How Does 40ft ISO Tank Container Work?

25 Aug.,2025

 

What is an ISO Tank Container? [+types & dimensions]

A tank container is the most efficient way to transport liquids, gasses and hazardous materials. Read on to learn everything you need to know about ISO tank container sizes, types and uses.

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Finding a suitable container type to ship goods safely is as essential as discovering the right certified partner to work with. It’s especially important when moving food-grade products, powders, liquids and chemicals in bulk. In the last few years, tank containers have emerged as the go-to solution for intermodal transportation of such cargo.

In fact, according to the International Tank Container Organization (ITCO), the global tank container fleet stands at 736,935 units worldwide, as of January . This is a 7.3% increase in just one year.

Looking for quality tanks or other container types? It’s quick and easy to find boxes of all kinds on our platform. Simply type in the container type you’re after, as well as your location, and hit ‘search’ to get started right away.

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What are ISO tank containers?

Tank containers are used to ship and store hazardous and non-hazardous materials such as liquids, powders, and gasses. ISO tanks are made out of stainless steel, with insulation, as well as a protective layer of aluminum or polyurethane. This makes them a safe and secure option for transporting a wide variety of materials.

ISO tanks are equipped to transport the following:

  • Liquids
  • Gasses
  • Powders
  • Chemicals
  • Perishable and non-perishable food items
  • Alcohol
  • Non-alcoholic liquids

If you’re a shipper, make sure you invest in a tank container that’s classified by the International Maritime Dangerous Good Code (IMO). This classification helps to identify and separate dangerous goods from other kinds of cargo. Check out this blog to learn all about IMO types for tank containers.

Safety and efficiency are synonymous with ISO tank containers. Apart from the fact that tanks can ship a considerable amount of bulk effortlessly, they’re also extremely durable. A tank container is designed to have a long life span, typically around 20 to 35 years. So you can use tank containers over and over again, giving you great value for money in the long run!

Wondering where you can find ISO tanks? Book a demo today to learn all about how you can buy, sell, and lease the exact container types you need on Container xChange. Simply click on the banner below to get started today.

ISO certification: A stamp of approval for ISO tank

So what is an ISO certification?

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) upholds a set of industrial and commercial standards for various products and services. This ensures consistency in both quality and reliability.

When a tank container is manufactured, it must comply with the size, durability, and strength as per the ISO standards. Each tank goes through strict inspection process, and only then is it certified. A container safety certificate (CSC) is also issued by the manufacturer.

Types of ISO tank containers

Before you go ahead and buy or lease tanks, you should know that there are specific tanks for specific types of cargo. The chart below shows the different tanks and what they can transport and store safely.

Container type Ideal usage T1 ISO tank container Wine and light liquids T4 ISO tank container Non-hazardous edible and non-edible oils  T11 ISO tank container Non-hazardous chemicals  T14 ISO tank container Hazardous chemicals and acids like HCI and zinc chloride T50 ISO tank container Gasses such as LPG and ammonia T75 ISO tank container Cryogenic gasses Rubber-lined ISO tank container Acid-based chemicals Food-grade tank Only loaded with food grade products Reefer tank Ideal for food and chemicals  Gas tank Suitable for the transport of gasses Silo  Suitable for transport of grains and powders SWAP container tank Transport of cargo between 26,000 and 35,000 metric tons, 25,600 and 31,500 long tons and 28,700 and 35,000 short tons SWAP body tank This container type is bigger than its frame, ideal for lightweight cargo and storage use

Make sure you choose the correct tank container type for your shipping needs.

Dimensions of ISO tank containers

A tank container made according to ISO standards will always be fit for intermodal transportation. These containers also come in 20ft, 40ft, and 45ft varieties. But when it comes to tank containers, you need to prioritize capacity. Here’s a table with the measurements and capacities.

Capacity     Gross Weight Tare Weight  Payload        Max. Cargo Temp. Test Pressure Working Pressure 21,000l 36,000kg 3,650kg  32,350kg  120°C 6.00 BAR 4.00 BAR 24,000l 36,000kg 3,900kg 32,100kg  120°C 6.00 BAR 4.00 BAR 25,000l 36,000kg 3,730kg  32,270kg  130°C 6.00 BAR 4.00 BAR 26,000l 36,000kg 4,060kg   31,940kg  130°C 6.00 BAR 4.00 BAR

Never overfill or underfill a tank container

It’s important to note that a tank container should never be overfilled or underfilled.

ISO tanks should be at least 80% full at all times. This will avoid a surge during transit.

Similarly, always make sure that your tanks are less than 95% full. This allows for thermal expansion.

Average prices of ISO tank containers

You must be wondering how much a tank container costs, given their growing popularity. It’s important to note that prices vary based on the container size, location and condition, as well as the current market situation.

The most commonly used ISO tank container is the T11 — primarily used to transport non-hazardous chemicals in bulk. To learn more about the general prices of tank containers, check out this blog.

To lease a T11 tank on xChange, pick up charges range from around US $300 and US $525.

