Questions about tanker unloading
 

I have question about the physical aspects of unloading tankers. I will be driving tankers with about 20% hazmat. I will be also be doing regional runs that envolve several unloads. It sounds like a lot of physical work which I dont mind but am worried about my ability to do it. Can someone tell me exactly what you do and how heavy is the lifting?

Thanks casey

All you do is hook up a 40-60lb hose and let it rip. It's a little more involved then that, but it's pretty easy. Some are gravity pumped, some have pumps. It pretty basic to learn. I would say any shape driver can do it as long as he can get in and out of his own truck. :P

the hoses are more bulky than they are heavy,and when they get cold they are just downright unresponsive to what you want them to do.

I hope you never have to dump at any of DuPonts plants there a real pain in the ass.

Nice avatar, Mackman. :wink:

You like that REV. I knew you would. :D

It depends on the product and this is just generally but most tankers you place the truck in the proper place (fun in itself) take the hoses out of their storage buckets, hook up to the bulkhead, recheck all your connections. open the internal valves and if you are using a pump recheck all your connections again (strapping all the connections on the delivery side) and open the valves. Turn on the PTO and release the clutch and get out there and look for leaks or other problems! You will either need to have a vapor return line or you will need to open the top of the tanker itself (depending on the product of course). If you do not have a way to vent the tank and you start unloading or pumping off, you will end up with a catastophic "implosion" of the tank.. really cool to see if it's not your tanker BTW~ :wink:

Theres a lot of things that the guy or gal who takes you out for the first few times can explain to you. Its kind of hard to describe. Watch out for the loaded hoses and NEVER crack loose a connection unless you are 100% sure that the line has no pressure in it!!!!!

OOPS! First step is to use your charts and see if the load will actually fit into the place you are trying to unload in!!!! Never even hook up unless you are sure the load can be safely put into the tank!!

Agree with you on this one-There's more to it than meets the Eye and It will take time to learn the Procedure. You've also have your Ground Cable to connect also.
When I pulled out of the Green Bay Terminals everything was computer loaded but still have to keep your eyes and ears wide open.

And of course you have to wait for them dummies in the Green Bay to get you all the cardlock cards! LOL

Got my Card Fast-as soon as the Terminal Mgr. saw that I knew what I was supposed to Know.

They always seemed to be working normal business hours! LOL I was always out in the middle of the night. I got one right off the bat, the other two racks just seemed like forever, it was probably three-four weeks before we all got sync'd up. It probably had more to do with paperwork between my company and them.

I haul tankers on average a couple of times a week.

The one thing I will add is that in general, companies that load or unload tankers seem to have put no thought into the fact that a tractor-trailer would be the vehicle loaded or unloaded.

You will find yourself in some very tight spots with a gazillion dollars' worth of expensive piping and other fun. And hitting the wrong pipe can add a lot of excitement to your day.

-p.

Pretty much the way a "pump off" goes...... And while its cool to see a tank implode....its still kinda painful thinking about it....

Make sure you pay close attention to your trainer when you ride with him, and don't get away from him until you have it all down pat and are comfortable with what you are doing.

The other way to unload a tank...actually there are two ways... first is a simple "gravity drop", usually done with gas and diesel. And thats where you need a vapor return, and make sure there's no-one around with a lit cigarette or anything nearby. The second way is to "air-off" the load. Simply put.... its hooking up either your truck air or an auxiliary compressor to the chicago fitting on the air inlet on the tank and building up some pressure in the tank to push the product out.

Remember: Pump off flammables, air off corrosives.... Never do the reverse.

Also, before you ever unload a tanker by any method, get the receivers signature on your paperwork that your hoses are right, hooked up right, that their valves are open and they can take all of the product....that way if something goes wrong.... its gonna probably fall on them not you.