FAQs for tanker trucks

1. What is carried in a tanker truck?

A range of liquids and gases can be carried in a tanker truck. These include gasoline, diesel and other liquid fuel products. They can be used to carry alcohol and most flammable or combustible fluids. Tanker trucks are sometimes used to transport non-flammable liquids such as milk or molasses.

These carriers are useful for storing and transporting most liquids and the tanks are designed to handle mildly corrosive products. Various materials are used to construct the tank depending on the type of liquid or gas being carried. Tanker trucks can’t store or transport pressurised gases or dry bulk cargo.

2. How much volume does a tanker truck carry?

The volume capacity of a tanker truck depends on its size and other specifications as well as government regulations. In the U.S, the volume capacity is controlled by the 80,000 lb. gross weight limit for trucks. For smaller tanker trucks, the maximum capacity is 13,638 litres while larger carriers are restricted to 52,735 litres.

Oil tanker trucks in countries such as Singapore can range between 1,500 litres and 27,000 litres.

3. Do tankers carry petrol and diesel?

Tankers do carry fuels and gases such as diesel, petrol, paraffin, kerosene and gas oil. Different grades and types such as 4-star, super unleaded and unleaded, must be treated differently and listed accordingly on documents when being stored and transported.

The tanker truck is constructed with materials such as mild steel or aluminium that can handle this specific type of fluid for both storage and transportation purposes. A petroleum and flammable transportation license is compulsory in countries such as Singapore for businesses storing and transporting fuels in tanker trucks.