December 18, 2020
The Logistics of Bulk Transportation of Milk and Dairy Products
Bulk milk transport is an essential service provided by companies that specialize in liquid food grade transportation. There are several logistical considerations when hauling milk and dairy products.
Processing begins down on the farm, yet once the milk is ready for transport, the cargo’s safety and integrity become the responsibility of the milk tank truck driver. Haulers are the crucial link in the supply chain between the producers and those who process the milk.
3 Things to Know About the Logistics of Milk Tanker Transport
Every link in the chain of supply is vital to the bulk milk industry. The logistics of getting the milk from farm-to-table is a detailed coordination between farmers who produce the milk, the haulers, and the processors and distributors. Often, milk tanker truck drivers are the only point of contact between the producers and the buyers.
1. Dairy Farmers
Dairy farmers are the first link in the chain of bulk milk transport. They extract the milk by use of specialized equipment that pumps the milk from the cows. This equipment then pumps the milk into storage tanks. This process ensures that the milk does not become contaminated by coming into contact with workers’ hands.
The tanks at the dairies store the milk before being placed into the tanker. The farmers utilize a quick cooling method, essential in guaranteeing product freshness. This method cools the raw milk to the proper temperature for storage, which is ideally between 34 and 36 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Tanker Vehicles and Their Operators
The next link in the chain of supply is the haulers. Their duties go beyond just operating the transport tanker. The hauler must weigh the milk, record the bulk tank measurements, and calculate distance and time ratios to maximize efficiency and prevent spoilage and contamination. The hauler is also responsible for the maintenance of the trailer.
There are three types of haul vehicles for bulk milk transport. Straight chassis tankers with either a double or triple axle are the first two types of tankers. These are used for small to medium-sized loads, around 4,000 to 5,000 gallons.
Tractor-trailers are the third type of hauling vehicle. Tractors carry around 8,000 gallons and transport around 80% of all bulk milk throughout the country. These tractors have power units that easily detach from bulk liquid tank trailers.
According to health and sanitization standards, these tanks must get emptied regularly, at least once every 24 hours. The hauler must ensure this occurs.
3. Cold Chain Logistics
The “Cold Chain” is another link in the supply chain and refers to methods used to manage climate-controlled conditions for temperature-sensitive products.
The “Cold Chain” is maintained with:
- Cold Storage: Facilities that provide a place to store foods and other perishable goods at specific temperatures before transport.
- Cold Transport: Temperature-controlled vehicles that allow for bulk transport of goods that require continual refrigeration.
- Cold Processing and Distribution: Facilities are designed to process goods for distribution while maintaining proper temperatures throughout the processing plant.
Cold chain logistics is a science that requires knowledge of both chemistry and biology and an understanding of the products’ perishability. This process is how those in the supply chain secures the integrity of sensitive products, such as bulk milk.
Kan-Haul is Your Solution for Bulk Milk and Dairy Product Transport
As the leading bulk milk and dairy products transportation solution, Kan-Haul has transported liquid food products in tankers for nearly 30 years. This experience and expertise have allowed us to set the industry standards, and we are proud of the part we have played in the implementation of these standards.
Curious how Kan-Haul can help you with the logistics of bulk transport for your milk and dairy products? Contact us today or call our office at 1-800-959-9501 for more information!
