MANY tank truck carriers and manufacturers can trace their roots to transporting milk. The International Dairy Food Association traces milk transportation by tank truck to 1914.
Tank truck transportation of food grew in the 1920s at the expense of rail and as tank trucks proved more efficient and less labor- intensive than the 40-quart cans that were transported in railcars. Trucks like the Model AK six-cylinder with glass-lined tank operated by the Dairyman’s League Cooperative Association of New York could safely haul milk from over 200 miles to New York City.
Today, milk is moved to New York City by doubles-tankers which are permitted on the New York Thruway. Advances in truck technology like those shown in this 1954 Eaton advertisement and the introduction of stainless steel in the 1940s for transport tanks enabled carriers to expand the types of food transported and the length of haul.
The tank truck cleaning industry also began in the milk industry and expanded with deregulation of the trucking industry in the 1980s.
Past NTTC President John Conley is writing a book on the History of the Tank Truck Industry which will include the development and growth of tank truck food transportation. Carriers or equipment manufacturers who have pictures and information on food transportation are encouraged to contact him at
[email protected] or by calling (703) 216-0449.
