What to look for when buying a truck to haul tanks?

You'll need frame-rail space for a box to store items for unloading. And space to mount pump & compressor. You might also consider enough space between the back of the cab and the front swing of the trailer to allow for a hose rack.

Van spec tractors are often too short on wheel-base, long sleeper and fuel tanks too far back to be useful.

Flat-bead spec trucks often can be used.

 

Make sure it's a mid roof or flat top; some of those chemical plants are tight.
If you want a used one, look at some chemical tanker companies that sell used equipment such as Oakley Transport, Quality Carriers, Venezia Transport, Schneider Bulk & others. They're already spec'd for tanker work. Some have pictures on the websites of what's for sale and the prices. Venezia has some good looking twin stack Pete's for $25K.

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That's right. The company I worked for looked at some used Western Express flatbed tractors. Only thing they would have to do is put smaller fuel tank on the right hand side some modification about the 5th wheel.

Melton Truck Lines has some nice ones, but would probably have to work around the Tri-Pac APU.

 

The main thing I would consider would be sleeper height and if anything you will run into wheelbase issues being to long before to short. Some plants have real tight alleyways once you get inside them.

 

Wheelbase is a tight needle to thread. You need enough to accommodate the equipment to deliver the stuff, and make your self reasonably comfortable. But, at the same time, not to much.