Georgia CDL Tanker Test cheat sheet
Georgia CDL Tanker Test · Keep the key ideas within reach.
Tanker Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks
Inspect the tank shell, baffles or bulkheads, and all seams for cracks, dents, corrosion, and leaks; reject any tank with a structural defect before loading.
Check manhole covers, gaskets, and vents: a clogged or missing vent can cause a vacuum collapse or pressure rupture during unloading.
Verify the emergency shutoff valve at the discharge and the internal self-closing stop valve operate freely and close fully with the handle released.
Confirm the cargo tank markings match the load: specification plate (MC 306, MC 307, MC 312, DOT 406, DOT 407, DOT 412) and the hazard placards required for the product.
Inspect grounding and bonding cables for continuity; a broken bond strap means no grounding path and the load must not be transferred.
Check tires, brakes, and suspension with the tank loaded when possible, because a full tank adds significant weight and changes axle loading.
Test the fire extinguisher charge and secure mounting; tank vehicles carrying flammables require a properly rated extinguisher within reach.
Walk the full length of the vehicle after loading to confirm all hatches are dogged, all valves are closed, and no product is dripping.
Driving Tank Vehicles: Surge, Slack Load, and Load Shift Control
Liquid cargo moves opposite to the vehicle's change in motion: braking sends product forward, acceleration sends it rearward, and the surge force acts on the tank walls and the vehicle's center of gravity.
A tank with no baffles or bulkheads carries the full surge of the liquid; a compartmented or baffled tank limits the distance the product can travel and reduces the surge.
Start and stop smoothly and progressively: a gentle brake application followed by steady pressure avoids the forward slam that pushes the tractor and can break traction.
Keep the clutch engagement and throttle changes gradual; a sudden downshift or hard acceleration shifts liquid rearward and unloads the steer axle.
Partial loads surge the most because the liquid has room to run; a full tank or a nearly empty tank moves far less than a half-full one.
Take curves below the posted advisory speed and never brake hard while the liquid is already shifting; the combined forces can push the vehicle out of its lane.
Allow a longer following distance than a rigid truck needs, because stopping distance grows once the product surges forward against the front bulkhead.
Vehicle Stability, Rollover Prevention, and Safe Speeds on Curves
A tank vehicle has a higher center of gravity than a dry van, so its rollover threshold is lower; the critical speed on a curve drops as the center of gravity rises.
Rollover occurs when centrifugal force exceeds the vehicle's stability limit, and the outward force grows with the square of speed, so a small speed increase sharply raises rollover risk.
Enter every curve at or below the advisory speed, and slow further when the tank is partially loaded or the road is wet, because liquid surge adds an outward push.
Do not brake hard in a curve; brake to the safe speed before the curve and hold steady throttle through it, since braking transfers weight and liquid forward.
Keep the load's center of gravity low and centered: high-density products in a high-mounted tank raise the rollover risk more than the same volume of a light product.
Watch for off-ramps, ramp curves, and lane changes as the highest rollover risks, and steer smoothly because a sharp correction can start an unrecoverable sway.
If the vehicle begins to lean or the load shifts outward, ease off the throttle and steer gently; do not jerk the wheel back, which can trigger a rollover.
Special Tank Vehicle Handling: Braking, Skids, and Emergencies
Brake earlier and lighter than in a dry van: liquid surge lengthens stopping distance and can push the vehicle forward after the brakes are released.
Use controlled, steady brake pressure and avoid locking the wheels; a locked wheel on a tank vehicle quickly leads to a jackknife or a spin.
If a drive-wheel skid begins, release the brake or throttle to regain traction and steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go.
If a trailer or tank skid occurs, release the brakes to let the wheels roll and re-establish grip before steering to correct.
For a front-wheel skid, ease off the throttle and steer gently in the intended direction; hard steering inputs during a front skid worsen the loss of control.
In a rollover or leak emergency, stop the vehicle away from ignition sources, shut off the engine, set the parking brake, and keep bystanders upwind and uphill of the spill.
