Michigan CDL Tanker flashcards

33 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Cargo tank specification plate

Metal plate on the tank showing the specification (e.g., DOT 406), design pressure, capacity, and test dates. It confirms the tank is legal for the product being carried.

MC 306 / DOT 406

Cargo tank specification for flammable and combustible liquids. It is a low-pressure tank with limited internal baffling requirements and is the most common fuel tanker.

DOT 407 / MC 307

Cargo tank specification for low-pressure chemical and petroleum products requiring higher design pressure than a DOT 406, often used for mild corrosives and solvents.

DOT 412 / MC 312

Cargo tank specification for corrosive liquids. Tanks are often lined or made of corrosion-resistant material and require more frequent thickness testing.

Annual tank inspection

Most cargo tanks need an external visual inspection and a leak test at least once a year, documented on the tank. Internal inspection and thickness testing follow a longer cycle.

Bonding versus grounding

Bonding connects the truck to the loading rack so both are at the same electrical potential. Grounding connects that bonded pair to earth. Both are needed before loading flammables.

Overfill protection

A sensor in the tank that stops or signals loading before the tank overfills. It must be connected and working during bottom loading of flammable liquids.

Bottom loading procedure

Connect the product hose, vapor recovery line, ground/bond cable, and overfill sensor before opening the valve. Loading is unattended only if the rack is designed for it.

Top loading safety

Bond the tank to the rack, use an extension pipe reaching near the tank bottom, and stand clear of vapors. Splash loading of flammables is prohibited because it generates static.

Dome cover check

Before moving, confirm every dome cover is closed, latched, and sealed. An open or leaking dome cover is a hazmat release and an out-of-service defect.

Liquid surge definition

Forward and back movement of liquid in a partly filled tank. It shifts weight, changes the center of gravity, and pushes the truck during braking or acceleration.

Worst surge fill level

Surge is greatest when the tank is about half full, because the liquid has the most room to move. A nearly full or nearly empty tank surges very little.

Baffle function

Internal walls with holes that divide the tank into sections and slow liquid movement. Baffles reduce surge but do not eliminate it entirely.

Smooth-bore tank

A tank without internal baffles. It allows the greatest liquid surge and is the hardest tank type to control during braking and steering.

High center of gravity

A loaded tanker carries its weight high above the frame, raising rollover risk. The center of gravity rises further as the tank empties and liquid sloshes.

Side-to-side slosh

Liquid moving across the tank width during a turn. It can lift the inside wheels and combine with centrifugal force to cause a rollover.

Surge and stopping distance

Forward surge pushes the truck when brakes are applied, increasing stopping distance. A partly loaded tanker needs more room than a dry van.

Compartment axle loading

Baffled tanks have compartments with known capacities. Load them so weight is distributed correctly and no axle is overloaded.

Rollover threshold

The lateral acceleration at which a vehicle tips. A tanker's threshold is lower than a van's because of its high center of gravity and liquid movement.

Curve entry speed

Slow down before the curve, then hold steady or gently accelerate through it. Braking while turning a tanker can cause a rollover or jackknife.

Braking a tanker

Use progressive, controlled braking and avoid hard stops that trigger surge. Allow extra following distance and brake earlier than with a dry van.

Drive-wheel skid recovery

Ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the truck to go. Do not brake hard, which can worsen the skid.

Front-wheel skid recovery

Release the brake to let the front wheels roll and regain steering. Then steer toward the intended path and reapply brakes gently.

Downgrade strategy

Select a lower gear before the grade, use engine braking, and avoid continuous service braking. A loaded tanker can fade brakes and surge forward on a steep descent.

Off-tracking and tail swing

A long tanker's rear wheels cut inside the front wheels on turns, and the rear of the tank swings outward. Swing wide and watch the tail in tight spaces.

Railroad crossing procedure

Slow down, look both ways, and cross without stopping on the tracks. Bumps can bounce a stiff tank suspension and shift liquid.

Tanker wet-road speed

Reduce speed well below the posted limit on wet or icy roads. High center of gravity, surge, and reduced traction combine to raise rollover and skid risk.

Hazmat placarding

Placards go on both sides and both ends of a placarded tanker, matching the material's hazard class. The UN number is displayed as required.

Shipping papers

Documents carried within the driver's reach listing proper shipping name, hazard class, UN number, packing group, and quantity, plus emergency response information.

ERG use

The Emergency Response Guidebook gives initial isolation distances, protective action distances, and first-response guidance by guide number for a released material.

Tank vehicle endorsement

The N endorsement on a CDL is required to drive a tank vehicle. The H endorsement for hazmat is separate and needs a TSA threat assessment.

Unloading a tanker

Set the parking brake, chock wheels, verify the receiving tank has room, connect ground and hoses, attend the controls, and close valves before disconnecting.

PIH material

Poison-inhalation-hazard material is toxic when inhaled. Keep upwind, use ERG isolation distances, and treat any release as a serious emergency.