Tanker Trailers Key Terms

Learn the basics of tanker trailers by focusing on key terms

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.

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.

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.

Tanker endorsement

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

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.