- Less than 1,000 gallons
- Over 1,000 gallons
- Over 10,000 gallons
- Any amount
From The CDL Manual
A “tank vehicle” is used to carry any liquid or gaseous material in a tank that is permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle or chassis. However, this does not include portable tanks with a rated capacity of less than 1,000 gallons.
- 48 hours
- 24 hours
- It doesn't matter
- 7 days
From The CDL Manual
Vehicles must be purged of hazardous materials 48 hours prior to testing with documentation verifying the purge.
- Leaks
- Adequate ventilation
- Electric lighting
- Tire pressure
From The CDL Manual
On all tank vehicles, the most important item to check for is leaks. Check under and around the vehicle for signs of any leaking.
- Screws
- Air holes
- Latches
- Gaskets
From The CDL Manual
Manhole covers and vents. Make sure covers have gaskets and that they close correctly. Keep vents clear so they work correctly.
- Pipes and hoses
- Connections and joints
- All of these things
- The body or shell
From The CDL Manual
In general, check the following:
Tank body or shell for dents or leaks.
Pipes, connections and hoses for leaks, especially around joints.
- Check the emergency equipment for your vehicle
- Make sure that you are carrying the required equipment and it is working
- Emergency equipment is optional if there is no room for it
- Know how to operate special equipment
From The CDL Manual
Make sure you know how to operate your special equipment. Check the emergency equipment required for your vehicle. Find out what equipment you are required to carry and make sure you have it (and it works).
- Heavy traffic
- A higher center of gravity
- Strong winds
- High downhill speed
From The CDL Manual
High Center of Gravity —
Hauling liquids in tanks requires special skills because of the high center of gravity and liquid movement. A high center of gravity means that much of the load’s weight is carried high up off the road. This makes the vehicle top-heavy and easy to roll over.
Liquid tankers are especially easy to roll over. Tests show that tankers can turn over at the speed limits posted for curves. Take highway curves and on-ramp/off-ramp curves well below the posted speed limits.
- As fast as you feel is comfortable
- Below posted speed limits
- At posted speed limits
- Above posted speed limits
From The CDL Manual
High Center of Gravity —
Hauling liquids in tanks requires special skills because of the high center of gravity and liquid movement. A high center of gravity means that much of the load’s weight is carried high up off the road. This makes the vehicle top-heavy and easy to roll over.
Liquid tankers are especially easy to roll over. Tests show that tankers can turn over at the speed limits posted for curves. Take highway curves and on-ramp/off-ramp curves well below the posted speed limits.
- Shock wave
- Liquid surge
- Liquid wave
- Tidal wave
From The CDL Manual
Liquid Surge —
Liquid surge results from movement of the liquid in partially filled tanks. This movement can have bad effects on handling. For example, when coming to a stop, the liquid will surge back and forth. When the wave hits the end of the tank, it tends to push the truck in the direction the wave is moving.
If the truck is on a slippery surface such as ice, the wave can shove a stopped truck out into an intersection. The driver of a liquid tanker must be very familiar with the handling of the vehicle.
- Handling is diminished, especially in slippery conditions
- The wave can shove a stopped truck out into an intersection
- Increased risk of overheating in rainy conditions
- The wave will push a truck in the direction it is moving
From The CDL Manual
Liquid Surge —
Liquid surge results from movement of the liquid in partially filled tanks. This movement can have bad effects on handling. For example, when coming to a stop, the liquid will surge back and forth. When the wave hits the end of the tank, it tends to push the truck in the direction the wave is moving.
If the truck is on a slippery surface such as ice, the wave can shove a stopped truck out into an intersection. The driver of a liquid tanker must be very familiar with the handling of the vehicle.