- What is a tank vehicle?
- A vehicle used by the army to fight wars
- A commercial vehicle that carries liquid or liquefied gas in individual tanks of at least 119 gallons each with an aggregate capacity of 1,000 gallons or more
- A vehicle used to carry any liquid or liquefied gas in tanks totaling less than 1,000 gallons
CDL tank vehicle endorsement applies when individual tank(s) are ≥119 gal and total capacity is ≥1,000 gal.
- You should inspect a tanker before loading, unloading, or driving to make sure it’s safe to carry the product and safe to operate.
- True
- False
Pre-trip and pre-transfer inspections reduce leak, spill, and rollover risk.
- Tank vehicles have special items and come in many types and sizes. To ensure you check yours properly, you should:
- Ask the last person who drove it
- Ask the owner
- Consult the vehicle’s operator manual
Follow the manufacturer’s procedures for that exact tank configuration and equipment.
- On all tank vehicles, the most important item to check is for:
- Overflow
- Leaks
- Spills
Leaks endanger people, the environment, and can lead to loss of control or fire.
- You should check the tank body/shell for:
- Dents and spills
- Spills and overflow
- Dents and leaks
Dents may indicate damage; leaks must be corrected before movement.
- Before loading, unloading, or moving the vehicle, make sure which valves are in the correct position?
- Intake valve
- Discharge valve
- Cut-off/isolation valves
- All of the above
Incorrect valve positions can cause spills, overfills, or product transfer to the wrong compartment.
- It is not necessary to check pipe connections and hoses for leaks.
- True
- False
All connections and hoses must be checked. Small leaks can worsen under pressure or vibration.
- Manhole covers and vent covers on tankers should be in what position when loading?
- Open and set correctly as required by the procedure
- Closed fully
- Partially closed
Follow loading procedures. Manholes/vents must be positioned to allow safe filling and proper venting.
- Check any special-purpose equipment (e.g., pumps, meters, vapor-recovery) to make sure it:
- Is in place and works properly
- Didn’t get stolen
- Has a new paint job
Function checks prevent leaks/spills during transfer and ensure correct operation.
- If your tank vehicle has special equipment, you must know:
- Who manufactured it
- How to operate it safely
- The model number
Proper operation is critical for safety and compliance.
- Hauling liquids in tank vehicles requires special skills because:
- Of the high center of gravity and liquid movement
- Of the low center of gravity and the presence of gas
- Of the way tank vehicles are painted
High COG increases rollover risk; liquid surge/shift affects braking and steering.
- A high center of gravity means much of the load’s weight is carried high off the road. This makes the vehicle:
- Top-heavy and easier to roll over
- Top-heavy and easier to drive
- Both top-heavy and bottom-heavy
Slow early for curves/ramps. Steer smoothly to reduce rollover risk.
- Liquid surge results from movement of the liquid in partially filled tanks. This movement has what effect on handling?
- A good effect
- No effect
- A bad effect
Surge can push you into intersections, lengthen stopping distance, and destabilize the vehicle.
- Some liquid tanks are divided into several smaller sections by solid dividers called:
- Baffles
- Bulkheads
- Partitions
Bulkheads create separate compartments. Baffles are perforated plates inside a compartment that reduce surge.
- When loading or unloading tanks with bulkheads, the driver must pay attention to weight distribution.
- True
- False
Uneven compartment loading can overload axles, worsen handling, and increase rollover risk.