Learning the tank cleaning business one startup at a time

April 6, 2016
MIRANDA McMas, has come a long way in tank truck cleaning in a relatively short amount of time. In little more than nine years, she has played key roles in the startup of three foodgrade wash racks.

MIRANDA McMas, has come a long way in tank truck cleaning in a relatively short amount of time. In little more than nine years, she has played key roles in the startup of three foodgrade wash racks.

That’s quite an achievement for someone who first learned about the tank cleaning business while working as a commercial painter while studying business management in college. Currently terminal operations manager for Southcoast Container Services in Jacksonville, Florida, McMas previously worked at two foodgrade wash racks developed by Prime Inc.

“My first involvement with tank cleaning came in 2006 when my friend Niki Bowers and I were painting the Savannah Kleen building (in Port Wentworth, Georgia) while working for my father,” McMas says. “After being hired at Savannah Kleen, we learned the job from the ground up. We developed most of the tank cleaning procedures and wash recipes used at the location.

“Niki and I ran the wash together. It was an exciting time, because we felt a real ownership in learning to manage the facility. We were new to the industry, and I was excited about being part of something new.”

Then came Prime Inc’s Decatur Kleen wash rack project in Decatur, Indiana. McMas was part of the Decatur Kleen project starting with a brainstorming session with the wash rack team at Savannah Kleen. Decatur Kleen commenced operations in late 2011 with McMas on board as facility manager.

“I learned a lot at Decatur Kleen, because I had to become a real manager who hired and fired people,” she says. “At Savannah Kleen, I was working with friends. Decatur Kleen turned me into a successful manager. It was good for my career.”

McMas acknowledges that wash rack management isn’t a career choice that comes to mind for women. It’s a tough job and a very physical one.

“The physical demands are the hardest part of the job,” she says. “However, I’ve always enjoyed working outdoors and working with tools. I’m not afraid of physical work, and it got easier once I got used to it.

“Tank cleaning is a very important part of the tank truck industry. It has been a great opportunity for me, and I am still learning new things about the business.”