Tank trailer rental and leasing companies provide specialized equipment to businesses that transport gasses or liquids. If you need to transport fuels, liquid waste, or industrial chemicals on a regular and ongoing basis, you may pay to buy a suitable commercial vehicle. If your needs are not as pressing or you don’t want to deal with the myriad federal and state regulations dealing with the transportation of hazardous materials, working with a tank trailer rental company would likely make more sense. Here are some tips to help you find a tank trailer rental company that would be a good fit.
Table of Contents
1- Look for Flexible Terms
If you only need to transport liquids or gases once, you should avoid tank trailer rental companies that only offer long-term leases. Instead, you should look for a provider that offers flexible terms and is willing to work with you. The most respected tank trailer rental companies offer a range of leasing options and also provide services to companies that only need specialized transportation equipment during peak seasons.
2- Make Sure the Equipment Is Suitable
Tank trailers may all look the same, but they are not all the same. The tank trailer rental company you choose should have equipment designed to handle the kind of materials you need to transport. You should look for:
- Trailers with aluminum tanks if you need to transport solvents or alcohols.
- Tanks lined with rubber or resin if you need to transport acids.
- Stainless steel tanks if you need to transport chemicals.
- Tanks lined with fiberglass-reinforced plastic if you need to transport corrosives or bleach.
3- Check Regulatory Compliance
Tank trailers filled with hazardous materials operate on public streets and highways, so they must comply with a long list of federal and state regulations that were put into place to protect road users and the environment. Before you choose a tank trailer rental company, make sure that their equipment meets standards laid down by government agencies like the Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
4- Ask About Experience
Transporting hazardous materials is a specialized area, so you should look for a tank trailer rental company that has plenty of experience and a good safety record. You should also make sure that the equipment you rent will be delivered to you clean, dry, and free of any odors.
5- Consider Customer Service
A tank trailer company that offers flexible terms, complies with regulations, and has the right equipment could still be a bad fit for you if its customer service is poor. You should look for a provider that has friendly and qualified people available to answer your questions during business hours and respond to your requests promptly.
6- Building a Relationship
If you need to transport liquids or gasses frequently, you should look for a tank trailer rental company that you can build a relationship with. This will be easier if you limit your choices to companies that listen to your concerns and offer customized solutions.