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A
Nothing — tanker cleaning is always the shipper's responsibility
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B
Verify the tank is clean and free of contaminating residues from prior loads, especially when switching between incompatible products; some commodities (food-grade, pharmaceuticals) require certification of cleaning; check for residual water that could react with the new cargo
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C
Only check if the prior load was hazardous
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D
Internal cleanliness cannot be checked by the driver
Why this is the answer
TANK CLEANLINESS verification is a critical pre-loading responsibility that is both a safety issue and a cargo quality issue. WHY IT MATTERS: CHEMICAL COMPATIBILITY — some chemicals react dangerously with residues of other chemicals; even small amounts of incompatible residue can cause exothermic reactions, toxic gas generation, or fire; FOOD AND PHARMACEUTICAL GRADE — these commodities require tanks that have been cleaned to specific standards and often require documentation (cleaning certificates); contamination from prior loads can render the entire cargo unsellable and create liability; WATER AND MOISTURE — even water in a tank can react with some products (certain acids, some metals, specific chemicals); can cause corrosion; can affect product concentration; BIOLOGICAL CONTAMINATION — food-grade and agricultural tanks can harbor microbial growth if not properly cleaned and dried between loads. DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY: Before accepting a load, the driver should: review the prior load manifest if available; verify cleaning procedures were completed; check for visible residues at inspection points; confirm no unusual odors suggesting incompatible prior product; if uncertain about cleanliness, refuse the load until verified — the driver can be held responsible for contaminated cargo if they accepted the load without verification. DOCUMENTATION: Many operations require a 'wash ticket' or cleaning certificate before loading food-grade or sensitive commodities.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Chapter 10, Tank Vehicles, Tank Cleanliness