Liquid tanker driving requires some really advanced skills. The type of cargo in the liquid tankers requires safe handling. If not safely handled, such cargo would endanger the driver's life. Therefore, highly experienced drivers are the best for such a job - for their safety and the safety of the commodities in transit. The profession requires the best drivers.
Tanker Size, Weight, and Cargo
There are many types of liquid tankers. They can ferry specific kinds of cargo for various reasons. They transport products ranging from chemicals to food-grade products. Other tanks transport corrosive products such as acids, hot liquids, and cold liquids. All these tanks are built differently to suit the different products.
The size of the tankers and the weight of the products decide the amount of payload the tankers carry. Water and sulfuric acid are different in terms of weight per gallon. Therefore, drivers must handle these two liquids differently. The difference in density means that the amount transferable at ago must be well calculated for the balance of the tanker while in transit. If it's wrong, the tanker would be unbalanced, and therefore, dangerous for the driver.
Food product tanks require cleaning between different trips. They are made of stainless steel for easier cleaning. These tanks keep products at the right temperatures because of the insulation. Inspections for such tankers are thorough to keep the products safe. Some tankers transport just some specific products. They hardly require cleaning between trips.
Tanker Driver's Duties
Tanker drivers must understand how to use the truck equipment. They must understand the process of loading and unloading the tankers. The drivers must consider the product's weight and the capacity limit of the tank before loading. The driver must know how to load the different products into suitable tanker types safely. All the loading protocols save time and money for both the customers and the drivers.
Payment and Work Environment
Tanker drivers earn more than van and reefer drivers. Employers pay hourly, while the others pay the drivers per mileage. Tankers must always put safety first during work. There is no room for error in this line of work. Drivers must accelerate and brake carefully. They must be even more careful where the roads are hilly or slippery. Transporting liquid products is risky, and therefore the drivers are always keen to avoid crashes. Instant braking or acceleration would lead to loss of balance due to the weight of the liquid. They must always be careful with the safety of both the commodities and themselves.