Report a hazardous material release immediately and do not attempt to stop a large leak without the proper protective equipment and training.
Tanker Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks
Inspect the tank shell, baffles or bulkheads, and all seams for cracks, dents, corrosion, and leaks; reject any tank with a structural defect before loading.
Check manhole covers, gaskets, and vents: a clogged or missing vent can cause a vacuum collapse or pressure rupture during unloading.
Verify the emergency shutoff valve at the discharge and the internal self-closing stop valve operate freely and close fully with the handle released.
Confirm the cargo tank markings match the load: specification plate (MC 306, MC 307, MC 312, DOT 406, DOT 407, DOT 412) and the hazard placards required for the product.
Inspect grounding and bonding cables for continuity; a broken bond strap means no grounding path and the load must not be transferred.
Check tires, brakes, and suspension with the tank loaded when possible, because a full tank adds significant weight and changes axle loading.
Test the fire extinguisher charge and secure mounting; tank vehicles carrying flammables require a properly rated extinguisher within reach.
Walk the full length of the vehicle after loading to confirm all hatches are dogged, all valves are closed, and no product is dripping.
Driving Tank Vehicles: Surge, Slack Load, and Load Shift Control
Liquid cargo moves opposite to the vehicle's change in motion: braking sends product forward, acceleration sends it rearward, and the surge force acts on the tank walls and the vehicle's center of gravity.
A tank with no baffles or bulkheads carries the full surge of the liquid; a compartmented or baffled tank limits the distance the product can travel and reduces the surge.
Start and stop smoothly and progressively: a gentle brake application followed by steady pressure avoids the forward slam that pushes the tractor and can break traction.
Keep the clutch engagement and throttle changes gradual; a sudden downshift or hard acceleration shifts liquid rearward and unloads the steer axle.
Partial loads surge the most because the liquid has room to run; a full tank or a nearly empty tank moves far less than a half-full one.
Take curves below the posted advisory speed and never brake hard while the liquid is already shifting; the combined forces can push the vehicle out of its lane.
Allow a longer following distance than a rigid truck needs, because stopping distance grows once the product surges forward against the front bulkhead.
Vehicle Stability, Rollover Prevention, and Safe Speeds on Curves
A tank vehicle has a higher center of gravity than a dry van, so its rollover threshold is lower; the critical speed on a curve drops as the center of gravity rises.
Rollover occurs when centrifugal force exceeds the vehicle's stability limit, and the outward force grows with the square of speed, so a small speed increase sharply raises rollover risk.
Enter every curve at or below the advisory speed, and slow further when the tank is partially loaded or the road is wet, because liquid surge adds an outward push.
Do not brake hard in a curve; brake to the safe speed before the curve and hold steady throttle through it, since braking transfers weight and liquid forward.
Keep the load's center of gravity low and centered: high-density products in a high-mounted tank raise the rollover risk more than the same volume of a light product.
Watch for off-ramps, ramp curves, and lane changes as the highest rollover risks, and steer smoothly because a sharp correction can start an unrecoverable sway.
If the vehicle begins to lean or the load shifts outward, ease off the throttle and steer gently; do not jerk the wheel back, which can trigger a rollover.
Special Tank Vehicle Handling: Braking, Skids, and Emergencies
Brake earlier and lighter than in a dry van: liquid surge lengthens stopping distance and can push the vehicle forward after the brakes are released.
Use controlled, steady brake pressure and avoid locking the wheels; a locked wheel on a tank vehicle quickly leads to a jackknife or a spin.
If a drive-wheel skid begins, release the brake or throttle to regain traction and steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go.
If a trailer or tank skid occurs, release the brakes to let the wheels roll and re-establish grip before steering to correct.
For a front-wheel skid, ease off the throttle and steer gently in the intended direction; hard steering inputs during a front skid worsen the loss of control.
In a rollover or leak emergency, stop the vehicle away from ignition sources, shut off the engine, set the parking brake, and keep bystanders upwind and uphill of the spill.
