Different tanker shapes

Milk is heavier than gas or diesel... the tanks have more capacity when they are oval...we all have to maintain the same gross weight so the tank design is modified depending on what commodity is hauled.

You'll see some tanks that are only 5' in diameter and 35' long... still weigh the same with their load.

 

Gasoline or hazmat tanks are designed that way so when there's a rollover the tank doesn't rip open so easy. You ever try to break an egg from the ends. Same concept.

 

If I am not mistaken, dont food grade containers have to be smooth-bore?

 

Yes delta they are.

 

The side configuration of tankers reveals more options: conical front, double conical (front and rear), straight barrel, double cone bottom, etc. Choices are made according to the ease of cleaning or unloading. Small diameter straight barrels are probably hauling acid and may be lined with glass or lead. Tankers may have several compartments for differing liquids going to different consignees. Dry products in pneumatic unloading trailers, and molten metal in crucibles, are also tankers.

States with higher weight limits will use rectangular rear configuration to get more volume within the height and width limits. The higher center of gravity of these units makes them hazardous.

 

This guide can help identify the possible contents of different shaped tanks.

 

I'm no expert but the tanks are insulated and have a timeline when they can be unloaded before having problems...