David A. Kolman, editor, Fleet Maintenance

Kolman’s Korner: Are your tank trailers up to code?

Nov. 9, 2015
FMCSA is targeting tank trailers for structural integrity.

From recent inspections, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has found that U.S. DOT specification cargo tank motor vehicles (CTMV) manufactured both within and outside the U.S. are not being properly manufactured, tested, inspected and/or repaired to ensure structural integrity.

The agency has discovered “significant deficiencies” on CTMV certified as meeting the DOT specifications that were recently manufactured, tested, inspected or repaired by entities registered with FMCSA to perform these functions on cargo tanks.

Furthermore, similar issues have been discovered on CTMV manufactured under the terms of an exemption.

Due to the extent of these issues, the FMCSA has issued a Safety Notice to remind the regulated industries of the federal standards CTMV must meet to qualify as a DOT specification package.

For additional information, contact the FMCSA Hazardous Materials Division at (202) 385-2400.

About the Author

David A. Kolman | Contributor - Fleet Maintenance

Sponsored Recommendations

Ask the Experts: Boost Profitability by Capturing Body Repair Materials Billables

Quality body repairs on medium- and heavy-duty trucks depend on the use of specialized adhesives, sealers, and other allied materials. Unfortunately, many shops face challenges...

Fleet Maintenance E-Book

Streamline your fleet's maintenance and improve operations with the Guide for Managing Maintenance. Learn proven strategies to reduce downtime, optimize in-house and third-party...

Celebrating Your Drivers Can Prove to be Rewarding For Your Business

Learn how to jumpstart your driver retention efforts by celebrating your drivers with a thoughtful, uniform-led benefits program by Red Kap®. Uniforms that offer greater comfort...

Guide To Boosting Technician Efficiency

Learn about the bottom line and team building benefits of increasing the efficiency of your technicians in your repair shop.