Tank Truck Types & Inspection Requirements

A tank truck is a type of vehicle commonly used for transporting hazardous materials. Generally, common tank trucks are mostly used for transporting and storing petroleum derivatives, such as gasoline, diesel, crude oil, lubricating oil, and coal tar. The tank trucks are also used to supply cars or other vehicles, containers, and oil depots, as well as to add gasoline, kerosene, diesel, and other liquid raw materials. The tanks are mostly made of carbon steel with a plastic lining, stainless steel, or aluminum.

1. The first type is the commonly used tank truck. Fuel trucks and oil transport trucks fall under the category of oil tankers. According to national regulations, these vehicles are specially designed for transporting diesel and gasoline and cannot carry any other substances.
2. The second type is tank trucks for transporting flammable liquids. They primarily carry Class 3 hazardous chemical liquids. These vehicles are not allowed to carry fuel pumps or any diesel or gasoline. Common transported goods include alcohol, ethylene glycol and other alcohols, and benzene-type flammable chemicals.
3. The third type is tank trucks for transporting corrosive substances. They primarily carry Class 8 hazardous chemical liquids. The tanks of these vehicles usually require anti-corrosion treatment and are equipped with specialized chemical pumps. Common transported goods include sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, paint base liquids, formaldehyde, and other strong acids and bases.
4. The fourth type is tank trucks for transporting liquefied gases. They primarily carry liquids formed by compressing Class 2 flammable gases. The tanks of these vehicles are generally made of stainless steel. Common transported goods include methane, propane, LNG, and other natural gas liquids.
5. The fifth type is tank trucks for transporting non-hazardous goods. They primarily carry non-hazardous liquids. These tank trucks are not classified as hazardous goods vehicles and can be registered personally without being affiliated with a hazardous goods company. They are also exempt from vehicle purchase tax. Common transported liquids include lubricating oil, edible oil, paraffin, well washing fluids, and other general liquids.

According to the "Regulations on the Administration of Road Transport of Dangerous Goods" (Ministry of Transport Order No. 13, 2023), standard-pressure tanks of specialized tank vehicles must meet the national standards: "Road Transport Liquid Dangerous Goods Tank Vehicles Part 1: Technical Requirements for Metal Standard-Pressure Tanks" (GB 18564.1) and "Road Transport Liquid Dangerous Goods Tank Vehicles Part 2: Technical Requirements for Non-Metal Standard-Pressure Tanks" (GB 18564.2), among other technical requirements.

Vehicles transporting dangerous goods using pressure vessels must comply with relevant technical requirements such as the "Safety Technical Supervision Regulations for Mobile Pressure Vessels" (TSG R0005) issued and published by the national special equipment safety supervision department.

Containers and specialized tank vehicles must transport dangerous goods within the valid inspection period of the pressure vessels or tank bodies.

Standard-pressure tank inspection: According to the "Administrative Work Plan for Standard-Pressure Liquid Dangerous Goods Tank Vehicles" (Transport Operation Document [2021] No. 35), the inspection cycle is generally every 2 years. According to "Road Transport Liquid Dangerous Goods Tank Vehicles" (GB 18564.1—2019), safety valves, breathing valves, and emergency relief devices should be calibrated annually. According to the "Guidelines for Regular Inspection of Standard-Pressure Liquid Dangerous Goods Tank Vehicles" (internal guidelines), the tank should undergo the first regular inspection within 1 year of use, and subsequent inspections should be no more than 2 years apart. Inspection agencies determine the next inspection time based on the inspection results and any defect handling.

Pressure Vessel Inspection: According to the "Technical Supervision Regulations for the Safety of Mobile Pressure Vessels" issued by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People's Republic of China: The periodic inspection cycle for automobile tank trucks, railway tank cars, and tank containers is an annual inspection at least once per year; the first comprehensive inspection must be conducted within one year after initial use. The next comprehensive inspection cycle shall be determined by the inspection agency based on the safety status level of the mobile pressure vessel, according to the comprehensive inspection cycle requirements in the table below. Tank bodies that meet the corresponding requirements of Annex A, Annex B, and Annex C of the regulations and have reached their design service life shall follow the Level 3 safety status standard for comprehensive inspection cycles.

According to the "Technical Supervision Regulations for the Safety of Mobile Pressure Vessels" (TSG R0005-2011, First Amendment in December 2014), Amendment No. 2: The using unit shall carry out at least one annual inspection each year for the long-tube trailers and tube bundle containers in use. The specific requirements for the annual inspection are detailed in Annex J. For those undergoing periodic inspection in the given year, an additional annual inspection is not required. After the completion of the annual inspection, a usage safety status analysis should be conducted, and any potential hazards identified during the annual inspection should be promptly eliminated.