The tank trailer is a versatile trailer that has different designs to meet their purposes - tanker trailers for chemicals, petroleum, dry bulk, and asphalt. These tank trailers can also be used to transport edible goods or dry bulk. You can even use them for storage. Whatever your business' product, there's a tanker trailer made to transport it.

In the tanker trailers basics, you will find information about acquiring a new or used tanker trailer, how to lease one, as well as how to acquire tank trailer parts. With this information, you will be able to find the best route for your company regarding tanker trailers.

1. Buy tanker trailers through tank trailer manufacturers.

2. Acquire a tanker trailer through tank trailer dealers.

3. Get tank trailer parts for your tank trailers.

Action Steps
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Look at the top tanker trailer manufacturers for your tanker trailer

When you purchase a new tanker trailer, you acquire a trailer for your company that's without any use, damage, or previous owners. What is also a plus is that your company can order the exact tanker trailer that will best suit the company's needs by requesting certain details in the manufacture of the tanker trailer.

I recommend: Brenner Tank is a tanker trailer manufacturer that has been in business since 1900, and has an excellent reputation for not only the quality of their trailers, but that of their customer service. Another tanker trailer manufacturer of note is Polar Corporation. Download a PDF article on progress with tanker trailer designs and manufacturing at BNET.

Explore other methods of acquiring tanker trailers

It isn't necessary for your company to buy a tanker trailer new. While most dealers offer new trailers, they also offer tank trailer leasing or tank trailer rental, as well as sales of used tank trailers. While buying used or leasing a tanker trailer is cheaper, consider the costs of maintenance and repair.

I recommend: Two tanker trailer dealers that offer leases or rentals, as well as used tank trailers are Paragon Trailer and Seneca Tank. Seneca Tank also provides a market report of tank trucks sold in the last 24 months.

Find tank trailer parts to keep your tanker trailer going

There'll come a time when you need to find parts for your tanker trailer to keep it on the road. As every vehicle owner knows, it's cheaper to replace parts for your vehicle than buying a brand new vehicle. The good news is that there's more than one company that has parts for your tanker trailer. In fact, any of the tanker trailer dealers listed have parts in their inventory.

I recommend: Two additional companies that have tanker trailer parts are Pneumatic Exports and its partner companies, as well as Werts Welding. Heil sells parts with their tanker inventory at various dealers, and they have a thorough FAQ section to answer a variety of your questions.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If your company wishes to buy a new tanker trailer, don't be afraid to work with the manufacturer--especially if you don't find exactly what you're looking for. They will be able to work with you as well as offer advice as to what tanker trailer would work well for your company.

Use a new or used tanker trailer to safely transport and store bulk liquids. Modern designs focus on ease of cleaning, maintenance, reuse, loading and unloading safely and efficiently. Most tanks can transfer from road to rail and sea. Some tank trailer manufacturers design, sell and service their product.

Often tank trailer leasing and renting companies interchange the two terms. Many companies offer lease to own opportunities. Cost depends on the type and age of the tanker trailers. Lease or rent for short or long term. Expect handling charges, condition survey fees, return cleaning fees and repair fees when you return the trailer lease or rental. When looking for tank trailer sales, lease or rental, consider the following steps:

1. Find a reputable tanker trailer manufacturer and sales representative.

2. Use tank trailer dealers that provide leasing and rental options focused on your specific need.

3. Locate companies that will find or make tank trailer parts and provide repair service.

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Order from a tanker trailer manufacturer or sales representative

Use tank trailer manufacturers that build and design quality industrial equipment transportation that suit your needs. Look for facilities and standards that have the ASME accreditation in the pressure vessel industry. This certifies the product, service and quality system of the manufacturer complies with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Code and with the laws and regulations in all 50 states in the United States, all providences of Canada and numerous foreign countries. Often trucking companies sell their used tank trailers. Talk to trailer mechanics and drivers from the company to get their opinions about how well the company maintains their equipment. Take the trailer to a credible mechanic before you buy.

I recommend: Contact City Machine and Welding in Amarillo, TX to purchase a liquid trailer tanker directly from a manufacturer. Jack B. Kelley, who designed, manufactured and holds the patent on many of tanker trailers constructed, started this company. Communicate with Talman Tank & Equipment to buy Heil aluminum or steel new or used tank trailers.

Consider tank trailer rental or lease

Recognize your responsibilities when you lease or rent a trailer. Expect to pay a lease deposit and first month's lease fee in advance, pay for insurance, maintain and repair the tanker and probably be responsible for pick up and return delivery. Some rent and lease sales companies specialize in a few types of tanker trailers, but others advertise they will find what you want.

