December 17, 2021
Bulk Liquid Transport Equipment FAQ
When it comes to bulk liquid transportation, you want to make sure you are getting the right person for the job. There are plenty of factors that go into bulk liquid transportation and the same is true when it comes to deciding who you will trust to get the job done.
Before you decide, you likely want to have some key questions answered. For example, what is bulk production? What is a bulk liquid? What is bulk liquid transportation? Once these questions are answered, new questions will pop up such as: what is a bulk tanker? How much liquid can these tankers hold?
Fear not, because here is a complete FAQ guide to answer all the above questions and help prepare you for making the important decision of who will help you with your transport solution.
What is a Bulk Product?
To start off, bulk refers to when a large amount or quantity of something is not divided into smaller parts. When applied to products, it refers to a large amount or quantity of a specific product. Buying a product in bulk comes with the advantage of the product typically being cheaper per unit.
What is Bulk Liquid?
A bulk liquid is similar to a bulk product, except it is measured in volumes rather than numbers. When someone talks about bulk liquid, they are likely referring to the transportation of it.
Bulk liquid may refer to:
- Dairy products ( pasteurized milk, and cream)
- Alcohol products (gin, vodka, and wine)
- Juices (fruit juice and vegetable juice)
- Vegetable oils (canola oil and coconut oil)
- Syrups and other sweeteners (corn syrup, honey, and molasses)
- Sugar alcohols (mannitol and sorbitol)
- Vinegar (apple cider vinegar and distilled vinegar)
- Citrus products (citric acid solution and citrus fruit terpenes)
- Non-food products (essential oils and mineral oil)
- Additives and preservatives (beverage bases, caramel color, and natural and artificial colors)
What is Bulk Liquid Transportation?
Bulk liquid transportation is when a truck moves the bulk liquid from one location to another, usually a processing or distribution facility.
However, bulk liquid transportation differs from regular trucking. Bulk liquid shipments require different equipment from other shipments, which are dry and packaged in another way. This equipment generally includes the use of a specialized freight truck that ensures the material is properly sealed and requires the product to be pumped into the truck’s container using a hose or valve. This ensures the product is protected from outside elements.
What is a Bulk Tanker?
A bulk tanker is the equipment that carries a bulk liquid shipment from one destination to another. Also called food or fuel tankers, they are cylindrical-shaped and made from stainless steel. The distinct shape of the truck allows for maximum storage capacity when it comes to shipping liquids. Sometimes these tankers even contain compartments, which allows them to transport various liquids at the same time.
How Much Liquid Can These Tankers Hold?
These tankers range in size and capacity from 3,000 gallons to 11,600 gallons. However, the tanker’s maximum carrying capacity depends on the density of the liquid being transported. When it comes to carrying liquids, the smaller tankers generally carry less than 1,000 gallons while the larger tankers carry over 11,000 gallons.
What are Tank Trailer Handling Procedures?
Like other trucking companies, bulk liquid shipping trucks are also subjugated to uphold certain regulations. There are limits to a truck’s weight and the number of hours a trucker can drive. Tank trails that carry hazardous materials must also be properly placarded. Temperature controls may also be put into place for temperature-sensitive products.
When it comes to driving the tankers, the trucker’s driver’s license must include a tank vehicle endorsement. The trailers must also be cleaned properly in accordance to the federal regulations put in place for Transportation Equipment Cleaning (TEC).
Tank trailers must also meet the criteria put in place by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), such as proper worker hygiene and sanitary handling of the product. These regulations ensure the safety of any liquid that may be consumed by the human population. The contamination of any liquids could result in huge losses for any company involved.
How Expensive is it to Transport Bulk Liquid?
Bulk liquid transportation varies based on several factors, such as the mileage driven, weight, and type of material transported.
The more miles traveled, the more expensive transportation will be, while the shorter the distance traveled, the less expensive it will be. Similarly, the heavier the transportation load, the more one can expect to pay.
Materials also play a role in the cost, since hazardous liquid, such as alcohol or gas, is more dangerous to transport and requires extra precautions. To make up for the inherent risks involved, the company may charge more for the transportation of these hazardous materials.
Contact Kan-Haul Today
At Kan-Haul we offer domestic and international liquid food products transportation. A freight and shipping industry pioneer, we can offer you peace of mind as you track your shipment from pickup to delivery.
Contact us today and see how we can fulfill your transportation requirements.
