Liquid fertilizer questions

Jan 11, 2016 at 06:47 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. I have a few questions about tanker work. 1. Do I have to be a hazmat carrier to haul liquid fertilizer? 2. What kind of tanker is acceptable? 3. Although the season is short are the rates better than that of a hopper bottom or dump? Any help would be appreciated, I have drove for 14 years and just recently bought a truck, I'm just looking to become more diversified. Thanks, Jerry

Replied on Tue, Jan 12, 2016 at 08:50 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Liquid fertilizer rates are better for us. We price all loads on round trip. You will need a 5000 gal. tank. We trade ours every 6 years, so not sure what kind of used tanks are out there. You will need a pump and hoses. Good seasonal money.

Replied on Tue, Jan 12, 2016 at 09:12 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "Liquid fertilizer rates are better for us. We price all loads on round trip. You will need a 5000 gal. tank. We trade ours every 6 years, so not sure what kind of used tanks are out there. You will need a pump and hoses. Good seasonal money. " Dave, thank you for your input. Are your tanks bad after 6 years or do you just try to keep an up to date fleet? Also, is fertilizer considered hazmat as far as changing insurance and authority? Thanks, Jerry

Replied on Tue, Jan 12, 2016 at 09:12 AM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Quote: "Liquid fertilizer rates are better for us. We price all loads on round trip. You will need a 5000 gal. tank. We trade ours every 6 years, so not sure what kind of used tanks are out there. You will need a pump and hoses. Good seasonal money. "

Dave, thank you for your input. Are your tanks bad after 6 years or do you just try to keep an up to date fleet? Also, is fertilizer considered hazmat as far as changing insurance and authority?
Thanks,
Jerry

Replied on Tue, Jan 12, 2016 at 09:20 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: " Dave, thank you for your input. Are your tanks bad after 6 years or do you just try to keep an up to date fleet? Also, is fertilizer considered hazmat as far as changing insurance and authority? Thanks, Jerry" The fertilizer we haul you do not need Hazmat. I have a 1997 Polar I might be interested in selling if your looking for one.

Replied on Tue, Jan 12, 2016 at 09:41 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Todd thanks, I'm still in the learning phase but may be interested, what kind of price do you have on it? Thanks, Jerry

Replied on Tue, Jan 12, 2016 at 09:41 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. most fertilizers are non haz if thats all you plan to haul..get a non insulated tank...that way you can haul 24 or 25+ tons, my company is all tankers and we all any general chemical plus fertilizer in season we can only haul between 22 to 24 ton but i can reload chemical coming back...try to stick with a stainless steel tank, aluminin will be fine for 28 or 32% but some mix loads can eat up aluminium if it has a high acid level...

Replied on Tue, Jan 12, 2016 at 09:41 AM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

most fertilizers are non haz if thats all you plan to haul..get a non insulated tank...that way you can haul 24 or 25+ tons, my company is all tankers and we all any general chemical plus fertilizer in season we can only haul between 22 to 24 ton but i can reload chemical coming back...try to stick with a stainless steel tank, aluminin will be fine for 28 or 32% but some mix loads can eat up aluminium if it has a high acid level...

Replied on Tue, Jan 12, 2016 at 09:50 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. as far as age of trailer as long as its not leaking and road ready..you good, I still have some tanks from the 70's running up and down the road, in fact I bought a 4 compartment last week thats a 1967 modal, frame was shot so I rebuild the back and front, but it will be a great trailer with another 30 years of life in it...good luck

Replied on Tue, Jan 12, 2016 at 10:01 AM CST - 1
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Russ, thanks for your help.

Replied on Tue, Jan 12, 2016 at 10:16 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: " Todd thanks, I'm still in the learning phase but may be interested, what kind of price do you have on it? Thanks, Jerry" Jerry, give me a call and we can talk price. 402-773-5224. Thanks Todd

Replied on Tue, Jan 12, 2016 at 10:35 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Sorry I didn"t answer the Haz-mat question. Don't need haz-mat for insurence or endorcement on license for most fertlizers. We have always had Polar trailers, never had any problems. If you buy, get a center drop trailer. You never know how you will be sitting while unloading, especially on farms.

Replied on Tue, Jan 12, 2016 at 11:29 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Thanks for all your help and everyone else who has given me advice.

Replied on Tue, Jan 12, 2016 at 03:25 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Try to get a stainless steel one not alum. For N you dont really need SS, But for starter like 11-37-0 it will last longer. Get a good pump(min. 3in.) with a honda engine. you can get hose at farm supply store, or co-ops. Get a bunch of bango fittings, and make up adaptors. Male to male, female to female, 3in to 2in, ect. A small rince tank is not a bad idea, or at least a water jug. If its like around here you work a lot at night. So guys put work lights on trailers. Most guys make real good money doing it around here, But they run hard. And like you said its seasonal.

