Mercedes Mullins
Fuel trucks, also known as tanker trucks, are vehicles designed to transport and deliver fuel. They are equipped with large tanks, pumps, and hose systems to dispense fuel. The capacity of a tanker truck varies, with smaller trucks holding up to 3,000 gallons and larger ones up to 11,600 gallons. Semi-trucks, a type of fuel truck, typically have fuel tank capacities ranging from 105 to 400 gallons, with some newer models having two tanks, each holding 120 to 150 gallons. The amount of fuel a truck can hold is crucial for long-haul operations and remote journeys, impacting the frequency of refuelling stops and overall efficiency.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tank truck capacity | Smaller tank trucks: under 11,000 litres (3,000 US gal) or 3,000 gallons; Larger tank trucks: 11,600 gallons |
| Semi-truck fuel tank capacity | 120 to 150 gallons; some have two tanks of the same capacity |
| Custom semi-truck tank capacity | 160, 260, or 400 gallons |
| Gas station fuel storage tank capacity | 12,000 to 24,000 gallons of 87 and 91 octane per station |
| Dual fuel tanks on semi-trucks | Enhance efficiency, safety, and reliability for long-haul operations by reducing the need for frequent refuelling stops |
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What You'll Learn
Semi-trucks' fuel tank sizes
Semi-trucks typically have one or two fuel tanks, with an average capacity of 120 to 150 gallons per tank. This means that a semi-truck with two tanks can hold up to 300 gallons of fuel. However, it is important to note that the fuel tank size can vary depending on the size, make, model, and year of the truck. Some semi-trucks may have customised fuel tanks with capacities of 160, 260, or even 400 gallons.
The weight of the fuel in a semi-truck's tank is a significant consideration. A gallon of diesel fuel typically weighs around 7 pounds, so a full tank of fuel can add a considerable amount of weight to the truck. This weight can impact the truck's mileage, with a semi-truck typically getting about 6.5 miles per fuel gallon. Additionally, the weight of the fuel can affect the overall weight of the load, which must comply with the DOT's acceptable weight limits.
To maximise fuel efficiency and comply with safety protocols, it is recommended that semi-truck drivers follow the 95% rule, which involves filling the tank to 95% capacity instead of filling it completely. This helps to prevent spills and leaks, as well as reducing the risk of fuel expansion due to temperature changes. Keeping the fuel tank above 25% capacity is also important to protect the engine and fuel system from potential damage caused by air entering the system.
The size of a semi-truck's fuel tank directly impacts its range, with larger tanks allowing the truck to travel greater distances without refuelling. Dual fuel tanks on semi-trucks offer enhanced efficiency, safety, and reliability for long-haul operations by reducing the need for frequent refuelling stops. Therefore, the fuel tank size and configuration are crucial considerations for fleet operators and truck owners, depending on their specific business needs and goals.
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Tank truck capacity
Tank trucks, also known as gas trucks, fuel trucks, or tanker trucks, are motor vehicles designed to transport liquids or gases on roads. They are often large and may be insulated or non-insulated, pressurised or non-pressurised, and designed for single or multiple loads. The largest tank trucks are similar in size to railroad tank cars.
Tank trucks are categorised by their volume capacity and size, with smaller trucks typically used for light liquid cargo within local communities. Smaller tank trucks usually have a capacity of under 11,000 litres (3,000 US gallons; 2,500 imperial gallons) and are commonly used to empty septic tanks or deliver liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to homes, businesses, and industries. The smallest trucks can carry around 3,800 litres (1,000 US gallons; 830 imperial gallons) of LPG under pressure. LPG tank trucks can carry up to 3,499 US gallons (13,250 litres; 2,914 imperial gallons) on a 2-axle bobtail truck, while a 3-axle truck (tank wagon) is required for capacities of 3,500 US gallons and above.
Large tank trucks typically have capacities ranging from 21,000 to 44,000 litres (5,500 to 11,600 US gallons; 4,600 to 9,700 imperial gallons). They are used to transport gasoline, diesel, liquefied petroleum, natural gas, and various other liquid goods such as liquid sugar, molasses, milk, wine, juices, water, and industrial chemicals. The maximum capacity of a tanker truck depends on the density of the liquid being transported.
In Australia, road trains with four trailers (Quad tankers) can carry over 120,000 litres (32,000 US gallons; 26,000 imperial gallons). Some companies use lightweight steel to increase the capacity of single-axle trucks. For example, a US manufacturer has built a single-axle tank truck with a capacity of 3,700 US gallons (14,010 litres; 3,081 imperial gallons).
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Fuel types
Trucks use a variety of fuels, with diesel being a common choice. Diesel fuel is derived from petroleum but refined using a different process than gasoline. It is used by many large and industrial trucks, as well as transfer trucks and agricultural equipment. Diesel-powered vehicles often provide better fuel efficiency than their gasoline counterparts, and some drivers feel they get better value for their money, even if diesel is more expensive.
