What is in Tanker Trucks?

Tanker trucks come in various types and serve a multitude of functions, transporting a wide array of liquid and dry goods. These vehicles can carry everything from industrial fluids to everyday products, often without us ever knowing what specific contents they contain.

Contents of Tanker Trucks

Given the variety of purposes that tanker trucks serve, their contents can range from common goods to highly specialized materials. Some of the most typical contents include:

Gasoline and diesel fuels Milk and other dairy products Chemicals of all types, with some being classified as hazardous Vegetable oil and other edible oils

Gasoline, diesel fuel, and edible oils are purposefully transported in tanker trucks to various commercial and industrial sites for use and storage. These liquids are designed to be compatible with transportation through tanker trucks, ensuring safe and efficient transfer.

Some tankers, however, can also carry dry bulk goods, meaning they can transport not just liquids but also solids. Septic tanker trucks, for instance, are used to collect and transport human waste (pee and poop), a task that often involves both liquid and solid waste.

In the case of hazardous materials, tankers must adhere to strict regulations. Chemicals that are deemed too dangerous for transport are expressly forbidden, with specific lists of forbidden substances to ensure public safety. For example, certain chemicals like Hydrazine, Azide, and Hydrazine Perchlorate are strictly prohibited due to their inherent dangers. The reasoning behind these prohibitions is that substances like hydrazine, while dangerous in their pure form, can be even more perilous if transported improperly.

Tanker Trucks and Transportation Regulations

Any liquid or dry bulk commodity can be transported in a tanker truck, barring those that are categorized as hazardous and explicitly forbidden by the government due to their extreme danger. These substances must be placarded to indicate their nature, offering a clue about the contents to those familiar with the markings. Even when placards are used, there are times when the contents remain a mystery. In such cases, a simple Google search using the UN number from the placard can provide some insights.

The transportation of certain chemicals poses significant safety concerns. These chemicals are often classified based on their hazardous nature, and the transportation of those labeled as "forbidden" is strictly prohibited. The tables detailing these forbidden substances are available online, guiding manufacturers in creating safer product formulations. For instance, companies are required to either produce any required chemicals on-site or switch to safer alternatives, ensuring that their operations do not create safety hazards through transportation.

When a tanker truck is not carrying any specific cargo, it is typically filled with air, maintaining structural integrity and preventing unnecessary weight or damage. This ensures the truck is ready for use at a moment's notice, adapting to a wide range of needs from industrial liquids to waste management.

Understanding the contents of tanker trucks is crucial for both safety and practicality, ensuring that we can transport goods efficiently while adhering to health and safety standards.