Liquid cargo shipped in containers by sea can also be considered a type of bulk cargo, transported using specialized tank containers, so liquid cargo is classified as special cargo.
The main liquid cargoes transported by sea in tank containers include foodstuffs such as soy sauce, glucose, and various types of alcohol, as well as various chemical goods like cresol. Although transporting liquid cargo in tank containers by sea can significantly save packaging and loading/unloading costs, its development has been slow. This is mainly due to the high manufacturing cost and complexity of tank containers, the difficulty in finding suitable locations for cleaning these containers and treating wastewater, and the fact that a large proportion of liquid cargo is food, which is subject to strict transportation requirements with many restrictions. Therefore, besides the portion of liquid cargo that can be transported in tank containers, a large amount is still shipped in general cargo containers after being packaged into smaller containers.
When using tank containers for liquid cargo transportation, the following should be noted:
- Whether the tank container's structure, performance, and internal lining coating meet the cargo's transportation requirements.
- Understand the characteristics of the cargo, whether heating is required during transportation and loading/unloading, and whether steam and power sources are available at the loading/unloading locations.
- Verify whether the ratio of the container's capacity to its permissible load is approximately consistent with the cargo density. When the cargo density is high and the tank is only half-filled, there is a risk of damaging the tank during loading, unloading, and transportation.
- Confirm whether the necessary equipment for discharging the tank is available and compatible with the container's valves.
- Check whether the overflow valve is functional.
Liquid Cargo Transportation Requirements
Use dedicated containers (IBC totes, steel drums). Ensure containers are sealed tightly to prevent leakage. Use absorbent materials to deal with spills. Place liquid drums upright and secure them with straps.
Bofeng Logistics specializes in providing one-stop logistics services including domestic container shipping, international shipping (FCL/LCL), Hong Kong and Macau dedicated logistics lines, as well as trucking, customs clearance, and warehousing. Contact number: 130-7567-8958 (Manager Huang). Call now for a customized quote!
Summary of Precautions for Liquid Cargo Transportation
The safety requirements for liquid cargo transportation are high, with container selection and seal inspection being the top priorities. It is recommended to have a spill contingency plan in place in advance.
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