Tanker Shuttle Calculator Guide – Triggers, Staging, and Practical Water Delivery Planning
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Shuttles fail when they start late and run on guesses. Use the Tanker Shuttle Calculator to build realistic assumptions, then compare demand using Fire Flow and supply alternatives like Hydrant Finder.
Open Tanker Shuttle CalculatorWater Supply & Hydraulics PillarFire Flow
Operational note: Always follow SOP/SOG. This guide is for planning and training structure, not a replacement for department procedures.
Triggers (When to Start Shuttle Thinking)
- No hydrants or unreliable hydrant coverage.
- Long lays that become unstable or slow.
- Estimated demand likely exceeds available supply.
Calculator Inputs (Make Assumptions Realistic)
- Turnaround time: include real road speeds, intersections, and apparatus handling.
- Fill site: note constraints, access, and sustainable fill rate.
- Dump site: document location, traffic hazards, and dump method.
Preplan Notes That Matter
- Primary fill site + secondary fill site.
- Primary dump site + staging area.
- Route hazards (weight limits, narrow bridges, winter issues).
Common Mistakes
- Starting shuttle late.
- Overestimating travel speed and fill rate.
- Ignoring staging discipline and traffic control needs.
