January 7, 2020
5 Things to Consider When Choosing A Mode of Freight Transportation
Moving food and liquid from buyer to seller brings with it certain benefits and drawbacks that the company you’re using to transport these items has to take into account. The particular choice of that freight transportation is often directly related to the product being shipped, since its continued viability may be directly related to the time span in such deliveries.
Understanding all of the factors that go into both food tanker transport and liquid grade transportation should serve as a litmus test when determining which company you should choose to ship your items. Below are four different and important things to consider:
Ultimate Destination
Depending on where it’s headed, the food tankers that carry your items will require different delivery schedules. Putting it on a flatbed truck or within a tanker can get it on the road immediately, with the logistics of such travel already worked out. Sometimes, it may be easier to ship by rail, which takes into unique considerations that may be present.
For international deliveries, which involves those outside of Canada and Mexico, neither of the above instances are possible. That means air and maritime shipping need to be used, with some air transport unable to carry some of the bulkier items and being subject to flight cancellations. However, it can be much faster than traveling by sea.
Cost Considerations
Both food tanker transport and liquid grade transportation have to be handled in a way that allows for expedited handling of necessities. This often involves domestic deliveries, which means that the trucks used need to be properly maintained and the drivers behind the wheel responsible individuals. Otherwise, the prospect of ruined items because of breakdowns or other issues can affect a company’s bottom line.
Such issues can also emerge with items being shipped overseas, with weather delays and international compliance concerns possibly causing delays. Having the ability to routinely keep track of such deliveries is something that should be a basic component of that transport company’s business philosophy.
Flexibility
Liquid transport is something that can bring with it unforeseen circumstances that eliminate many possible delivery options from the equation. Alcohols and juices need protection from temperature changes that might compromise their quality, yet transport in food tankers that involves many twists and turns can bring about potential disaster for items shipped in bottles and other fragile objects.
These can be addressed by selecting a company that has access to items such as the Iso-Tank or Flexi-Tank. In the latter case, using specially-designed bags can reduce space and is especially valuable when shipping a product like wine. With the former option, the cylindrical tanks make for an easier fit and are vacuum-sealed.
Experience
Companies that have a clear track record within this competitive field have shown an ability to evolve in a way that continues to benefit their customers. That means the aforementioned logistics issues and other delivery mechanisms have been finely tuned over the years, which helps avoid aggravating surprises.
Companies don’t have the luxury of choosing the first business that’s come to mind, yet having a clear understanding of what makes a food tanker transport company the best can be difficult. After all, the sheer number of companies with food tankers on the roads, rails, air and sea is enormous.
Safety
For liquid grade and food tanker transport, the security and safety of goods is a critical part of selecting a company and method of transportation. Ensuring that products are both safe and secure aids in the prevention of unnecessary losses. That’s why it’s important to select a company that includes safety transportation guidelines such as:
- Education and Training: Knowledgeable staff and drivers are vital in ensuring the safety and security of freight transportation. Therefore, it is essential to select a company that provides initial and routine training for their employees.
- Visual Inspections: Routine, visual inspection are a critical part of ensuring the safety of transported goods. Routine inspections should always be performed before loading goods for transports. These inspections ensure the safety and quality of products by ensuring that there are no pollutants caused by corrosion, cracks, leaks, or faulty sealings.
- Necessary Documentation: Freight transportation drivers must carry documents that confirm the safety and quality of transported goods. For example, a wash tag indicates that a transport tank has been properly washed and sanitized by a certified tank wash facility. This eliminates potential pollutants and cross-contamination for liquid grade transportation.
- FDA Guidelines: Each freight transportation company must follow FDA guidelines that regulate the safety of goods. This includes the Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMPs).
You can view a company’s current safety ratings on the SAFER website, a government entity that allows you to search safety ratings by a company’s name, US DOT number, or MC/MX number.
Additional Considerations to Keep in Mind
Here are some other factors that companies should keep in mind when selecting a food or liquid grade transportation company.
- Export sales contract terms and any stipulations on particular methods of freight transportation that will be used.
- Facilities and warehouse safety standards, handling equipment, and quality control.
- The status of a company’s license and current safety ratings.
Choosing the Right Food or Liquid Grade Transportation
That’s why whether it’s liquid grade transportation or any other food-grade items, Kan-Haul has been the choice of countless customers for more than three decades. Kan-Haul began in Central Texas but has since served customers in all 50 continental states, all of the Canadian providences, Mexico, Australia, Africa, South America, and Northern Europe. As a leader in freight transportation, Kan-Haul has the experience, flexibility, safety standards, costs, and transport methods to suit your business needs.
Looking for food or liquid grade transportation? You’re in excellent hands. Contact us today to see what we can possibly do for your business.
