benefits package designed around the needs of regional specialized freight drivers.
Health Insurance
Medical insurance options, dental and vision coverage, prescription coverage options.
Retirement Plan
401(k) retirement plan with company contribution eligibility.
Paid Orientation
Paid orientation and onboarding. Paid tanker safety orientation.
Weekly Pay & Direct Deposit
Weekly direct deposit payroll.
Paid Time Off
Paid vacation after qualification period. Paid holidays according to company policy.
Driver Support
Breakdown support. Maintenance hotline support. Roadside assistance coordination.
Equipment Programs
Assigned tractor when available. Late-model regional equipment.
Additional Programs
Referral bonus program. Quarterly safety recognition program. PPE support.
Equipment & Fleet Specifications
Primary Tractor Brands Freightliner, Kenworth, Volvo
Common Tractor Models Freightliner Cascadia 2021–2024, Kenworth T680 2020–2023, Volvo VNL regional sleepers
Transmission 10-speed automated transmissions
Engine Detroit DD15, Cummins X15, and PACCAR MX engines
Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Samsara, Geotab, or Omnitracs
Safety Systems Collision mitigation systems, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control where equipped
Trailer Configuration Stainless steel and aluminum bulk tanker trailers, 5,000–7,000 gallon capacity
Truck Assignment Dedicated equipment when available
Operational Delays & Expectations
Detention Policy $30 per hour after 2 hours. Typical frequency approximately 2–4 hours per week.
Loading Times Fast industrial locations 45–90 minutes. More controlled facilities 1.5–3 hours.
Safety Program & Core Protocols
Drivers must follow tanker-specific safety procedures including PPE requirements, loading instructions, and product handling rules.
Safety Equipment Chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, reflective PPE, hard hat and safety footwear at certain locations, spill prevention equipment.
Home Time & Schedule
Home Time Regional schedule with approximately 2–3 nights away from home per week depending on freight assignment and customer schedules. Home most weekends.
Route Type Regional
Real Routes Our Drivers Take
To give you a clear expectation of your weekly dispatch, below are examples of freight lanes, operating areas, and transportation corridors regularly serviced by drivers on this account.
Primary Operating Area: Kentucky, Southern Indiana, Tennessee, Ohio and surrounding regional freight lanes
States Covered: Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Ohio
Major Cities / Markets: Louisville KY, Indianapolis IN, Cincinnati OH, Nashville TN, Lexington KY, Evansville IN
Freight Corridors: I-65, I-64, I-71, I-75
Average Weekly Miles: 1,900–2,500 paid miles
Routes include Louisville to Indianapolis on I-65, Louisville to Cincinnati on I-71/I-75, Louisville to Nashville on I-65. Dispatch adjusts assignments based on customer inventory needs, plant operating schedules, trailer availability, and driver hours-of-service.
License & Driver Requirements
Please review our requirements to ensure qualifications before launching your application process.
Verifiable Class-A Experience: Minimum 12 months of CDL-A driving experience
CDL License Class: Valid Class A CDL
Required Endorsements: Tanker endorsement preferred/required depending on equipment. HazMat preferred for certain accounts.
Hiring Process
Most qualified applicants receive an initial recruiter phone call within one business day after submitting an application.
Application Review Recruiter reviews CDL status, driving background, tanker experience, endorsements.
Recruiter Contact Initial recruiter phone call.
Driver Qualification Verification of CDL, MVR history, previous employment, DOT-required safety records.
Background & Compliance DOT drug screening, FMCSA Clearinghouse query, background review when required.
Orientation Orientation usually takes 1–2 days at the Louisville-area terminal including company policies, safety procedures, ELD review, tanker equipment training.
First Dispatch Drivers receive their first dispatch based on available freight and operational scheduling after onboarding.
A Typical Day on This Account
A typical day begins between 4:00 AM and 7:00 AM depending on customer appointment times. Drivers review dispatch information, check weather and route conditions, complete full equipment inspection.
Pickup Process
Check in at security or shipping office, confirm load assignment, receive loading instructions, complete safety procedures, load tanker, verify documentation.
Delivery Process
Arrival confirmation, customer check-in, document verification, positioning equipment, follow unloading instructions, complete paperwork.
