Tanker truck drivers transport large shipments of liquids or gases across long distances and within cities. Tanker trucks are special trailers with reinforced metal tanks that are designed to transport sensitive substances and chemicals. Drivers may transport fuel tanks to gas stations, large quantities of milk to manufacturers, or sewage from septic tanks. A commercial driver’s license is typically required of new drivers in order to ensure the safe operation of large tanker trucks (CDL). Furthermore, before working alone, a tanker truck driver transporting oil, gasoline, or industrial chemicals must complete hazardous materials training.
A driver may work for a trucking company, a municipality, or a wholesale distributor of agricultural or fuel products. Some tanker truck drivers own and operate their own contracting businesses, purchasing their own specialty vehicles. A driver delivering fuel or commodities is likely to spend several hours on the road, either making multiple stops around a city or driving long distances between rural destinations.
To refill reservoirs, an oil or fuel tanker truck driver visits gas stations, truck stops, and industrial sites. He or she is usually in charge of connecting hoses and safely dispensing fuel. Food or water delivery drivers frequently stop at commercial packaging or distribution facilities, where other employees assist them in emptying their trucks into specially designed tanks or reservoirs. Both oil and food product tanker truck services place a strong emphasis on safety and sanitation, and delivery procedures are frequently required to be meticulously documented.
Drivers employed government agencies provide public services such as waste removal from septic tanks. Professionals in this field carefully extract material with hoses and pumps that are frequently built into tankers. Drivers are required to transport waste to a designated treatment facility and empty their trucks in accordance with local sanitation codes. An assistant is frequently used the driver to assist with navigation, maneuvering, and connecting pumps.
In most countries, a person who wants to drive a tanker truck must first obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) attending an accredited driver’s training program and passing written and practical driving tests. Hazardous materials training is usually completed on-the-job during the first few weeks of employment at a trucking company for drivers who haul radioactive or otherwise harmful substances. Additional safety training covering proper dispensing procedures is usually required of a tanker truck driver who delivers fuel.