Report a hazardous material release immediately and do not attempt to stop a large leak without the proper protective equipment and training.
Tanker Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks
Inspect the tank shell, baffles or bulkheads, and all seams for cracks, dents, corrosion, and leaks; reject any tank with a structural defect before loading.
Check manhole covers, gaskets, and vents: a clogged or missing vent can cause a vacuum collapse or pressure rupture during unloading.
Verify the emergency shutoff valve at the discharge and the internal self-closing stop valve operate freely and close fully with the handle released.
Confirm the cargo tank markings match the load: specification plate (MC 306, MC 307, MC 312, DOT 406, DOT 407, DOT 412) and the hazard placards required for the product.
Inspect grounding and bonding cables for continuity; a broken bond strap means no grounding path and the load must not be transferred.
Check tires, brakes, and suspension with the tank loaded when possible, because a full tank adds significant weight and changes axle loading.
Test the fire extinguisher charge and secure mounting; tank vehicles carrying flammables require a properly rated extinguisher within reach.
Walk the full length of the vehicle after loading to confirm all hatches are dogged, all valves are closed, and no product is dripping.
Driving Tank Vehicles: Surge, Slack Load, and Load Shift Control
Liquid cargo moves opposite to the vehicle's change in motion: braking sends product forward, acceleration sends it rearward, and the surge force acts on the tank walls and the vehicle's center of gravity.
A tank with no baffles or bulkheads carries the full surge of the liquid; a compartmented or baffled tank limits the distance the product can travel and reduces the surge.
Start and stop smoothly and progressively: a gentle brake application followed by steady pressure avoids the forward slam that pushes the tractor and can break traction.
Keep the clutch engagement and throttle changes gradual; a sudden downshift or hard acceleration shifts liquid rearward and unloads the steer axle.
Partial loads surge the most because the liquid has room to run; a full tank or a nearly empty tank moves far less than a half-full one.
Take curves below the posted advisory speed and never brake hard while the liquid is already shifting; the combined forces can push the vehicle out of its lane.
Allow a longer following distance than a rigid truck needs, because stopping distance grows once the product surges forward against the front bulkhead.
Vehicle Stability, Rollover Prevention, and Safe Speeds on Curves
A tank vehicle has a higher center of gravity than a dry van, so its rollover threshold is lower; the critical speed on a curve drops as the center of gravity rises.
Rollover occurs when centrifugal force exceeds the vehicle's stability limit, and the outward force grows with the square of speed, so a small speed increase sharply raises rollover risk.
Enter every curve at or below the advisory speed, and slow further when the tank is partially loaded or the road is wet, because liquid surge adds an outward push.
Do not brake hard in a curve; brake to the safe speed before the curve and hold steady throttle through it, since braking transfers weight and liquid forward.
Keep the load's center of gravity low and centered: high-density products in a high-mounted tank raise the rollover risk more than the same volume of a light product.
Watch for off-ramps, ramp curves, and lane changes as the highest rollover risks, and steer smoothly because a sharp correction can start an unrecoverable sway.
If the vehicle begins to lean or the load shifts outward, ease off the throttle and steer gently; do not jerk the wheel back, which can trigger a rollover.
Special Tank Vehicle Handling: Braking, Skids, and Emergencies
Brake earlier and lighter than in a dry van: liquid surge lengthens stopping distance and can push the vehicle forward after the brakes are released.
Use controlled, steady brake pressure and avoid locking the wheels; a locked wheel on a tank vehicle quickly leads to a jackknife or a spin.
If a drive-wheel skid begins, release the brake or throttle to regain traction and steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go.
If a trailer or tank skid occurs, release the brakes to let the wheels roll and re-establish grip before steering to correct.
For a front-wheel skid, ease off the throttle and steer gently in the intended direction; hard steering inputs during a front skid worsen the loss of control.
In a rollover or leak emergency, stop the vehicle away from ignition sources, shut off the engine, set the parking brake, and keep bystanders upwind and uphill of the spill.
