The fuel truck driver must maintain accurate
records of fuel issues, by equipment USN number, in a
log. The driver also maintains records of bulk issues of
fuel for the tank truck and yard fuel pumps. The driver
must ensure fuel availability for contingency readiness,
daily transportation, and construction operations.
The fuel truck driver maintains standards for the fuel
tanker according to COMSECOND/COMTHIRD-
NCBINST 11200.1 Series. Vehicles used for bulk
transport of gasoline, fuel, oil, or other flammable
liquids are marked on both sides and the rear with the
word FLAMMABLE in 6-inch black letters. The words
NO SMOKING WITHIN 50 FEET is marked in 3-inch
black letters and numerals. A removable plate painted
black with yellow letters to designate the liquid being
transported is inserted in a 8-inch by 36-inch bracket
that is bolted on each side of the tanker. The plate
should have MOGAS painted on one side and DIESEL
painted on the opposite side in 6-inch letters.
The fuel truck driver must maintain the fire
extinguisher on the tanker truck. Second and Third
NCB equipo recommends the guidelines set forth in the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Safety and Health
Requirements Manual, EM 385-1-1. At least one
portable fire extinguisher not less than 20-B:C units
(20 = lbs, B = petroleum, C = electrical) shall be
provided on all tank trucks or other vehicles used for
transporting or dispensing flammable or combustible
liquids. The fire extinguisher must be securely mounted
on the vehicle, properly filled, and located to ensure it is
readily accessible for use.
The fuel truck driver must have knowledge of
environmental pollution. Fueling operations must
always be under controlled conditions and closely
monitored. Fuel spillage can be disastrous.
TRACTOR-TRAILER OPERATIONS
Tractor-trailer operations are managed by the
transportation supervisor. The hauling of equipment for
the Preventive Maintenance Program and the hauling of
construction supplies generates thousands of miles of
tractor-trailer operations during a deployment.
The tractor-trailer drivers must be mature, reliable,
and experienced. The hauling of oversized, heavy equip-
ment is no job for inexperienced operators. For valuable
training and future replacements, you should assign your
inexperienced operators with the experienced operators.
During the home-port period the operational pace
slows and your crews lose an edge of professionalism. You
must stay on top of all operations to ensure that oversized,
heavy loads are handled by your best operators to avoid any
mishaps. You must emphasize to your crews that when the
tractor-trailers are on the open rod they represent the
U.S. Navy and the Seabees to the public.
As the transportation supervisor, you ensure your
tractor-trailer drivers adhere to the standards and
procedures set forth in the Commercial Driver
License (CDL) Handbook for the state or states you
operate in. Height and width limitations are set by
each state, and you must obtain state permits to haul
oversized loads. On deployment, you must obtain all
rules and regulations for tractor-trailer operations
from the local department of motor vehicles and base
security. With the materials you obtain, develop a
turnover folder for the next incoming battalion.
COMSECOND/COMTHIRDNCBINST 11200.1
Series authorizes the use of operator nameplates.
Nameplates are constructed of wood 3 1/2 inches high
by 18 inches long; the wood is painted green with 2-inch
high lettering painted glossy yellow. To increase pride
of ownership and personal care, you should assign each
tractor-trailer driver a tractor-truck with their
nameplates centered on the front grille of the vehicle.
Chains and binders are collateral equipage for low-boy
trailers. The chains and binders are maintained and issued
by the collateral equipage custodian. Depending on the
amount of tractor-trailer operations, you may require all
chains and binders checked out and returned on a daily
basis. Make the drivers accountable and responsible for
issued collateral gear. Leaving chains and binders unused in
the storage compartment or on top of the trailer results in
rust, excessive deterioration, or theft.
Cargo and equipment securing procedures are set
forth in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation
Pocketbook. The aggregate static breaking strength
of tie-down assemblies used to secure an article must
be at least 1 1/2 times the weight of that article.
Chains used as tie-down assemblies must conform to
the requirements of the National Association of Chain
Manufacturer’s Welded and Weldless Chain
Specifications applicable to all types of chain.
Binders used in conjunction with a tie-down assembly
must be equal to or greater than the minimum
breaking strength of the tie-down assembly.
The load on every vehicle must be distributed,
chocked, tied down, or secured according to U.S.
Army Corp of Engineers, Safety and Health
Requirements Manual, EM 385-1-1. It takes much
less time to tie down a load than it takes to report the
reason a load fell off a trailer. After delivery of cargo,
the driver should broom off all debris from the trailer
to prevent possible damage to other vehicles or injury
to pedestrians during the return trip. The operator is
responsible for the safe operation of the tractor-trailer
and the securing of cargo.
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