hazmat pay for expedite tractors

stormy67

Seasoned Expediter
Does anyone know if any expedite companies pay extra for hazmat loads compared to general freight?.Or should I say is it the normal practice to recieve more pay for hazmat compared to general freight? I would think that if the pay is the same, then why would anyone risk their lives anymore to carry hazmat for the same pay?
 

RichM

Veteran Expediter
Charter Member
I can only speak for FEDEXCC but they do pay more for Haz/Mat shipments. The only time I have really been concerned was for a shipment of Explosives that was 50 years old. Also Rocket Fuel used in NASA rockets is very lethal. I was told that one breath of it would kill you in 10 seconds. If you are hauling this stuff and there is a purple haze in the air run as fast as you can up wind. No Joke
 

Moot

Veteran Expediter
Owner/Operator
Con-Way pays extra for hasmat loads. Vans get $29.00. I don't know how much C, D and E units receive.
Purple Haze? I don't think Jimmy was singing about rocket fuel.
 

Moot

Veteran Expediter
Owner/Operator
Purple Haze, Gabby Hayes, Willies Mayes, Helen Hayes, scuse me while I kiss the sky. Kiss dat guy? Help me!
 

ATeam

Senior Member
Retired Expediter
If HAZMAT loads pay a premium over non-HAZMAT, how much would you take to risk your life? Would an extra $100 be enough? $200? $500?

Hauling HAZMAT loads is not about putting your life at risk to pick up extra spending money. It's about having the credentials, clearances, and professional practices that qualify you to haul such freight and thus be worthy of higher pay.

It's not about increasing risk by putting HAZMAT freight on your truck. It's about reducing risk by keeping your truck in good repair and your training up to date; properly inspecting and securing the freight, insuring the shippng papers and placards are in order, following all safety protocols; and for the specific freight you are carrying, knowing ahead of time what to do and not do if an accident or HAZMAT spill occurs. That's the added value you offer as a HAZMAT hauler and that's why the pay is higher.
 

davekc

Senior Moderator
Staff member
Fleet Owner
Not all loads or carriers pay extra for hazmat. As far as risks, they are considerably higher. That is why many small carriers won't bother with it because of the increased insurance premiums.
All of the safeguards in the world do little if you are hit by someone else. That is a risk we take when hauling these types of loads.







Davekc
owner
21 years
PantherII
EO moderator
 

cheri1122

Veteran Expediter
Driver
I wouldn't think that even the dumbest driver on Earth would haul hazmat for the extra money - because Dave is right, all the safety precautions don't mean diddly when you're just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I do it because it's a necessary part of my job, and I cannot refuse the risk - my life is worth no more, or less than any other driver. And I'd like to think it's worth more than $29.00! :eek: Sigh... there are SOME days, though...
 

geo

Veteran Expediter
Charter Member
Retired Expediter
US Navy
don't forget how much having hazmat back ground check now cost, the next time i renew my lic the hazmat is coming off, as i renew it just before back ground check came into play along with the tank , as can't see paying 100 or more dollars and it doesn't bring that much more, and in a sprinter if i have to put signs on van won't carry it any more
 

arkjarhead

Veteran Expediter
I enjoy haulin hazmat. I think i'd rather haul it than the non hazmat freight. Don't know way. That's just me.
 
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