Report a hazardous material release immediately and do not attempt to stop a large leak without the proper protective equipment and training.
Tanker Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks
Inspect the tank shell, baffles or bulkheads, and all seams for cracks, dents, corrosion, and leaks; reject any tank with a structural defect before loading.
Check manhole covers, gaskets, and vents: a clogged or missing vent can cause a vacuum collapse or pressure rupture during unloading.
Verify the emergency shutoff valve at the discharge and the internal self-closing stop valve operate freely and close fully with the handle released.
Confirm the cargo tank markings match the load: specification plate (MC 306, MC 307, MC 312, DOT 406, DOT 407, DOT 412) and the hazard placards required for the product.
Inspect grounding and bonding cables for continuity; a broken bond strap means no grounding path and the load must not be transferred.
Check tires, brakes, and suspension with the tank loaded when possible, because a full tank adds significant weight and changes axle loading.
Test the fire extinguisher charge and secure mounting; tank vehicles carrying flammables require a properly rated extinguisher within reach.
Walk the full length of the vehicle after loading to confirm all hatches are dogged, all valves are closed, and no product is dripping.
Driving Tank Vehicles: Surge, Slack Load, and Load Shift Control
Liquid cargo moves opposite to the vehicle's change in motion: braking sends product forward, acceleration sends it rearward, and the surge force acts on the tank walls and the vehicle's center of gravity.
A tank with no baffles or bulkheads carries the full surge of the liquid; a compartmented or baffled tank limits the distance the product can travel and reduces the surge.
Start and stop smoothly and progressively: a gentle brake application followed by steady pressure avoids the forward slam that pushes the tractor and can break traction.
Keep the clutch engagement and throttle changes gradual; a sudden downshift or hard acceleration shifts liquid rearward and unloads the steer axle.
Partial loads surge the most because the liquid has room to run; a full tank or a nearly empty tank moves far less than a half-full one.
Take curves below the posted advisory speed and never brake hard while the liquid is already shifting; the combined forces can push the vehicle out of its lane.
Allow a longer following distance than a rigid truck needs, because stopping distance grows once the product surges forward against the front bulkhead.
Vehicle Stability, Rollover Prevention, and Safe Speeds on Curves
A tank vehicle has a higher center of gravity than a dry van, so its rollover threshold is lower; the critical speed on a curve drops as the center of gravity rises.
Rollover occurs when centrifugal force exceeds the vehicle's stability limit, and the outward force grows with the square of speed, so a small speed increase sharply raises rollover risk.
Enter every curve at or below the advisory speed, and slow further when the tank is partially loaded or the road is wet, because liquid surge adds an outward push.
Do not brake hard in a curve; brake to the safe speed before the curve and hold steady throttle through it, since braking transfers weight and liquid forward.
Keep the load's center of gravity low and centered: high-density products in a high-mounted tank raise the rollover risk more than the same volume of a light product.
Watch for off-ramps, ramp curves, and lane changes as the highest rollover risks, and steer smoothly because a sharp correction can start an unrecoverable sway.
If the vehicle begins to lean or the load shifts outward, ease off the throttle and steer gently; do not jerk the wheel back, which can trigger a rollover.
Special Tank Vehicle Handling: Braking, Skids, and Emergencies
Brake earlier and lighter than in a dry van: liquid surge lengthens stopping distance and can push the vehicle forward after the brakes are released.
Use controlled, steady brake pressure and avoid locking the wheels; a locked wheel on a tank vehicle quickly leads to a jackknife or a spin.
If a drive-wheel skid begins, release the brake or throttle to regain traction and steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go.
If a trailer or tank skid occurs, release the brakes to let the wheels roll and re-establish grip before steering to correct.
For a front-wheel skid, ease off the throttle and steer gently in the intended direction; hard steering inputs during a front skid worsen the loss of control.
In a rollover or leak emergency, stop the vehicle away from ignition sources, shut off the engine, set the parking brake, and keep bystanders upwind and uphill of the spill.
