Tank trucks, also known as tanker trucks, are specially designed vehicles to transport highly flammable liquids across far distances safely and efficiently. Tanker trucks work as a pivotal piece in the shipping process as the mode of transportation from refineries and terminals to drop-off locations for end users for domestic deliveries.
Tank trucks are made with stainless steel to protect against corrosion from hazardous liquid materials such as 100LL aviation fuel (“avgas”). The design also incorporates multiple safety features such as:
Due to the highly flammable nature of the product loaded, tank trucker personnel must follow strict operational protocols during loading and unloading. The loading process is controlled to prevent overfilling or spills. Technological advancement allows the use of automated systems to monitor the fuel levels and shut off the flow when tanks reach full capacity. The trucks are also grounded to prevent static discharge during the loading process.
During transit, the drivers follow specific routes to allow the safety of the product and others by avoiding heavily populated areas or high traffic congestion. Also, the trucks maintain a safe distance from other cars along the road and always follow general traffic laws. The unloading process utilizes fuel pumps to avoid spills or loss of product during the transfer process. Within all parts of the operational procedures, the tanker trucks go through safety checks to ensure there are no leaks or contamination.
Safety is extremely important when handling highly flammable hazardous materials such as avgas 100LL. Operating personnel for tanker trucks must have a thorough understanding of emergency shut-off systems, fire suppression systems, and emergency procedure training.
The transportation industry has an ethical obligation to monitor environmental impact, especially when transporting hazardous material such as avgas 100LL. Tank trucks are designed to minimize their environmental impact through features like:
To maintain quality standards and operate safely, tank trucks transporting aviation fuel follow strict regulations. These regulations ensure standardization in practice across the industry and protect the environment from harmful chemicals. Key regulations include:
The transportation industry attempts to innovate and implement new technologies for better monitoring, better efficiency, and less human error during the transportation process. Some of the latest innovations include telematics to offer real-time monitoring of the truck’s speed, location, and fuel levels, automated loading and unloading systems, and advanced materials in construction.
Tank trucks fill a specific and necessary part in the transportation process of avgas 100LL to connect refineries and terminals to drop-off locations for domestic end users. The tank trucks are designed with compartments and materials used for transporting hazardous materials and provide safeguards against static electricity during loading and unloading. Drivers and truck personnel value safety measures by only following regulated operational processes during loading, transport, and unloading. Tank trucks follow various regulatory compliances to ensure standardized quality and safety while transporting hazardous material. Also, the transportation industry regularly explores new technological advancements to produce better information, efficiency, and safety during the transportation process. The future looks promising for the tank trucking industry despite challenges in the market such as price volatility. Sergeant Oil and Gas utilizes tank trucks for domestic deliveries of avgas 100LL from refineries and terminals to the end user safely and efficiently.