Tanker trailers are incredibly common because they allow you to transport liquids. This will show you how much certain tank trailers hold. You want to balance safety and capacity when choosing a tanker trailer.
What is the Capacity of a Tanker Truck?
As with any other question about trailer capacity, this depends on the size of the trailer and what you’re hauling. The smallest tanker trailers around 1,000 to 3,000 gallons while the largest carry from 5,500 gallons to 11,600 gallons.
Keep in mind that the type of liquid you’re hauling can affect the capacity. If you’re carrying a heavier or thicker liquid, then you might reach your weight capacity before the trailer is completely full.
Types of Liquid Transporting
Many people think that tankers only carry gasoline and chemicals, but that’s only a small fraction of what you can haul. According to the experts at Hale Trailer, “tanker trailers are ideal for transporting liquids like oil, crude oil, gasoline, and milk.”
They can also carry other materials like flour, plastic pellets, petroleum, concrete and more. These trailers are very versatile and can help you carry a variety of liquids or dry materials. These trailers can even carry hazardous chemicals, but make sure that the trailer is built to withstand them.
What you may not know is that tankers can carry several types of liquids. Some tankers are built with compartments that are divided by metal. This means you can have two, three or more liquids traveling simultaneously within the same tanker.
Use of Baffles
Baffles are incredibly important for two reasons. These allow you to carry more weight. They also allow you to improve safety. Baffles are designed to reduce liquid movement. This is why transporting liquid can be dangerous. The liquid can surge to one side or the other. Baffles stabilize the liquid and make it easier to carry larger loads.
While not every tanker comes with baffles, it’s a good idea to have these included. You want to keep drivers safe and you want to transport more, so baffles are your best friend.
Type of Tankers with Capacity
There are several types of tankers that have specific capacities. You may sometimes see tank trailers referred to by sizes, such as small or large. The smallest trailers hold 1,000 to 3,000 gallons. Medium tankers hold around 3,000 to 5,400 gallons. Large tankers hold 5,500 to 11,600 gallons. Once again, remember that it depends on which liquid you’re hauling.
A chemical tanker is specifically made to haul chemicals and has slightly different capacities. Small trailers hold 3,800 to 5,000 gallons, standard trailers hold 6,000 to 7,000 gallons, and the largest hold 8,000 gallons or more.
Crude oil tankers commonly hold around 8,400 to 11,000 gallons, but there are larger ones that hold 12,680 to 16,800 gallons. Some also have section compartments to separate different types of crude oil.
Conclusion
There are many variables that go into measuring a tanker trailer capacity, but the most important is size and the liquid being hauled. Be sure to consider these factors when getting your tanker trailer.
