Until the FMCSA issues a new rule to scale back its definition of tank vehicle that has been on the books for the past 11 months, truckers hauling commonplace loads in fluid bins remain exposed to potential out-of-service orders and serious violations at roadside. The good news is the FMCSA has taken the first steps to re-examine the issue.
Prior to a May 2011 final rule on CDL testing and learner’s permit standards, the definition of tank vehicle did not apply to commonplace fluid bins that many truckers haul without needing a tank endorsement on their licenses.
That particular rule changed the definition, designating a vehicle as a tanker if it hauls any containers of liquid or gas with a rated capacity of 119 gallons or more as part of an aggregate of 1,000 gallons that aren’t permanently attached to the vehicle.
On March 30, the FMCSA granted a petition by the American Trucking Associations for the agency to open a new rulemaking to re-examine the definition.
Read more about how the FMCSA will redefine the guidelines at Landline Magazine.