Communication
Communicate with dispatch regarding delays, traffic conditions, customer waiting time, equipment issues.
Actual schedules vary based on freight demand, customer appointments, Hours of Service regulations, and operational requirements.
Driver Challenges on This Account
Industrial facility waiting times, loading rack availability, appointment changes caused by customer production schedules, highway construction, metropolitan traffic, winter weather conditions.
Freight Specifications
Primary Commodities: Industrial liquids, manufacturing process materials, non-food-grade liquid products, raw materials, specialty industrial fluids
Cargo Securing System: Bulk tanker trailers
Challenges of the Job
Every CDL-A driving position comes with responsibilities beyond simply operating a commercial vehicle. Freight schedules, customer requirements, weather, traffic conditions, and federal regulations all influence the daily workflow. While dispatch works to maximize efficiency, professional drivers should expect occasional operational challenges that are common throughout the trucking industry.
Traffic & Congestion
Heavy traffic around Louisville, Indianapolis, Nashville and construction on I-65 corridors.
Loading & Unloading Delays
Industrial facilities can experience production-related delays and loading rack availability issues.
Changing Weather
Winter weather conditions can affect operations through Kentucky and Tennessee corridors.
Flexible Dispatch Times
Dispatch adjusts assignments based on customer production schedules and plant availability.
Hours of Service Compliance
Drivers are responsible for maintaining accurate electronic logs and following Hours-of-Service regulations.
Physical Job Requirements
Perform pre-trip inspections, handle hoses and valves, wear required PPE, work outdoors during loading procedures.
Professional Perspective:
These working conditions are typical across the U.S. trucking industry and should not be viewed as disadvantages unique to this position. Experienced CDL-A drivers understand that successful operations depend on flexibility, safe decision-making, and effective communication with dispatch and customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the home time frequency on this account? A: Regional schedule with approximately 2–3 nights away per week. Home most weekends.
Q: What equipment configurations do drivers run? A: Freightliner Cascadia, Kenworth T680, Volvo VNL with bulk tanker trailers.
Q: What freight will I haul? A: Industrial liquids and non-food-grade commodities for manufacturing facilities.
Q: What is the required experience? A: Minimum 12 months of CDL-A driving experience. Previous tanker experience preferred.
Q: What is the sign-on bonus? A: $3,000 paid in installments over 180 days.
Q: What endorsements are needed? A: Tanker endorsement preferred/required depending on assignment. HazMat preferred for certain accounts.
Career Opportunities
This regional bulk tanker position suits experienced CDL-A drivers comfortable with specialized equipment handling, customer interaction at industrial facilities, and variable loading procedures. Drivers with tanker background will find the operation aligns with their skills in product compatibility, safety protocols, and regional route management across Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, and Tennessee. The position offers route variety through major interstate corridors while maintaining more predictable regional home time compared to long-haul tanker work. Success depends on attention to loading documentation, communication with dispatch during schedule changes, and safe operation of tanker equipment in manufacturing environments.
CDL-A Bulk Tank Driver Jobs in Louisville, KY
The Louisville area supports strong regional bulk tanker operations due to its manufacturing base and position on key interstates. Industrial facilities generate consistent demand for liquid freight transport that standard dry van equipment cannot handle.
Freight moves along I-65, I-64, I-71, and I-75 corridors connecting Louisville with Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Nashville and other regional production sites. Drivers navigate these routes while managing customer-specific loading and delivery procedures at manufacturing plants and processing facilities.
This regional tanker position features 1,900–2,500 paid miles per week with 2–3 nights away from home. Drivers operate Freightliner Cascadia, Kenworth T680 and Volvo VNL tractors pulling stainless steel and aluminum bulk tankers.
Manufacturing and industrial activity in the region creates steady freight volumes. Production cycles and inventory needs help maintain consistent opportunities for tanker drivers throughout the year.
Drivers with tanker experience looking for regional CDL-A opportunities in the Louisville market will find this operation matches backgrounds involving industrial freight, loading rack procedures, and customer facility protocols. The role emphasizes safe equipment handling and clear communication during variable production schedules.
