Every time you get on a highway, you'll likely see one or more tank trailers transporting goods from place to place. But have you ever wondered just what's inside them? Tanker trucks carry a wide array of cargo, including some things you might not expect. Here are four common things carried and transported by tank trailers.
1. Fuel
Fuel is a frequent cargo carried by tanker trucks. However, gasoline isn't the only fuel they carry. Tanker trucks may also transport things like diesel fuel and kerosine, as well as fuel oil. They transport liquefied natural gas or petroleum, too. Fuel-carrying tanker trucks supply local gas stations and often have multiple sealed cargo spaces for different fuels. That way, a single tanker can deliver multiple fuel octanes and diesel fuel in a single trip. You can spot tanker trucks carrying fuels by looking for their distinctive hazardous materials placards. Rest assured, however, that tanker trucks carrying fuels feature multiple safety systems to keep them from being dangerous on the road.
2. Industrial Solvents and Chemicals
Tanker trucks are also an essential part of industrial supply chains. They frequently transport industrial solvents and chemicals, which manufacturers use in their production processes. Tanker trucks carrying such substances also have complex safety systems that monitor and control the status of their cargo. Some even have temperature control functionality to keep their cargo within safe temperature limits. They also have pressure relief valves, emergency vents, and rupture discs. All three provide fault tolerance when carrying volatile chemical cargoes. Chemical-carrying tank trailers may also have emergency shutdown systems to seal valves and prevent spills.
3. Liquid Foods
If you've ever wondered how food producers move liquid food products around, tank trailers are the answer. You likely already know that dairy producers move milk using tank trailers. However, you may not realize they carry an almost endless list of other food products. These include syrups, alcohol, vegetable oil, juices, and vinegar. Food-carrying tank trailers are even FDA-regulated to ensure food safety. That includes mandated sanitization processes and the application of tamper-evident seals. Even the cleaning products used on them must be certified food-grade.
4. Dry Bulk Materials
Finally, tank trailers also frequently carry dry bulk materials from place to place. That includes food-grade trailers that transport sugar, flour, and salt. They're subject to the same regulatory requirements as trailers carrying liquid foods. You'll also find tank trailers hauling sand, gravel, resin pellets, cement, and powders. Such trailers typically have a single large tank designed for efficient loading and unloading. Some feature pneumatic compressed air systems that aid in discharging their cargo.
The Linchpin of the Supply Chain
Tank trailers are such a versatile means of transporting goods that it's no stretch to call them the linchpin of the supply chain. Without them, you'd struggle to find a gas station with fuel, our food supply would be severely disrupted, and the manufacturing sector would grind to a halt. So, next time you see a tank trailer on the road, give its driver a wave in recognition of their critical work.
