How is a tanker usually operated?

• A. completely full or completely empty
• B. partially full
• C. full but not empty
• D. empty only

Answer: (A)

Liquid surge inside a tanker is the main safety factor in how it’s operated. When the tank is only partially full, the liquid can slosh back and forth as the vehicle accelerates, decelerates, or turns. That movement shifts the weight and center of gravity suddenly, making steering, braking, and cornering unpredictable and increasing the risk of loss of control or a rollover. If the tank is completely full, the liquid is held in place more by the container, so slosh is minimized. If the tank is empty, there’s little to move at all. So the safest, most common practice is to operate with the tanker either completely full or completely empty. Partial fullness creates the instability auditors want to avoid.