Georgia CDL Tanker Test study materials
Georgia CDL Tanker Test study resources

Georgia CDL Tanker Test cheat sheet

Georgia CDL Tanker Test · Keep the key ideas within reach.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.

Quick reference

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.