ISO tank containers: Uses

As you know, tank containers store and transport both hazardous and non-hazardous cargo. Now, let’s have a closer look at what all can be shipped in an ISO tank.

Here are some of the most commonly-shipped materials:

  • Fuel such as petrol, diesel, and compressed natural gas (CNG)
  • Dairy products
  • Alcoholic beverages such as wine and spirits
  • Chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide, sulfur acid, etc
  • Liquid food products such as cooking and vegetable oil, etc
  • Petrochemicals
  • Powders

Benefits of ISO tank containers

There are also many advantages to using an ISO tank container. Let’s look at a few of them now:

  • ISO tank containers are internationally approved, and come with a quality assurance.
  • They can store much more than drummed shipments, and the cost of shipping is significantly less.
  • ISO tank containers are environment-friendly. They’re designed to combat product spillage and leakage, especially during long journeys.
  • They save fuel and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 70 percent.
  • ISO tanks can withstand harsh weather conditions.
  • They’re easy to load and unload

Interested to know more about these benefits? Head over to this blog.

ISO tank offers on Container xChange

You can find ISO tank containers on our trading and leasing platforms. Check out our offers below.

For leasing:

Subscribe to our Basic Membership Plan at $299 per month to get up to 10 containers under management.

Subscribe to our Professional Membership Plan at $549 per month to get up to 100 containers under management.

Lease containers

For buying:

Subscribe to our Professional Membership Plan for just $299 per month, to buy and sell an unlimited number of containers, at 0% commission.

Buy containers

Subscribe to either of the above-listed base plans and get a leasing/trading add-on for $99 per month.

If you’re already a member on xChange, you can get access to the tank container network for only $179 per month.

Buy, lease and supply quality ISO tank containers on Container xChange

Container xChange makes it easy for you to get your hands on shipping containers of all shapes and sizes. One of the biggest advantages of using xChange to find containers is the market transparency.

On Container xChange, we’ve got + vetted and pre-approved members to work with. Leverage this network to lease, buy, and supply tank containers at prices that suit your needs and budget.

You can find boxes in over 2,500 unique locations around the world at the most competitive price in the market. And you get them all commission-free!

Let’s take a look at what you get when you use Container xChange to lease and trade containers.

Get a glimpse of the containers available near you on xChange right now.

Sign up for a demo today to learn more about how you can get containers at great prices, and streamline your container logistics process in no time at all.

What is an ISO tank container used for?

Iso tank containers are used to carry liquids, chemicals, fuel, petrochemicals, dairy products, alcohol and non-alcoholic liquids.

What is an ISO storage tank?

An ISO storage tank is used to store liquids, chemicals, fuel, petrochemicals, dairy products, alcohol and non-alcoholic liquids.

What is the capacity of an ISO tank container?

The ISO tank containers are available in various capacities. You can easily find tank containers in 21,000l, 24,000l, 25,000l, and 26,000l capacities in the market.

Want to learn about isotainer? Full guide, types, and prices []

Looking to transport bulk liquids with ease and safety? Then ISOtainer is what you need. This blog will help you understand ISOtainer better and guide you to buy or lease them at the best price without any hiccups.

Imagine you’ve got a consignment order to ship bulk wine from Port of Livorno, Italy to Port of Hamburg, Germany. Considering that wine goes under perishable products, it requires the right temperature to retain its freshness and shelf life. Which container would you choose to transport this beverage?

The answer is an ISOtainer. It’s the easiest, safest, and most efficient way to transport your liquid items. It’s specially designed to carry bulk food, liquid, chemicals.

But before we use the term ISOtainer again, let’s understand what exactly it means.

What is an ISOtainer?

ISOtainers (or ISO tank containers) are special containers to transport hazardous and non-hazardous liquids in bulk. These containers follow the standards of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) which give tanks the credibility of safety and performance.

ISOtainers are intermodal containers used to transport liquids, powders, and liquefied gases safely. Tanks are cost-effective and reduce shipping and handling costs. So, with this container type, you can rest assured that your cargo is loaded and unloaded hassle-free.

A tank is a cylindrical-shaped container, primarily made of stainless steel. There’s insulation and a protective layer of either aluminum or polyurethane to protect the container from corrosion and harsh weather conditions.

The fact that you can transport thousands of gallons of liquid in one shipment is a huge advantage, and of course, it’s a time saver! ISOtainer transports liquid hassle-free. You can learn more about ISO Tank containers and their types and uses in this separate blog.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit 40ft ISO Tank Container.

Why choose ISOtainer? 

There are many reasons why ISOtainer makes for an ideal container for your bulk cargo, especially if you’re shipping liquids and powders. Moreover, the ISO certification gives tanks a seal of quality assurance. Let’s look at the 5 most common benefits of using an ISOtainer.

Reliability

When it comes to ISOtainer, reliability is the first advantage that comes to mind. If you’re transporting bulk liquids, it’s a given that you can rely on ISO tank containers the most. It’s spill-proof and a cost-effective option for your shipment. Tanks go through several tests and inspections before it gets to your doorstep. Thus, we recommend you check for the ISO mark when you buy or lease a tank container.

