Heavy-duty tanker truck/trailer packages typically carry capacities ranging from 5,500 gallons to 9,000 gallons, managing gross weights above 26,000 lbs. Lengths for these combination setups can range from 30 to 53 feet for single-trailer configurations to nearly 100 feet in the case of multiple-trailer rigs. Tanker enclosures of the latter type typically carry bulk dry goods to mitigate safety concerns, although there are some companies that operate more-dangerous liquid loads using a piggyback trailer approach.
Medium-duty tanker trucks can either be operated as truck/trailer packages or what are referred to as frame-carried. In the latter case, the tanker enclosure is mated directly to the truck's frame as a single unit. These systems typically offer capacities ranging from 500 gallons to 4,000 gallons, at gross weights below 26,000 lbs. Typical tanker load configurations of this type include gas, fuel and water.
Light-duty tanker trucks are usually operated as frame-carried vehicles. These systems typically offer capacities ranging from 100 gallons to 1,000 gallons, at gross weights below 12,000 lbs. Typical tanker load configurations of this type include fuel, oil and water.