Tank trailer spec’ing: What features actually drive ROI?

Expanding a tank trailer fleet is not as simple as merely purchasing new trailers. Choosing the wrong equipment will lead to a slower return on investment (ROI) and may introduce more issues than benefits. Careful spec’ing is key to making the most of these purchases, but which specs deserve the most attention isn’t always clear.

Manufacturers may heavily market some trailer features that ultimately have minimal impact on the bottom line. Conversely, some specs fly under the radar but can make a considerable difference. While the most critical specifics may vary between fleets, here are some general considerations with heavy ROI implications to look for when spec’ing a new tank trailer.

Fuel efficiency

Efficiency is the most critical factor to consider when spec’ing any vehicle. Fuel is a fleet’s largest vehicle-related expense, costing an average of $0.48 per mile in 2024—more than double the cost of maintenance and triple that of insurance. Consequently, any mileage improvements will make noticeable differences in a trailer’s ROI.

While the truck is more directly responsible for fuel economy, the trailer impacts how an engine’s efficiency translates into the real world. There are two main factors to consider here—weight and aerodynamics.

A lighter tank will burn less diesel to haul. However, lightweighting should not come at the expense of durability. The ideal trailer is low weight but still sturdy enough to handle rough roads and heavy loads without breaking. In terms of aerodynamics, look for tanks with sleeker profiles.

Safety features

Safety may not seem like a financial matter initially, but it demands consideration. Large truck crashes cost businesses $46,765 on average when no injuries occur. An accident resulting in injuries incurs an average of $383,168, so safety features are always a worthwhile investment.

Roll stability is a crucial safety factor for tank trailers, so it should play a prominent role in spec’ing. Having a lower center of gravity and using duals instead of wide-based tires is important for rollover prevention. Brakes are another essential part of the equation, with disc brakes and antilock systems generally offering a better safety ROI than their alternatives.

Clearer, brighter lights can also make a trailer safer, especially at the rear. Corrosion-resistant wiring and easily accessible maintenance features are other safety factors to look for that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Equipment longevity

Fleet managers should also consider equipment longevity when spec’ing tank trailers. Maintenance is one of the highest operational costs for truck fleets, and upkeep costs have continually risen since 2021, so a longer-lasting, easier-to-maintain trailer will produce a meaningful ROI difference.

It is not always easy to tell how long a tank will last or how much repair it will require, but there are a few telltale signs of longevity. Stainless steel is generally preferable to carbon steel components, as the latter may be stronger, but the former is more corrosion resistant. Aluminum is preferable for the same reason.

LED lights last longer than alternatives, making them an impactful feature, although perhaps less so than using the right kind of metal. Auto-inflating tire systems, coated wheels and suspensions are also preferable. Any design choices that make accessing often-repaired parts easier are ideal, too.

Capacity and compatibility

Finally, tank trailers should have enough capacity to offer a great enough expansion to be worth the investment. A higher volume means being able to ship more at once, leading to greater cash flow. However, simply choosing the largest available tank is a mistake.

Some chemicals are corrosive to aluminum, and the law requires shipping these in non-reactive containers, so a large aluminum tank is not viable when shipping corrosives, despite the weight benefits. Other chemicals have the same effect on steel. Managers must know what they ship or plan to move to avoid purchasing a tank that is too large and will only serve limited uses.

It is often preferable to use multiple smaller tanks with varying purposes instead of fewer larger ones. However, a fleet specializing in freight of a single variety can get by with bigger tanks. It ultimately comes down to what the truck must haul and where leaders see the business expanding in the future.

Smart spec’ing leads to better ROI

The more closely fleet managers pay attention to spec’ing their tank trailers, the better ROI they can secure. Given this industry’s high upfront costs and low average margins, getting the best deal possible is crucial. As such, spec’ing must look past the marketing speak and identify what actually impacts the fleet’s bottom line.

These four considerations are not the only things that make a financial difference. However, they are among the biggest influencing factors across all fleets. Start here to spec better.