Another type of fuel used by trucks is liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is delivered to households, businesses, and industries by smaller tank trucks. LPG is also known as autogas and is a popular choice for vehicles due to its typically lower price compared to gasoline. LPG-powered vehicles often have lower carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions, but they may have higher nitrogen oxide emissions.
Some trucks are now using alternative fuels, such as biodiesel, electricity, propane, and natural gas. Compressed natural gas (CNG), for example, is being used in Nashua's street sweepers, refuse trucks, and other heavy-duty vehicles. CNG is created when natural gas is compressed to less than 1% of its original volume at standard atmospheric pressure, and it can power light and heavy-duty vehicles with similar fuel efficiency, power, and acceleration as regular gasoline.
Ethanol is another fuel option that is added to gasoline as an additive. While it is not widely used as a primary automobile fuel, many car manufacturers are designing vehicles that can be powered by ethanol due to its cost-effectiveness and the fact that it is made from renewable resources like corn and sugarcane. Some vehicles can run on 100% ethanol, but most cars today run on gasoline or are battery-powered.
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Weight restrictions
The weight restrictions for trucks depend on the truck's weight classification, which is based on the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or the maximum weight of the vehicle, as specified by the manufacturer. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) categorizes vehicles into three classes based on weight: Light Duty (Class 1-2), Medium Duty (Class 3-6), and Heavy Duty (Class 7-8).
The weight restrictions for trucks also vary depending on the country and region. For example, in the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines vehicle categories by GVWR for emissions and fuel economy certification. The EPA classifies vehicles as Light Duty (GVWR < 8,500 lb) or Heavy Duty (GVWR > 8,501 lb). Within the Heavy-Duty class, there is a Medium Heavy Duty Diesel Engine class for engine-only certification, but there is no Medium-Duty Vehicle class.
The weight of the truck is a critical factor in determining its load capacity and fuel efficiency. Heavier trucks, such as cement trucks, dump trucks, and big rigs, are categorized as severe duty, weighing more than 33,001 pounds. The weight of the fuel carried by a truck can significantly impact its overall weight and, therefore, its weight classification. Diesel fuel, in particular, is heavy, weighing over 7 lb/gallon. To comply with weight restrictions, truckers need to carefully calculate the weight of the fuel and distribute it between the axles to ensure the gross vehicle weight does not exceed the legal limit.
Additionally, the weight restrictions for tanker trucks, which are designed to carry liquids or gases, are influenced by the capacity of the tanks and the density of the liquids being transported. In the US, tanker trucks are typically limited to a gross weight of 80,000 lb. Small tanker trucks have a maximum capacity of 3,000 gallons, while larger tankers can hold up to 11,600 gallons. However, the actual capacity depends on the specific cargo and service requirements.
To comply with weight restrictions, truckers must carefully plan their trips, taking into account the amount of fuel needed to reach the next fuel stop and ensuring that the vehicle weight remains within legal limits. It is crucial to weigh the truck before and after fuelling to calculate the weight of the fuel and distribute it properly between the axles. This process can be tricky, especially when dealing with heavy loads or uneven weight distribution.
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Dual fuel tanks
The fuel capacity of trucks varies depending on their size and purpose. Smaller tank trucks with a capacity under 11,000 litres (3,000 US gallons) are typically used for transporting light liquid cargo within a local community. These include vacuum trucks that empty septic tanks and deliver the sludge to a treatment site, and trucks that deliver liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to homes.
Larger tanker trucks have a maximum capacity of 11,600 US gallons, though this depends on the density of the liquid being transported. These large tankers are used to transport gasoline, diesel, and liquefied petroleum or natural gas to filling stations. They also transport other liquid goods such as liquid sugar, molasses, milk, wine, juices, water, and industrial chemicals.
Some trucks have dual fuel tanks, which can be switched between by moving a valve lever, usually located under the driver's seat. Trucks with two fuel tanks were more common in vehicles from the 1970s and 1980s, particularly for those driving in areas where gas stations were few and far between, or for use on farms.
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Frequently asked questions
A typical semi-truck can hold 105 gallons of fuel. However, the fuel tank size can vary from 120 to 150 gallons, with some trucks having two tanks of the same capacity.
No, the actual size of a semi-truck fuel tank depends on the manufacturer and the age of the truck. Newer trucks tend to have larger tanks, while older ones have smaller ones.
Semi-trucks with two fuel tanks can cover longer distances without worrying about refuelling, which is especially useful in remote areas where fuel stations are sparse.
Tanker trucks vary in size, but small tanker trucks have a maximum capacity of 3,000 gallons, while large tankers have a maximum capacity of 11,600 gallons.
A fuel truck is a vehicle designed to transport and deliver fuel to various locations such as gas stations, airports, and construction sites. They are usually large, heavy, and built to be durable.
