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Tank Trailer Inspections

Cargo Tank Inspections

 

The Department of Transportation requires all cargo tanks to be inspected and tested before they can be filled and transported. Lubbock Truck Sales has DOT-qualified cargo tank inspectors on-site. Our tank testing includes internal and external visual inspections and tests, a lining inspection, a pressure test, a leakage test, and a thickness test.

Testing procedures for cargo tanks are federally regulated and must be completed annually, every two years, or every five years, depending on the test. If a cargo tank fails any tests or inspections, the tank must be repaired and retested; it cannot stay in service. Cargo tanks should be professionally cleaned before any test or inspection. Removing debris, dirt, and residue beforehand ensures that no tank defects are overlooked during inspection.

 

 

Test & Inspection Requirements

 

Lubbock Truck Sales performs the following tests on specification cargo tanks as required by the DOT. Non-spec tanks only require annual inspections.

 

Test or Inspection


External Visual Inspection (V)
Internal Visual Inspection (I)
Lining Inspection (L)
Leakage Test (K)
Pressure Test (P)
Thickness Test (T)
Upper Coupler Inspection (UC)

Interval Period


1 year
5 years
1 year
1 year
5 years
2 years
5 years

Test or Inspection - Interval Period


External Visual Inspection (V) - 1 year
Internal Visual Inspection (I) - 5 years
Lining Inspection (L) - 1 year
Leakage Test (K) - 1 year
Pressure Test (P) - 5 years
Thickness Test (T) - 2 years
Upper Coupler Inspection (UC) - 5 years