What must a driver check before transporting a tanker load?

Before transporting a tanker load, a driver must check the tank's proper seal and integrity to ensure safe transportation of the materials. This is crucial because any discrepancies in the tank’s seal could lead to leaks or spills during transit, which can pose serious environmental hazards as well as risks to public safety. Ensuring the integrity of the tank prevents accidents and maintains compliance with safety regulations. This check involves inspecting both the exterior and the connections to confirm that the tank is fully secured and capable of holding the contents without risk of leakage.

Other factors listed, such as the color of the liquid, while potentially helpful in identifying the load, do not ensure safety and compliance in the same way. Fuel efficiency and speed limits are important considerations during operation, but they are not directly related to the integrity and safety of the tanker load itself.