Tanker trucks transport liquids or gases in cylinder-shaped compartments, with varying sizes and materials depending on the substance. Drivers must take precautions, especially when transporting hazardous materials, and comply with regulations. Tanker trucks carry a variety of substances, including gasoline, milk, and industrial chemicals.
A tank truck is a motor vehicle specifically designed to transport liquids or gases on public roads using a cylinder-shaped horizontal cargo compartment. There are numerous types of tanker trucks on the road, differentiated by their size, what substances they carry, and how much volume they can carry.
The size of a tanker truck can vary greatly, but they tend to be large and many are classified as semi-trucks. The largest tankers, usually reserved for long hauls, that transport materials over long distances can carry up to 34,000 liters (nearly 9,000 gallons). Smaller versions, often used for city transport, can carry 11,000 liters (approximately 2,900 gallons) or less.
Tank trucks, also known as tank trucks, can contain different types of liquids and gases, such as milk, gasoline, and numerous hazardous materials. The differences between one tanker truck and the next basically revolve around one thing: what’s in it. The cylinders that store the gas or liquid can be insulated, pressurized, and reinforced with aluminum, carbon steel, stainless steel, or fiberglass-reinforced plastic, depending on the substances being transported. Some will even be suitable for multiple types of substances, which means there is an internal tank divider.
Transporting liquids, which can change during transport and become heavy, generally requires drivers to take curves more slowly, be more aware of weather and road conditions, and take more breaks during a long trip. Since hazardous materials are commonly transported, tanker drivers have to comply with a greater set of rules and standards. This can include significant additional training and a requirement to maintain a hazmat endorsement. When a tanker transports hazardous materials, it will be noted on signage, usually at the rear of the cargo compartment. These signs have a number and color that alert emergency professionals to what substances are on board in an emergency.
There are several common tanker trucks on the road. A good example of a larger one is the gasoline hauling trucks often seen at refueling area service stations. While this is perhaps the most recognized type of tanker truck, many other liquid products, such as concrete, milk, water, diesel, and industrial chemicals, can be transported in these vehicles.
The smallest size of tankers, those with a capacity of less than 11,000 liters (approximately 2,900 gallons), are designed for shorter transport distances. Common examples include a septic service truck or LPG carriers. These trucks often have a pump system to service residential buildings and homes. Small tanker trucks are also common at airports and transport fuel to aircraft.
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