Tanker Truck Spill Containment Berms

Spill containment refers to equipment and practices used to prevent hazardous liquids, such as fuel or chemicals, from spreading into the environment. Products like portable berms create a temporary barrier around tanker trucks during loading and unloading, capturing leaks or overflows and helping facilities meet environmental protection requirements.

The 110% secondary containment rule requires that containment structures, such as berms or dikes, hold at least 110% of the volume of the largest container or tank they protect. This standard, commonly referenced in EPA and SPCC regulations, ensures adequate capacity to contain spills plus rainfall or displacement.

Most portable containment berms can be deployed in a matter of minutes by one or two workers, without special tools. Foam-collapsible or inflatable-wall designs unfold flat on the ground and rise into place, allowing quick setup before tanker loading or unloading begins.

These berms are typically constructed from durable, chemical-resistant materials such as PVC-coated fabric or reinforced polymer, designed to withstand exposure to fuels, oils, and industrial chemicals while remaining flexible enough for repeated folding, transport, and deployment.

Many berms are engineered with drive-over ramps or reinforced wall designs that allow tanker trucks to drive directly into the containment area without damaging the berm. This design supports safe loading and unloading while maintaining full containment capacity.

Sizing depends on the tanker's capacity, the number of vehicles serviced simultaneously, and applicable secondary containment regulations such as the 110% rule. Consulting with a supplier about your facility's loading footprint and spill volume requirements helps determine the correct berm dimensions.