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CDL · Outage and Loading

If the volume of liquid in a tank doubles its temperature increase, what is the implication for loading?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

Loading on a cold morning when the cargo will heat during transport requires larger outage than loading hot cargo

  1. A Volume does not change with temperature
  2. B Always load colder
  3. C Loading on a cold morning when the cargo will heat during transport requires larger outage than loading hot cargo
  4. D No implication

Why this is the answer

Loading cold cargo that will warm during transport means the liquid will expand. Insufficient outage in this case can over-pressurize the tank or force liquid through pressure relief valves at the warmest point of the trip. A tank loaded in cool morning air at 50°F that arrives at a hot afternoon destination at 100°F sees its cargo expand by approximately 5%. Outage requirements for petroleum products typically account for typical temperature swings, but drivers should be aware that loading conditions versus delivery conditions matter. Hot loaded cargo that cools during transport has the opposite issue: it can create vacuum in the tank if the vent does not work properly, which can collapse the tank shell.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual 8.3.4 Temperature Effects

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About this topic: Outage and Loading

Outage is the space left in a tank so the liquid can expand as it warms; loading questions ask how much to leave, why it depends on the product, and how weight limits can be reached before the tank is full. This is one of 11 Tanker questions on outage and loading, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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