Semitrailers, tankers

The Semitrailers, Tankers program (Line Item 1400D02001) is a procurement initiative managed by the U.S. Army under the Other Procurement, Army (OPA) appropriation, specifically within the Tactical and Support Vehicles budget activity. The primary goal is to procure modern semitrailer tankers that provide bulk fuel distribution capabilities to Army units, supporting both operational and contingency requirements. This program addresses the need to replace aging tanker trailers, such as the M967 and M969, which are nearing the end of their service life. It also aims to improve the Army's ability to rapidly deploy and sustain forces in undeveloped or contested theaters.

The Tactical Fuel Distribution System (TFDS) is a major component of this line item. TFDS is designed to provide theater-level bulk petroleum distribution, maximizing throughput to support early entry, buildup, and onward movement of forces. The system consists of a 5,000-gallon line haul tanker trailer, typically pulled by the M1088 tractor, and is capable of retail fuel distribution on both improved and unimproved roads. TFDS addresses a specific capability gap related to Class III (petroleum, oils, and lubricants) line haul and tactical carry and distribution. The Army Acquisition Objective for TFDS reflects the scale of the requirement for supporting Army operations at echelons above brigade and in joint operational areas.

The Bulk Fuel Distribution System (BFDS) is another key element of the program, providing the capability to transport petroleum products across a variety of road conditions at normal convoy speeds. BFDS is designed to maximize the towing capacity of the M915A3/A4/A5 tractors and includes features such as accurate measurement and digital display of fuel levels. Like TFDS, BFDS supports theater-wide bulk petroleum distribution to ensure that fuel is available for early entry and sustained operations. The Army Acquisition Objective for BFDS underscores the importance of bulk fuel transport in Army logistics.

In addition to supporting operational requirements, the Semitrailers, Tankers line item is justified by its role in homeland defense, domestic emergency response, and military support to civil authorities, as mandated by Section 1815 of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act. The program ensures that both active and reserve components have access to modern, reliable fuel distribution systems that can be rapidly deployed for a variety of missions, including disaster relief and support to civilian agencies.

As of FY 2025, the Army has consolidated the Semitrailers, Flatbed and Semitrailers, Tankers programs into the Family of Semitrailers program. This consolidation is intended to streamline procurement, improve logistical support, and achieve greater efficiencies in managing the Army's semitrailer fleet. The consolidation also aligns with broader Army modernization efforts and supports the transition to more flexible and capable tactical vehicle fleets.

Funding for the Semitrailers, Tankers line item in recent years has supported the procurement of hundreds of units. These investments are intended to maintain the Army's ability to project and sustain forces globally, ensuring that fuel distribution does not become a limiting factor in operational success. The program's focus on replacing legacy systems and integrating new technologies reflects the Army's commitment to maintaining a robust and resilient logistics infrastructure.