Why is it important to know whether your tank is equipped with bulkheads versus baffles when planning how to drive?

Bulkheads are solid walls that divide a tank into separate liquid-tight compartments; they are used to keep different products apart or to distribute weight across the vehicle. Baffles are partitions with holes that let liquid flow through while damping front-to-back surge. The two serve different purposes: bulkheads affect how the load is balanced and loaded, while baffles affect surge during braking. A driver who knows the tank's internal design can plan loading to balance the axles and anticipate how the liquid will move. Smooth-bore tanks with neither feature demand the most cautious braking and cornering.