Replied on Tue, Jan 12, 2016 at 03:25 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Try to get a stainless steel one not alum. For N you dont really need SS, But for starter like 11-37-0 it will last longer. Get a good pump(min. 3in.) with a honda engine. you can get hose at farm supply store, or co-ops. Get a bunch of bango fittings, and make up adaptors. Male to male, female to female, 3in to 2in, ect. A small rince tank is not a bad idea, or at least a water jug. If its like around here you work a lot at night. So guys put work lights on trailers. Most guys make real good money doing it around here, But they run hard. And like you said its seasonal.

Replied on Tue, Jan 12, 2016 at 05:51 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "Try to get a stainless steel one not alum. For N you dont really need SS, But for starter like 11-37-0 it will last longer. Get a good pump(min. 3in.) with a honda engine. you can get hose at farm supply store, or co-ops. Get a bunch of bango fittings, and make up adaptors. Male to male, female to female, 3in to 2in, ect. A small rince tank is not a bad idea, or at least a water jug. If its like around here you work a lot at night. So guys put work lights on trailers. Most guys make real good money doing it around here, But they run hard. And like you said its seasonal." Any suggestions on a good pump? Is a Pacer pump good? I do know it has to be able to pump heavy liquid. Thanks, Jerry

Replied on Tue, Jan 12, 2016 at 05:51 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Quote: "Try to get a stainless steel one not alum. For N you dont really need SS, But for starter like 11-37-0 it will last longer. Get a good pump(min. 3in.) with a honda engine. you can get hose at farm supply store, or co-ops. Get a bunch of bango fittings, and make up adaptors. Male to male, female to female, 3in to 2in, ect. A small rince tank is not a bad idea, or at least a water jug. If its like around here you work a lot at night. So guys put work lights on trailers. Most guys make real good money doing it around here, But they run hard. And like you said its seasonal."

Any suggestions on a good pump? Is a Pacer pump good? I do know it has to be able to pump heavy liquid.
Thanks,
Jerry

Replied on Tue, Jan 12, 2016 at 06:01 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. pacer is a good brand. The plastic pumps dont hold up as long. Most run a cast iron pump like a trash pump. Just make sure you rinse it out if your not going to be using it. They seem easier to rebuld then the plastic pumps. You can go with a nock off engine or a B&S with the plastic pump we get a year or two out of them on the farm. You have more cost up front with a honda and a cast pump. but it will last and not leave you trying to figure out how to get load off.

Replied on Tue, Jan 12, 2016 at 06:01 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

pacer is a good brand. The plastic pumps dont hold up as long. Most run a cast iron pump like a trash pump. Just make sure you rinse it out if your not going to be using it. They seem easier to rebuld then the plastic pumps. You can go with a nock off engine or a B&S with the plastic pump we get a year or two out of them on the farm. You have more cost up front with a honda and a cast pump. but it will last and not leave you trying to figure out how to get load off.

Replied on Wed, Jan 13, 2016 at 07:25 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. For liquid fertilzer use a 3" Banjo (cast iron) pump with a Honda motor. The pumps with the liquid cooled seals work the best with the least amount of seal failure.

Replied on Wed, Jan 13, 2016 at 09:57 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: " Todd thanks, I'm still in the learning phase but may be interested, what kind of price do you have on it? Thanks, Jerry" Jerry, This trailer does have a 1 year old 5hp Honda and a John Blu pump with hoses and fittings. Would price it in the low 30's.

Replied on Wed, Jan 13, 2016 at 01:38 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "Jerry, This trailer does have a 1 year old 5hp Honda and a John Blu pump with hoses and fittings. Would price it in the low 30's." How many gallon is it...i have a friend whos looking for a 6000 gal belly drop

Replied on Wed, Jan 13, 2016 at 02:56 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "How many gallon is it...i have a friend whos looking for a 6000 gal belly drop" 5600 gal. center drop

Replied on Wed, Jan 13, 2016 at 05:52 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "Jerry, This trailer does have a 1 year old 5hp Honda and a John Blu pump with hoses and fittings. Would price it in the low 30's." Todd, thanks for all of your help and input! As far as the trailer you have for sale no offense but I'm going to lease one locally to get my feet wet. I appreciate the knowledge everyone has shared with me. Thank you everyone!! Jerry

Replied on Wed, Jan 13, 2016 at 05:52 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Quote: "Jerry, This trailer does have a 1 year old 5hp Honda and a John Blu pump with hoses and fittings. Would price it in the low 30's."

Todd, thanks for all of your help and input! As far as the trailer you have for sale no offense but I'm going to lease one locally to get my feet wet. I appreciate the knowledge everyone has shared with me.
Thank you everyone!!
Jerry

Replied on Mon, Feb 01, 2016 at 09:38 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. If you change your mind about buying a trailer I'm selling my first trailer, it's a 6000 gal straight barrel with rear load but I have it set up right with new tires for 13k

Replied on Mon, Feb 01, 2016 at 09:47 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "If you change your mind about buying a trailer I'm selling my first trailer, it's a 6000 gal straight barrel with rear load but I have it set up right with new tires for 13k " Send me some more information and pictures on that tank...I have a guy looking for a 6000 gallon [email protected]. ...tanks Russ

Replied on Tue, Jan 28, 2025 at 03:31 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Anything new / changed in this thread topic? I am looking to get into hauling liquid fertilizer and this thread was helpful.