NTTC puts spotlight on tank heels

May 7, 2009
National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC) is in the process of upping emphasis on tank heels prevention, according to information presented at the NTTC Tank Cleaning and Environmental Council meeting March 30-31 in Savannah, Georgia

National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC) is in the process of upping emphasis on tank heels prevention, according to information presented at the NTTC Tank Cleaning and Environmental Council meeting March 30-31 in Savannah, Georgia.

John Conley, NTTC president, updated the group on the heels issue.

"This industry is seeing sizeable heels," Conley warned.

To address the issue that appears to be a growing problem, NTTC is beginning a new education program for tank cleaning facilities and their customers. "Drain it dry or tell me why," will be the motto for the program.

The program will call attention to the issue through brochures and other educational tools, and by seeking input from NTTC members, and urging cooperation between carrier, consignee, and shipper. Ways to reduce the problem include training drivers to be aware of the waste, charging for product removal, and contacting shipping managers and consignees to make them aware of the volume of residue from their shipments. Suggestions have been made that drivers be given incentives for recognizing and documenting heels.

Full coverage of the Savannah meeting will be in the June issue of Bulk Transporter.