Tanker Trailers Key Terms

Learn the basics of tanker trailers by focusing on key terms

By Meredith Fagioli

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.

Ball

The ball is the part of the tanker trailer that attaches to the hitch.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: At HowStuffWorks, you can read more about payloads and see a chart that differentiates the eight different payload classes.