Tanker Truck

A tanker truck can refer to both a straight truck and a semi that hauls tanks. They are used for transporting a variety of liquids, gases, chemicals, and even bulk dry loads like grain and sand.

Typically, a tanker truck is in the class 8 trucks which falls into any of the categories one would find: van/box trucks and flatbeds trucks. These being heavy duty, medium duty trucks or lightduty, based on their load capacities.

Truck Sizes

The size of a tank truck can vary greatly, but most tend to be large and many are classified as semi-trailer trucks.

The largest tank trucks, usually reserved for long hauls, that transport materials long distances can carry up to 34,000 liters (almost 9,000 gallons). Smaller versions, often used for in-town transport, may haul 11,000 liters (about 2,900 gallons) or less.

Driver Considerations

As a tanker truck driver, safety is your top priority. Maintenance of your tanker truck and equipment is another must. Carrying liquids, requires drivers to take corners more slowly, Since hazardous materials are commonly carried, tank truck drivers have a higher set of regulations and standards to adhere to.

An accident it will reflect on your Company’s Safety Records, which is regulated and maintained by The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration FMCSA.

There are several things to consider when applying for a job as a tanker truck driver:

• What is to be hauled (dangerous, chemicals, hazardous) • Special equipment required (personal protective equipment (PPE) • Special training required (beyond normal driving, endorsements)

Tanker truck drivers can be in high demand, depending on the part of the country you call home. But this also comes with a higher salary range.

Usually, it’s a requirement that a tanker truck driver must have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), obtained through an approved truck driving school.