Bulk Wine Carrier Options
From grape cultivation to the tasting, wine is a delicate product that requires expert transport. Vineyards, Winemakers & Wine-sellers all have to deal with the challenges of transporting bulk quantities of wine.
Improper handling methods can result is spoiled batches, making the final product un-sellable, costing you not only money, but wasting the precious time involved in producing wine.
Below is an overview of wine transport considerations, hauling options and pros and cons of each.
Wine Transportation Considerations & Risks:
- Temperature must be between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit with minimal variation.
- Contamination, Re-fermentation, Oxidation may cause spoiling or tainting wine
- Wine bottles, barrels or boxes can be damaged or broken during shipping.
- Costs of shipping added due to packaging weight when shipping in consumer-ready bottles.
Traditionally, wineries would bottle their wine into individual bottles for resale at the site of production. In the past, the market for wine in the US was a relatively niche market. The demand for wine has greatly increased, and wine producers have learned to scale production. There are now several options available to wine shippers, including traditional bottle shipping, flexi-tanks and ISO tanks. Which one is best for your shipping needs may depend on your market, logistics & cost considerations.
Bottle Transport
Transporting wine already packaged in glass bottles is still common, but has pros and cons.
Pros:
- Wine is at low risk of contamination
- Shelf-Ready immediately upon arrival
Cons:
- Wine bottles can break easily
- Requires extra packing materials to prevent breakage
- Increases shipping weight dramatically, resulting in higher cost
- Temperature control is often absent using this method
ISO Tank Hauler
Stainless Steel ISO Tanks are hollow containers, built according to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). ISO tanks offer a safe & reliable option for for bulk wine transport, but has some limitations.
Pros:
- Refrigerated Storage Available
- Safe & Reliable
- Suitable for large volumes
Cons:
- Requires additional bottling or packaging before sale to consumer
- Oxidation or contamination can occur if tanks are not properly cleaned. All Kan-Haul ISO tanks are cleaned professionally and meticulously to the highest standards.
Flexitanks
Flexitanks are large bags or bladders that fit in standard box trailers. Kan-Haul exclusively uses Wine-Pac flexi tanks for wine transport, offering the most reliable, safe & environmentally friendly option.
Pros:
- Safest & most reliable method of wine transport
- Different sizes available up to 24,000 liters to fit different shipping volumes
- Minimal contamination risk
- Can haul more per truck than pre-packaged wine<
Cons:
- Requires additional bottling or packaging before sale to consumer
- Temperature Control is more difficult without refrigerated carrier
Kan-Haul Bulk Wine Transport Experts
We are the national leader in specialty bulk liquid transport, including wine and other alcoholic beverage. Shipping wine via FlexiTank can dramatically save shipping costs. Wine can packaged near end-consumers in local or regional bottling plants. With the greater safety, reliability & cost saving, the value for using a Flexi-Tank carrier for bulk wine transport is clear.
