Tanker Truck Dimensions: Everything You Need to Know

Are you looking for facts about the size of tanker trucks? This guide will tell you all the key things about how big these trucks are. We made this easy to read so you can find what you need fast!

What Is a Tanker Truck?

A tanker truck is a big truck that moves liquids and gases. These trucks have a special tank on them to hold things like gas, milk, or chemicals.

Standard Width

102 inches (8.5 ft)

Max Weight Limit

80,000 lbs

Fuel Tanker Capacity

5,500-9,000 gal

Chemical Tanker

22,500-25,000 L

Size Chart for Different Tanker Trucks

Here’s a simple chart that shows how big tanker trucks can be:

Type	Length	Width	Capacity	Key Facts
Fuel Tankers	30-38 feet	102 inches	5,500-9,000 gallons	Most common for gas/diesel
Chemical Tankers	29-42 feet	102 inches	22,500-25,000 liters	Special rubber lining inside
Food Grade Tankers	28-53 feet	102 inches	Varies by food type	Stainless steel tanks
Pneumatic Tankers	29 feet	102 inches	1,130 cubic feet	For dry bulk products

How Long Are Tanker Trucks?

The length of a tanker truck is very important. Here’s what you need to know:

Most fuel tankers are 30 to 38 feet long
Food tankers can be up to 53 feet long
A semi-trailer without the truck part is usually 28 to 53 feet
The 2025 MAC Tanker is 29 feet long

The size you pick depends on what you will carry and where you will drive.

How Wide Are Tanker Trucks?

Almost all tanker trucks in the USA are 102 inches wide (that’s 8.5 feet). This is because:

49 states have a rule that trucks can’t be wider than 102 inches
This width fits well on most roads
Going wider means you need special permits that cost money

How Much Can Tanker Trucks Hold?

Tanker trucks come in many sizes that can hold different amounts:

Small tankers: 396 to 792 gallons
Standard fuel tankers: 5,500 to 9,000 gallons
Chemical tankers: 22,500 to 25,000 liters (about 5,940 to 6,604 gallons)
The 2025 MAC 1130D can hold 1,130 cubic feet of dry stuff

Types of Tanker Trucks and Their Sizes

Fuel Tankers

Fuel tankers carry gas, diesel, and other fuels. These tankers have special features:

Length: 30 to 38 feet is most common
Can hold 5,500 to 9,000 gallons
Need to follow DOT 406 safety rules
Often have separate sections inside the tank

Check out our guide to fuel tanker trucks for more info.

Chemical Tankers

Chemical tankers need to be made with extra care:

Special rubber lining to stop chemicals from making holes
Tank walls must be at least 0.195 inches thick
Fleet trucks can carry 22,500 to 25,000 liters
Special valves and safety features

Food Grade Tankers

These tankers carry milk, juice, and other food items:

Usually 28 to 53 feet long
Made with stainless steel that’s easy to clean
Different sizes based on how thick the food is
Must be cleaned very well between loads

Pneumatic Tankers

Pneumatic tankers carry dry things like flour or cement:

The 2025 MAC 1130D is 29 feet long and 102 inches wide
Can hold 1,130 cubic feet of dry materials
Has special cone bottoms (37 degree angle)
Uses air pressure to unload

Legal Size Limits for Tanker Trucks

There are strict rules about how big trucks can be:

Width: 102 inches (8.5 feet) in 49 states
Weight: No more than 80,000 pounds total (truck + tank + cargo)
Length: No federal limit, but states have their own rules

Breaking these rules can cost you a lot of money in fines!

How to Pick the Right Size Tanker Truck

When picking a tanker truck size, think about:

What you’ll carry: Thick liquids need different tanks than thin ones
Where you’ll drive: City driving? Pick shorter trucks (30-35 feet)
How much you need to move: Bigger isn’t always better – fuel use goes up 12% for each 10 feet of length

For help picking tractor units for semi-trailers, check our guide.

2025 Tanker Truck Models and Their Dimensions

New tanker trucks coming in 2025 have some cool features:

MAC 1130D Pneumatic Tanker: 29 feet long, 102 inches wide, 1,130 cubic feet capacity
Lynch Chemical Tankers: Rubber-lined tanks holding 22,500-25,000 liters
CarMax Custom Tankers: Tanks that can be 15% longer or shorter than standard

Special Features That Affect Size

Some special parts can change how big a tanker truck is:

Aerators: The MAC 1130D has 3 per hopper to help things flow
Discharge Lines: 4-inch aluminum pipes to empty the tank fast
Axle Setup: Lead trailer has 2 primary and 1 lift axle
Hopper Cones: 37-degree angle for better emptying

Size Comparison: Tanker Trucks vs. Other Trucks

How do tanker trucks compare to other big trucks?

Tankers are about the same width as dump trucks
Tankers are usually shorter than flatbed trucks
Tankers have rounded tanks instead of flat beds
Tankers can be heavier when fully loaded

Common Questions About Tanker Truck Dimensions

How tall are tanker trucks?

Most tanker trucks are 8 to 13.5 feet tall, depending on the tank size and truck model.

Can tanker trucks drive on all roads?

No. Some roads have weight limits or size restrictions that may not allow big tanker trucks.

Do bigger tankers cost more to run?

Yes. For each extra foot of length, you’ll pay about $120 more per year in maintenance costs .

Are there electric tanker trucks?

Yes! New 2025 electric models must be 15% lighter than diesel ones .

Knowing the size of tanker trucks helps keep everyone safe:

Always give these big trucks extra space on the road
Remember that tankers need more room to turn
Tankers take longer to stop because they’re heavy
Never cut in front of a tanker truck – the driver may not see you

Summary

Tanker trucks come in many sizes:

Length: 28-53 feet
Width: 102 inches (8.5 feet)
Capacity: 396-9,000 gallons (liquids) or up to 1,130 cubic feet (dry materials)

The right size depends on what you’ll carry, where you’ll drive, and how much you need to move. Always check local rules about truck sizes before hitting the road!

What are the dimensions of a tanker truck?