One Size Fits None: Why Tanker Trucks Need Configurable Workflow

Quick Summary:

• The operational complexity of tanker fleets—with their varied products, unique customer requirements, and stringent safety protocols—cannot be effectively managed by rigid, one-size-fits-all software. 
• Tanker fleets shouldn’t have to force operations to fit their software; instead, a modern, configurable workflow perfectly mirrors the most complex jobs, with features designed specifically for the tanker industry.
• Empowering your teams with technology that makes their difficult jobs easier is the key to retaining top talent, increasing profitability and safety, improving situational awareness for management, and future-proofing your fleet.

In honor of Tank Truck Week 2025 kicking off this weekend, and the 80th anniversary of NTTC, we are taking a look at why tanker trucks especially require and benefit from a highly configurable  workflow to optimize operations, improve safety, and ensure the longevity of the fleet.

Why are Tanker Trucks Unique?

In the entire supply chain, there are few missions as critical as the ones managed by tank truck fleets. Tankers transport the essential, sensitive, and often hazardous materials that power our economy. This high-stakes work is handled by the "Navy SEALs" of trucking—highly skilled, expert drivers who manage immense responsibility at every single stop.

So why are these elite drivers so often forced to rely on technology that doesn't speak their language?

The reality is that the operational complexity of tanker fleets—with varied products, unique customer requirements, and stringent safety protocols—cannot be effectively managed by rigid, one-size-fits-all software. 

This gap forces fleets to rely on inefficient and error-prone systems, binders, and phone calls, creating a disconnect between the cab and the back office.

The Core Challenge: A Disconnect Between Technology and the Real World

Unfortunately, generic workflow software fails the moment a driver steps out of the cab. The intricate, multi-step tasks performed on-site are a "secret language" that most technology doesn't understand.

Think about the diverse and demanding jobs your fleet handles. The workflow for hauling petroleum is vastly different from that for food-grade liquids or sensitive chemicals. Each requires a distinct set of steps, data points, and compliance checks. When technology can't keep up, drivers are left to fill out paper forms, which leads to data entry errors, delays in billing, and a lack of real-time visibility.

The Solution: A Workflow that Adapts to Your Fleet

The answer isn't to force your operations to fit your software; it's to use a platform where the software adapts to your operations. A modern, configurable workflow puts the fleet in control.

Imagine building a digital workflow that perfectly mirrors your most complex jobs, with features designed specifically for the tanker industry:

• Digital Stick Readings: Capture fuel levels accurately on a tablet, eliminating paper and streamlining data flow directly to your TMS.
• Color-Coded Forms: Use distinct colors to help drivers instantly identify different products and grades, dramatically reducing the risk of costly delivery errors.
• Automated Calculations: Perform on-tablet calculations to determine exactly how much product can be unloaded, removing the need for drivers to consult manual charts and notebooks.

When your workflow is intelligent, it becomes the foundation for a safer and more efficient operation. With every step captured digitally, the back office gets clean, accurate data in real-time. This accelerates billing cycles, enhances customer service, and provides leadership with a clear picture of what’s happening in the field.

Future-Proofing Your Fleet

The complexities of the tanker industry demand more than basic telematics. They require a flexible, powerful platform built around the driver's day. Empowering your drivers with technology that makes their difficult job easier is the key to retaining top talent, increasing profitability, and building a more resilient fleet for the future. 

How Automated Tools from Platform Science Help Tanker Trucks

Platform Science’s PS Workflow platform is particularly well-suited for tank truck operations. These automated tools save your drivers up to 5 minutes on every load through intuitive workflows and data automated from your TMS, reducing data entry errors by up to 60%. Tools like geofencing
with auto-triggers and auto-complete, customized forms that eliminate duplicate data entry, detailed preplans and specialized instruction options, and more allow drivers to focus on the job and not the busywork. PS Workflow reduces driver data entry requirements by up to 80%, improving your drivers’ job satisfaction as well as your data quality and profitability. 

Learn more about PS Workflow now, or contact us to schedule a demo.

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