Report a hazardous material release immediately and do not attempt to stop a large leak without the proper protective equipment and training.
Tanker Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks
Inspect the tank shell, baffles or bulkheads, and all seams for cracks, dents, corrosion, and leaks; reject any tank with a structural defect before loading.
Check manhole covers, gaskets, and vents: a clogged or missing vent can cause a vacuum collapse or pressure rupture during unloading.
Verify the emergency shutoff valve at the discharge and the internal self-closing stop valve operate freely and close fully with the handle released.
Confirm the cargo tank markings match the load: specification plate (MC 306, MC 307, MC 312, DOT 406, DOT 407, DOT 412) and the hazard placards required for the product.
Inspect grounding and bonding cables for continuity; a broken bond strap means no grounding path and the load must not be transferred.
Check tires, brakes, and suspension with the tank loaded when possible, because a full tank adds significant weight and changes axle loading.
Test the fire extinguisher charge and secure mounting; tank vehicles carrying flammables require a properly rated extinguisher within reach.
Walk the full length of the vehicle after loading to confirm all hatches are dogged, all valves are closed, and no product is dripping.
Driving Tank Vehicles: Surge, Slack Load, and Load Shift Control
Liquid cargo moves opposite to the vehicle's change in motion: braking sends product forward, acceleration sends it rearward, and the surge force acts on the tank walls and the vehicle's center of gravity.
A tank with no baffles or bulkheads carries the full surge of the liquid; a compartmented or baffled tank limits the distance the product can travel and reduces the surge.
Start and stop smoothly and progressively: a gentle brake application followed by steady pressure avoids the forward slam that pushes the tractor and can break traction.
Keep the clutch engagement and throttle changes gradual; a sudden downshift or hard acceleration shifts liquid rearward and unloads the steer axle.
Partial loads surge the most because the liquid has room to run; a full tank or a nearly empty tank moves far less than a half-full one.
Take curves below the posted advisory speed and never brake hard while the liquid is already shifting; the combined forces can push the vehicle out of its lane.
Allow a longer following distance than a rigid truck needs, because stopping distance grows once the product surges forward against the front bulkhead.
Vehicle Stability, Rollover Prevention, and Safe Speeds on Curves
A tank vehicle has a higher center of gravity than a dry van, so its rollover threshold is lower; the critical speed on a curve drops as the center of gravity rises.
Rollover occurs when centrifugal force exceeds the vehicle's stability limit, and the outward force grows with the square of speed, so a small speed increase sharply raises rollover risk.
Enter every curve at or below the advisory speed, and slow further when the tank is partially loaded or the road is wet, because liquid surge adds an outward push.
Do not brake hard in a curve; brake to the safe speed before the curve and hold steady throttle through it, since braking transfers weight and liquid forward.
Keep the load's center of gravity low and centered: high-density products in a high-mounted tank raise the rollover risk more than the same volume of a light product.
Watch for off-ramps, ramp curves, and lane changes as the highest rollover risks, and steer smoothly because a sharp correction can start an unrecoverable sway.
If the vehicle begins to lean or the load shifts outward, ease off the throttle and steer gently; do not jerk the wheel back, which can trigger a rollover.
Special Tank Vehicle Handling: Braking, Skids, and Emergencies
Brake earlier and lighter than in a dry van: liquid surge lengthens stopping distance and can push the vehicle forward after the brakes are released.
Use controlled, steady brake pressure and avoid locking the wheels; a locked wheel on a tank vehicle quickly leads to a jackknife or a spin.
If a drive-wheel skid begins, release the brake or throttle to regain traction and steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go.
If a trailer or tank skid occurs, release the brakes to let the wheels roll and re-establish grip before steering to correct.
For a front-wheel skid, ease off the throttle and steer gently in the intended direction; hard steering inputs during a front skid worsen the loss of control.
In a rollover or leak emergency, stop the vehicle away from ignition sources, shut off the engine, set the parking brake, and keep bystanders upwind and uphill of the spill.
Report a hazardous material release immediately and do not attempt to stop a large leak without the proper protective equipment and training.
