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Fuel Transportation Regulations for Ag Operations

Mar. 6 2024 News By Rodoc

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Thunder Creek Equipment Fuel Trailers the leader in fuel transportation less than 1000 gal Diesel trailers

This guide is intended for informational purposes only.

U.S. and State Regulations

Thunder Creek 500, 750, and 990 gallon single wall fuel trailers are approved for diesel fuel transportation, In the United States, anyone hauling more than 119 gallons of diesel fuel is subject to the following requirements:

  • Register with the Federal DOT for Hazmat certification and endorsement.
  • Have appropriate shipping paperwork, emergency response information/MSDS sheets
  • Maintain proper insurance coverage and provide such documentation.
  • Have the proper CDL and required endorsements.

Thunder Creek fuel trailers are non-specification DOT cargo tanks approved for agricultural and commercial use with a Class 3 combustibles (i.e. diesel fuel.) According to 49 CFR 173.500, 1993 placards will need to be displayed on all four sides of the fuel trailers when transporting diesel fuel. These placards are provided with Thunder Creek trailers.

Operators should check with their local authorities (i.e. State Patrol and DOT HAZMAT Division) for additional regulations that may apply. (For example, the Tanker Endorsement requirement cam be interpreted differently from state to state)

Farmer Exemption

There are 2 situations where a Farmer using Thunder Creek's 500, 750, and 990 gallon fuel trailers are exempt from the Hazmat certification and endorsement. (49 CFR 173.5 a, b)

The first exemption is when a Farmer is traveling in their home state, on all roads except interstate highways, and is traveling between fields of the same farm. In this instance, Farmers are also exempt from being trained in Hazmat Transportation (49 CFR 172.G) and are not required to have Emergency Response Information, such as Shipping Papers, Bill of Lading, or MSDS sheets during transportation of diesel fuel. (49 CFR 172.H)

The second exemption is conditional on the quantity of fuel being transported. When a Farmer is traveling in their home state, within 150 miles of their home farm, and they are moving fuel to or from a farm (i.e. they went into town to fill with fuel), the following conditions apply:

  1. Under 502 Gallons
    • Shipping Papers or Bill of Lading must be present.
    • Safety Placards must be visible on the trailers
  2. Over 502 Gallons
    • HAZMAT Required
    • Shipping Papers or Bill of Lading must be present.
    • Safety Placards must be visible on the trailers
    • Emergency Response Information/MSDS sheet must be present.
    • HAZMAT Training will have to be completed and certified.

Not Exempt?

Thunder Creek has developed the first line of fuel trailers that meet the requirements for transporting diesel in "non-bulk packages" and therefore do not require the driver to carry a Hazmat endorsement, If you do not qualify for the Farmer Exemption and would like to haul up to 920 gallons of diesel without a Hazmat, please ask about our Multi-Tank Trailers