Tank Transport - November 2011

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ECONOMIC FORECAST
& CALENDAR
OF EVENTS

The National Newspaper of the Liquid and Dry Bulk Transportation Industry

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Truck maintenance can reduce rollover

Tanker trucks, especially those used to transport water or the countless tankers that transport fuel and other liquids on the nation’s highways, are sometimes involved in rollover crashes, most of which could likely have been avoided.

Tanker rollovers are the leading cause of death when it comes to vehicular accidents, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP). However, there are some basic safety tips that can help reduce these and other tanker accidents.

-- Tire condition and pressure:

Regular tire maintenance is an important component of preventing tanker-truck rollovers. Checking the tires regularly for even wear and damage and ensuring the correct level of air pressure in all tires on the rig can greatly reduce tipping of these types of vehicles. Preventing blowouts or unexpected handling problems due to tire failure decreases the risk of rollovers, especially considering the already more difficult-than-average handling of tanker trucks.

-- Speed and control: Slowing down, especially in places where hazards exist, helps drivers maintain control of their tanker trucks and prevent rollover accidents. Ice or water on the roadway can cause slippage or hydroplaning that greatly increases the potential for a rollover. Approaching areas where this is a concern at a lower speed will improve the handling of the truck and make the driver less likely to experience loss of control.

The driver should also take into account the unpredictability of other drivers on the road. Inattentive drivers often fail to yield the right of

Maintenance of
Groups weigh in on fuel standards
brakes is critical

Because air brakes on tractor-trailers can be intricate, fleet maintenance workers -- or drivers -- should pay close attention to the different brake components and immediately address any problem areas.

The process should begin by making sure each day all trucks build air quickly and there are no leaks in air lines. To perform this inspection, technicians should start the truck and then closely observe the air-pressure gauge. Once the truck has reached full air pressure, the parking brakes should be released (by pushing the dash valve in) and then the engine turned off so leaks can be heard.

(Maintenance continued on page 8)

(Brakes continued on page 8)

Trucking industry leaders have greeted new fuel efficiency standards for heavy duty vehicles with reactions ranging from cautious optimism to hearty enthusiasm.

Navistar, Cummins and the American Trucking Associations (ATA) came out strongly supporting the regulations. The Engine Manufacturers Association and the Truck Manufacturers Association described the program timeline as “challenging,” but remained optimistic that the standards would be met.

Volvo, Chrysler and Conway all
endorsed the standards, according to

The Hill.

Big-rig trucks will be required to
reduce fuel consumption by about 20
percent, heavy duty pickup trucks
and vans by up to 15 percent, and
vocational vehicles -- delivery trucks,
buses and garbage trucks -- by about
10 percent by model year 2018, under
the rules unveiled by President
Obama last month.

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