Tanker Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks
Inspect the tank shell, baffles or bulkheads, and all seams for cracks, dents, corrosion, and leaks; reject any tank with a structural defect before loading.
Check manhole covers, gaskets, and vents: a clogged or missing vent can cause a vacuum collapse or pressure rupture during unloading.
Verify the emergency shutoff valve at the discharge and the internal self-closing stop valve operate freely and close fully with the handle released.
Confirm the cargo tank markings match the load: specification plate (MC 306, MC 307, MC 312, DOT 406, DOT 407, DOT 412) and the hazard placards required for the product.
Inspect grounding and bonding cables for continuity; a broken bond strap means no grounding path and the load must not be transferred.
Check tires, brakes, and suspension with the tank loaded when possible, because a full tank adds significant weight and changes axle loading.
Test the fire extinguisher charge and secure mounting; tank vehicles carrying flammables require a properly rated extinguisher within reach.
Walk the full length of the vehicle after loading to confirm all hatches are dogged, all valves are closed, and no product is dripping.
Driving Tank Vehicles: Surge, Slack Load, and Load Shift Control
Liquid cargo moves opposite to the vehicle's change in motion: braking sends product forward, acceleration sends it rearward, and the surge force acts on the tank walls and the vehicle's center of gravity.
A tank with no baffles or bulkheads carries the full surge of the liquid; a compartmented or baffled tank limits the distance the product can travel and reduces the surge.
Start and stop smoothly and progressively: a gentle brake application followed by steady pressure avoids the forward slam that pushes the tractor and can break traction.
Keep the clutch engagement and throttle changes gradual; a sudden downshift or hard acceleration shifts liquid rearward and unloads the steer axle.
Partial loads surge the most because the liquid has room to run; a full tank or a nearly empty tank moves far less than a half-full one.
Take curves below the posted advisory speed and never brake hard while the liquid is already shifting; the combined forces can push the vehicle out of its lane.
Allow a longer following distance than a rigid truck needs, because stopping distance grows once the product surges forward against the front bulkhead.
Vehicle Stability, Rollover Prevention, and Safe Speeds on Curves
A tank vehicle has a higher center of gravity than a dry van, so its rollover threshold is lower; the critical speed on a curve drops as the center of gravity rises.
Rollover occurs when centrifugal force exceeds the vehicle's stability limit, and the outward force grows with the square of speed, so a small speed increase sharply raises rollover risk.
Enter every curve at or below the advisory speed, and slow further when the tank is partially loaded or the road is wet, because liquid surge adds an outward push.
Do not brake hard in a curve; brake to the safe speed before the curve and hold steady throttle through it, since braking transfers weight and liquid forward.
Keep the load's center of gravity low and centered: high-density products in a high-mounted tank raise the rollover risk more than the same volume of a light product.
Watch for off-ramps, ramp curves, and lane changes as the highest rollover risks, and steer smoothly because a sharp correction can start an unrecoverable sway.
If the vehicle begins to lean or the load shifts outward, ease off the throttle and steer gently; do not jerk the wheel back, which can trigger a rollover.
Special Tank Vehicle Handling: Braking, Skids, and Emergencies
Brake earlier and lighter than in a dry van: liquid surge lengthens stopping distance and can push the vehicle forward after the brakes are released.
Use controlled, steady brake pressure and avoid locking the wheels; a locked wheel on a tank vehicle quickly leads to a jackknife or a spin.
If a drive-wheel skid begins, release the brake or throttle to regain traction and steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go.
If a trailer or tank skid occurs, release the brakes to let the wheels roll and re-establish grip before steering to correct.
For a front-wheel skid, ease off the throttle and steer gently in the intended direction; hard steering inputs during a front skid worsen the loss of control.
In a rollover or leak emergency, stop the vehicle away from ignition sources, shut off the engine, set the parking brake, and keep bystanders upwind and uphill of the spill.
Report a hazardous material release immediately and do not attempt to stop a large leak without the proper protective equipment and training.
