When it comes to tank trailers, every pound counts. Not only that, the location of every pound counts. When you reach the weight limit for an axle or set of axles, you have to stop loading whether or not you have capacity left elsewhere, so you want to be sure the tractor/trailer combination is configured to reach the limit for all axles at the same time.
When we are building a new trailer, we look for the lightest components and reduce weight wherever possible, while maintaining the performance characteristics and structural integrity with the necessary safety factors. The goals are always Safety, Reliability and Efficiency. By meeting those goals, you maximize the efficiency and minimize the cost per mile.
When designing a liquid tank trailer, the ideal tank volume is determined by adjusting the tank capacity so that the anticipated trailer weight, the tractor weight, and the product weight at the maximum fill level add up to the desired Maximum Gross Weight. If the tank is oversized, the payload is reduced and you are carrying extra tank weight. If the tank is undersized, the fill limit is reached before the weight limit, and you aren’t transporting as much product as you could be. Either way, your cost per mile goes up.
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