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Food Grade Tanker Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Food Grade Tanker Driver

Vernon, MI · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Facility has a shop and tank-wash * We have 3 driver trainers on-site! * Driver-Friendly staff * Experienced dispatchers. What we haul: * Sweeteners: Sucrose, Fructose, Corn Syrup * Granulated Sugar

Food Grade Tanker Driver

Hinton, IA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Facility has a shop and tank-wash * We have 3 driver trainers on-site! * Driver-Friendly staff * Experienced dispatchers. What we haul: * Sweeteners: Sucrose, Fructose, Corn Syrup * Granulated Sugar

Food Grade Tanker Driver

Loraine, IL · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Facility has a shop and tank-wash * We have 3 driver trainers on-site! * Driver-Friendly staff * Experienced dispatchers. What we haul: * Sweeteners: Sucrose, Fructose, Corn Syrup * Granulated Sugar

Food Grade Tanker Driver

Elkton, MI · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Facility has a shop and tank-wash * We have 3 driver trainers on-site! * Driver-Friendly staff * Experienced dispatchers. What we haul: * Sweeteners: Sucrose, Fructose, Corn Syrup * Granulated Sugar

Food Grade Tanker Driver

Decatur, NE · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Facility has a shop and tank-wash * We have 3 driver trainers on-site! * Driver-Friendly staff * Experienced dispatchers. What we haul: * Sweeteners: Sucrose, Fructose, Corn Syrup * Granulated Sugar

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Food Grade Tanker Driver information

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$13

$26

$38

How much do food grade tanker driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for food grade tanker driver in the United States is $26.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Food Grade Tanker Drivers?

Food Grade Tanker Drivers are professional truck drivers who specialize in transporting liquid or bulk food products, such as milk, juice, edible oils, or sweeteners, in specially designed tanker trailers. These tankers are constructed using food-safe materials and must meet strict sanitation and safety standards to prevent contamination. Drivers are responsible for ensuring the cleanliness of the tanks, following food safety regulations, and carefully loading and unloading contents at various facilities. They often travel long distances and must maintain detailed records of their loads and cleaning procedures. This role requires a commercial driver's license (CDL) with appropriate endorsements and a strong commitment to safety and hygiene.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Grade Tanker Driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Grade Tanker Driver, you need a valid CDL with appropriate endorsements, a clean driving record, and knowledge of DOT regulations for food transport. Familiarity with tanker-specific equipment, sanitary procedures, and electronic logging devices (ELDs) is crucial. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong communication skills set exceptional drivers apart. These skills ensure the safe, timely, and contamination-free delivery of food-grade products, meeting both industry standards and customer expectations.

What are some common challenges faced by Food Grade Tanker Drivers, and how can they be managed?

Food Grade Tanker Drivers often encounter challenges related to maintaining strict sanitation standards and ensuring timely deliveries. Since tanks must be thoroughly cleaned between loads to prevent contamination, drivers need to be detail-oriented and knowledgeable about sanitation procedures. Additionally, the job may require navigating to facilities with specialized unloading equipment, which can be physically demanding and time-sensitive. Effective communication with dispatchers, customers, and cleaning facility staff is crucial to manage schedules and resolve logistical issues.

What Does a Food Grade Tanker Driver Do?

As a food grade tanker driver, your job is to drive a truck and transport specialty goods like chilled or frozen products. In this role, you may perform basic maintenance on your truck, sanitize your vehicle before and after each trip, and provide any additional services or support required for specific goods. This position often involves paying attention to temperature gauges during long journeys and resolving any problems to ensure the safety of all products for the duration of the transport. In many cases, a food grade tanker driver transports liquids instead of solid food. Dry food is usually hauled in regular cargo vehicles, so you may need to look under another job title if you want to haul solid foods.

What is the difference between Food Grade Tanker Driver vs Chemical Tanker Driver?

AspectFood Grade Tanker DriverChemical Tanker Driver
CertificationsCDL, HAZMAT, Tanker Endorsement, Food Safety TrainingCDL, HAZMAT, Tanker Endorsement, Chemical Handling Certification
Work EnvironmentTransporting edible liquids in clean, sanitized tanksTransporting hazardous chemicals in specialized tanks
Industry UsageFood and beverage industryChemical manufacturing and distribution

Food Grade Tanker Drivers and Chemical Tanker Drivers share certifications like CDL, HAZMAT, and Tanker Endorsements. However, Food Grade Tanker Drivers focus on transporting edible liquids in sanitized tanks, while Chemical Tanker Drivers handle hazardous chemicals in specialized tanks. Both roles require strict safety and cleanliness standards but serve different industries and cargo types.

What cities are hiring for Food Grade Tanker Driver jobs? Cities with the most Food Grade Tanker Driver job openings:
What states have the most Food Grade Tanker Driver jobs? States with the most job openings for Food Grade Tanker Driver jobs include:
Infographic showing various Food Grade Tanker Driver job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,518 per year, or $26.2 per hour.
Food Grade Tanker Driver

$70K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Heniff Transportation Systems rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

LOCAL/REGIONAL:

  • Our average Local/Regional driver makes a minimum of $70k to over $90k a year

Terminal Perks:

  • Facility has a shop and tank-wash
  • We have 3 driver trainers on-site!
  • Driver-Friendly staff
  • Experienced dispatchers.

What we haul:

  • Sweeteners: Sucrose, Fructose, Corn Syrup
  • Granulated Sugar
  • Corn Starch

Company Driver Benefits:

  • Top pay by % of linehaul hourly load/unload pay
  • Local, Regional, Dedicated and Long-haul options with excellent home time available
  • Safety Incentive Plan (up to $10k/year)
  • On-Time first hour paid when Loading/Unloading
  • A top-of-the-line PPO health insurance policy
  • Excellent dental insurance
  • Vision plan
  • Weekly pay with Direct Deposit available
  • Generous paid time off
  • 7 paid holidays
  • 401K Plan with company match
  • Driver Referral Bonus Plan ($1,000)
  • Company provided Life insurance
  • Well -maintained company tractor and trailer fleets
  • PeopleNet on-board communications
  • EZ Pass provided

Owner Operator Benefits:

  • $3,000 sign-on bonus
  • 100% fuel surcharge passed on to Owner
  • Hourly detention pay after 2 hours
  • Fuel card provided - Discounts provided at major travel centers
  • Weekly settlements
  • Direct Deposit available
  • Transflo service with mobile apps available
  • Tolls reimbursed 100% (if billable and billed)
  • Network for tank washes
  • PeopleNet units provided free of charge

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