Bulk Packages, Cargo Tanks, and Tank Vehicles
Bulk packages include cargo tanks, portable tanks, and large containers. Candidates must understand cargo tank features: manholes, vents, emergency shutoff valves, and the requirement that a tank be marked with the proper shipping name, UN number, and placards. Tank vehicles carrying certain materials require specific equipment and inspection, and the driver must know the tank's capacity and how much product it holds.
A frequent topic is the attendance rule: a tank vehicle carrying certain hazardous materials may not be left unattended except under specific conditions, and the driver must set brakes and take other precautions when stopped. Another trap is assuming that any tank can carry any liquid; tanks are designed for specific materials and must be compatible. Questions also test whether a cargo tank must be placarded at any quantity (it must, for bulk) and whether the driver must verify that valves are closed before moving.
Rule of thumb: bulk equals placard always, and a tank vehicle is attended or secured per the rules - never simply left running or unsecured.
Worked example: A driver parks a cargo tank of flammable liquid at a truck stop. Because it is a tank vehicle carrying a regulated material, the driver must follow the attendance and parking rules - set the brakes, ensure valves are closed, and not leave it unattended in a way that violates the rules.