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Food-grade tanker wash and cleaning records

Helm PartnersUpdated Oct 29, 2026Sources checked Oct 29, 2026

This guide is general information, not advice on any policy.

Short answer

If the shipper asks, a carrier offering a bulk tanker for food must say what the tank carried last and describe its most recent cleaning. When your agreement makes you responsible for sanitary conditions, you also need written procedures for cleaning, sanitizing if needed and inspecting the tank, kept for 12 months after you stop using them.

In this guide
  • Sanitary tanks
  • What a shipper can ask for
  • Written procedures
  • Keeping the records
  • A checklist
  • FAQ

Food-grade bulk tankers haul milk, juice, oils, sweeteners and other liquid foods. FDA's sanitary transportation rule puts specific record duties on the carrier. Here is what they are, with the rule text.

Sanitary tanks

  • Tanks and equipment must be cleanable for their use and kept in sanitary condition so the food does not become unsafe (21 CFR 1.906).
  • Store them so they do not harbor pests or become contaminated between loads.

What a shipper can ask for

  • The previous cargo hauled in the tank (21 CFR 1.908(e)(4)).
  • A description of the tank's most recent cleaning (1.908(e)(5)).
  • Both apply when the shipper asks.

Written procedures

When your agreement makes you responsible for sanitary conditions, keep written procedures that (1.908(e)(6)):

  • Set out how you clean, sanitize if needed, and inspect the tank and equipment.
  • Describe how you meet temperature duties, where they apply.
  • Describe how you will answer the previous cargo and last cleaning requests.

Keeping the records

  • Keep written procedures for 12 months after you stop using them (21 CFR 1.912).
  • Keep the bulk cleaning procedures onsite while in use. Electronic records count as onsite if they can be reached from there.
  • Training records for your people are kept 12 months after they stop those duties. See the FSMA sanitary transportation rule for reefer carriers.

A checklist

  1. Write cleaning, sanitizing and inspection steps for each tank type.
  2. Keep a wash ticket or record for every wash, with date, place and method.
  3. Log the previous cargo for each tank.
  4. Have both ready when a shipper asks.
  5. Keep the procedures 12 months after retiring them.

Drivers need the CDL tank (N) endorsement.

State licenses: milk hauler licenses in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana.

FAQ

What must a food-grade tanker carrier tell the shipper?

If the shipper asks, the previous cargo hauled in the bulk vehicle and a description of its most recent cleaning (21 CFR 1.908(e)(4) and (5)).

Do I need written cleaning procedures?

When your written agreement with the shipper makes you responsible for sanitary conditions, yes. They must cover cleaning, sanitizing if necessary and inspecting the equipment, temperature control and bulk vehicle use (21 CFR 1.908(e)(6)).

How long do I keep the procedures?

For 12 months beyond when they are in use (21 CFR 1.912(b)). The bulk cleaning procedures stay onsite while in use, and electronic records count as onsite if reachable from there (1.912(i)).

What does sanitary condition mean for a tank?

The tank and equipment must be cleanable for their use and kept clean enough that the food does not become unsafe, and stored so they do not harbor pests or get contaminated (21 CFR 1.906).

Does the rule apply to small carriers?

A carrier with less than $500,000 in average annual revenue, adjusted for inflation, over the prior 3 years is a non-covered business (21 CFR 1.904). Shippers may still ask for wash records by contract.

Is a wash ticket required by FDA?

The rule does not name a wash ticket. It asks for a description of the most recent cleaning on request. A dated record for each wash is a simple way to have that ready.

This guide is general information, not advice on any policy.

Sources