Tanker Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks
Inspect the tank shell, baffles or bulkheads, and all seams for cracks, dents, corrosion, and leaks; reject any tank with a structural defect before loading.
Check manhole covers, gaskets, and vents: a clogged or missing vent can cause a vacuum collapse or pressure rupture during unloading.
Verify the emergency shutoff valve at the discharge and the internal self-closing stop valve operate freely and close fully with the handle released.
Confirm the cargo tank markings match the load: specification plate (MC 306, MC 307, MC 312, DOT 406, DOT 407, DOT 412) and the hazard placards required for the product.
Inspect grounding and bonding cables for continuity; a broken bond strap means no grounding path and the load must not be transferred.
Check tires, brakes, and suspension with the tank loaded when possible, because a full tank adds significant weight and changes axle loading.
Test the fire extinguisher charge and secure mounting; tank vehicles carrying flammables require a properly rated extinguisher within reach.
Walk the full length of the vehicle after loading to confirm all hatches are dogged, all valves are closed, and no product is dripping.
Driving Tank Vehicles: Surge, Slack Load, and Load Shift Control
Liquid cargo moves opposite to the vehicle's change in motion: braking sends product forward, acceleration sends it rearward, and the surge force acts on the tank walls and the vehicle's center of gravity.
A tank with no baffles or bulkheads carries the full surge of the liquid; a compartmented or baffled tank limits the distance the product can travel and reduces the surge.
Start and stop smoothly and progressively: a gentle brake application followed by steady pressure avoids the forward slam that pushes the tractor and can break traction.
Keep the clutch engagement and throttle changes gradual; a sudden downshift or hard acceleration shifts liquid rearward and unloads the steer axle.
Partial loads surge the most because the liquid has room to run; a full tank or a nearly empty tank moves far less than a half-full one.
Take curves below the posted advisory speed and never brake hard while the liquid is already shifting; the combined forces can push the vehicle out of its lane.
Allow a longer following distance than a rigid truck needs, because stopping distance grows once the product surges forward against the front bulkhead.
Vehicle Stability, Rollover Prevention, and Safe Speeds on Curves
A tank vehicle has a higher center of gravity than a dry van, so its rollover threshold is lower; the critical speed on a curve drops as the center of gravity rises.
Rollover occurs when centrifugal force exceeds the vehicle's stability limit, and the outward force grows with the square of speed, so a small speed increase sharply raises rollover risk.
Enter every curve at or below the advisory speed, and slow further when the tank is partially loaded or the road is wet, because liquid surge adds an outward push.
Do not brake hard in a curve; brake to the safe speed before the curve and hold steady throttle through it, since braking transfers weight and liquid forward.
Keep the load's center of gravity low and centered: high-density products in a high-mounted tank raise the rollover risk more than the same volume of a light product.
Watch for off-ramps, ramp curves, and lane changes as the highest rollover risks, and steer smoothly because a sharp correction can start an unrecoverable sway.
If the vehicle begins to lean or the load shifts outward, ease off the throttle and steer gently; do not jerk the wheel back, which can trigger a rollover.
Special Tank Vehicle Handling: Braking, Skids, and Emergencies
Brake earlier and lighter than in a dry van: liquid surge lengthens stopping distance and can push the vehicle forward after the brakes are released.
Use controlled, steady brake pressure and avoid locking the wheels; a locked wheel on a tank vehicle quickly leads to a jackknife or a spin.
If a drive-wheel skid begins, release the brake or throttle to regain traction and steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go.
If a trailer or tank skid occurs, release the brakes to let the wheels roll and re-establish grip before steering to correct.
For a front-wheel skid, ease off the throttle and steer gently in the intended direction; hard steering inputs during a front skid worsen the loss of control.
In a rollover or leak emergency, stop the vehicle away from ignition sources, shut off the engine, set the parking brake, and keep bystanders upwind and uphill of the spill.
Report a hazardous material release immediately and do not attempt to stop a large leak without the proper protective equipment and training.