I recommend: Apply for tank trailer leasing at Paragon Enterprises. They also offer rent to order chemical, petroleum, storage and dry bulk trailers. Tank trailer rental is available 365 days a year at Evergreen Tank Solutions. They will help you plan your project needs and supply emergency equipment promptly.

Know where to go for tank trailer parts and repair services

Do business with companies that have a full inventory of parts or the ability to acquire the part quickly. Time down for repairs is money lost.

I recommend: Find the part you need at Stainless Tank & Equipment. They will fabricate parts to your specifications when you can’t find what you need. For sales and service of truck bodies, lift gates, toolboxes, parts, paint and body shop, contact Titan Truck and Tanker Repair Center.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Fill hospital emergency needs with the Airgas hospital emergency mobile unit. Tank trailer leasing of this unit is available through Skaff Cryogenics.

No matter who your tanker trailer manufacturer is or whether you drive a new or used tanker trailer, you can find suitable tanker trailers driver education and training that will teach you how to haul your materials safely. Because the liquids hauled in a tank trailer shift forward and back, as well as side-to-side as the truck moves, you must learn how to allow for the movement of the liquids.

If you haul foodstuffs such as milk your truck may not have baffles at all, and you need to know how to compensate so you can stop safely. Tanker trailers driver education and training is usually a composite of three areas of study. These areas are:

1. Inspecting your tank trailer before hitting the road.

2. Driving the different trailer tanker types of.

3. Knowing the safety rules to haul materials in your trailer tanker.

Action Steps
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Prepare for your tank trailer endorsement

In addition to your regular CDL, you need to take and pass a special test to drive tank trailers. Check with your state's Department of Transportation for your local requirements.

I recommend: Mobipocket offers an inexpensive ebook you can download to begin your tanker trailers driver education and training. The book is called, “CDL Study Guide: Tank Vehicle Endorsement.” As you prepare to take your tanker trailer endorsement test, you can find information that can be helpful to you. CDL Examprep offers manuals for all 50 states. Plus, they offer sample test questions for each of the endorsements, including tanker trailers.

Take classes to receive tanker trailers driver education and training

These classes can be generic training courses, or some trainers can customize the training for individuals or small groups. Either way, classes are a quick and easy way to make sure you get the training your need for your trailer tanker endorsement.

I recommend: Safe Transportation Training Specialists offer trailer tanker safety courses. They work with a variety of tank trailer manufacturers so they can answer your questions about a particular tank trailer you may be driving. Participate in the training opportunities offered by the National Tank Truck Carriers. Membership allows you access to current safety manuals and regulation books. The organizations conferences offer hands-on training in tanker trailer safety provided by tank trailer dealers. You can also access tank trailer sales, tank trailer leasing and tank trailer parts by participating in its networking activities.

Receive specialized training for tanker trailers

If you haul any kind of hazardous material, you need to receive hazmat training. This usually includes how to onload and offload the material, as well as special driving rules and precautions.

I recommend: The HazMat Environmental Group offers training and consulting services if you haul hazardous materials in your trailer tanker. Beginning with a basic course, Regulations Training offers training for the safe hauling of hazardous materials in your tanker trailer. Other courses go further in depth on hazmat training.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As you look at any tank trailer for sale or tank trailer rental, you should already have enough training to know what kind of baffles you need to haul your liquid cargo safely in your trailer tanker. Baffles are dividers within the tank itself that inhibit the movement of the liquid contents of the tank.

If you are new to the world of driving tanker trailers or if you are a business owner who has a fleet of tanker trailers, you need to have some basic understanding of the tanker trailers themselves. Because tanker trailers typically carry liquids or gases, you need to have special training to operate them. Here are some key terms to help you become familiar with tanker trailers.

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Ball

The ball is the part of the tanker trailer that attaches to the hitch.

I recommend: For more information on the ball, you can go to CargoTrailerStore.com. While there, you can read up on some other key terms related to tanker trailers.

Breakaway switch

The breakaway switch is an important safety feature of tanker trailers. This part will engage the breaks of the tanker trailer should it become disconnected from the cab.

I recommend: Head on over to Vintage Trailer Supply to see what a breakaway switch looks like and to read more about them.

Baffles

Baffles are usually spherically shaped and placed inside the tank of the tanker trailer to reduce the slosh factor and the associated force that goes along with it.

I recommend: At BNET, you can read about baffles and the positive effect they can have.

Tanker endorsement

Prior to being allowed by law to drive a tanker trailer, you must first pass a test to obtain your tanker endorsement.

I recommend: View the areas that you need to have knowledge on in order to obtain a tanker endorsement at Truckdriving.com.

Payload capacity

The payload capacity of a tanker trailer is how much weight the tanker is allowed to carry. This amount includes the cargo in the tanker trailer and the passengers of the truck.

I recommend: At HowStuffWorks, you can read more about payloads and see a chart that differentiates the eight different payload classes.