Safety

Safety is another big benefit of ISOtainers. Each tank type is designed for specific goods – chemicals, food, and liquids. The best part is; you can’t use a chemical-grade tank as food cargo — ensuring safety. An ISOtainer goes through deep cleaning and inspection before and after the cargo is loaded and unloaded.

Environment-friendly

The leakage-proof feature of ISO tanks makes these containers environment-friendly. This also means that if you are transporting hazardous chemicals, they’ll be safely stored and shipped. Moreover, ISOtainers have a long shelf life of at least 25-30 years. You can reuse it as many times as you want just with routine checks and inspections.

Efficiency

ISOtainers are easy to handle and maneuver. They require minimal manual effort during the loading and unloading process. Tanks can carry a large number of goods at a time too, which is a blessing. For example, a 20ft ISO tank can carry 24,000 liters of liquid as compared to a 20ft container with drums, which accommodates only 15,000 liters.

Security

Each tank comes with a unique BIC code making it easy for you to track these containers. They provide secure storage and can be transported by road, rail, and sea. The structural design of the ISOtainer helps resist harsh weather and road conditions.

Design and specifications of ISOtainer

Since ISOtainer follows the ISO-certified standards, the dimensions and specifications are universally accepted. The fixed set of specifications ensures efficiency, quality, safety, and consistency of every tank in the market.

So, whenever you’re getting a tank container, make sure to check for the ISO seal that guarantees reliability and stability to transport liquids, gases, and chemicals.

ISOtainer comes in 20ft and 40ft dimensions. However, the 20ft tank is the most common one. It has a carrying capacity of up to 26,000 liters.

Before we get into more details on it, let’s take a quick look at its design and specifications.

A standard ISOtainer is made with a stable steel frame to hold the tank in place and secure the cargo.

It’s 20ft (6.58m) long, 8ft (2.438m) wide and 8.6ft (2.59m) high. Below are the other specifications of an ISOtainer.

If you’re looking for a tank container, xChange can help you connect with certified partners and show you a list of options to choose from. You’ll find 800+ vetted partners in + locations globally, which means there’s no way you exit empty-handed.

So, what are you waiting for? Cut the chase and find tanks that you need at your fingertips on Container xChange’s leasing and trading marketplace.

What kind of goods can an ISOtainer carry?

ISO tank containers come in a wide range of types, each suitable for a specific good. They can carry both hazardous and non-hazardous liquids. At large, this includes explosives, chemicals, flammable, and food/dairy products.

While we said this earlier, a tank makes a viable shipping option for your liquid goods (both hazardous and non-hazardous), it’s important to know the types of cargo certified to be transported in tanks.

Here is a list of products that you’re allowed to carry:

  • Milk and milk products
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Non-alcoholic
  • Liquefied sugar
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Sulfur acid
  • Chemicals
  • Vegetable oils
  • Flammable liquefied gases
  • Liquid resins
  • Molasses

What makes ISOtainer safe?

You’ve already read about the benefits of ISOtainers. But what makes them safe to use? Let’s find out.

There are different types of tank containers available in the market today. With a wide range of variety at your service, it’s easier to figure out which one suits your need the best.

One of the first points that come to mind when writing about tanks is that each tank type comes with a specific purpose.

For easy categorization of cargos, the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMO) originally classified tanks into IMO Type 1, Type 2, and Type 5. This was later replaced by the “T” code to include more specific details.

The classification of tanks helps to get more clarity on the types of liquid you can transport in a particular tank type.

As per ISO standards, if you’re using a chemical-grade tank, you can’t use the same container to carry food products. These tanks go through thorough inspections both before loading and after unloading. This ensures safety and hygiene at all levels.

You can read more about the different tank types here.

Benefits of shipping goods in an ISOtainer

ISOtainers are globally approved and come with an assurance of quality, safety and reliability. While handling ISOtainers, your priority is to ensure cleanliness. Make sure that your container is thoroughly cleaned and inspected before you pick it up. Ask for valid documents that stated this in writing.

Given that chemical-grade tanks can’t be used for food-grade cargo, it makes tank containers one level safer.

Let’s dive into a few other benefits of shipping goods in an ISOtainer:

  • You can ship a huge quantity of bulk cargo, especially, liquid goods in a tank. This makes the shipping cost lesser than other container shipments.
  • The loading and unloading process requires minimal labor. This cuts down your maintenance cost but increases your resale value.
  • ISOtainers are great for your temperature-sensitive cargo and can be shipped by both road and ocean.
  • If you’re the one who works towards a greener environment, ISOtainer is your safe bet. Their specially designed structure combats product spillage, saves more fuel, and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by up to 70 percent.
  • Tanks have a longer shelf life. This means you can use and reuse your container with just minor annual inspections.
  • You can transport both hazardous and non-hazardous goods without worrying about their safety. Tanks are designed for that.

Now that you’ve read about ISOtainer and its benefits, it’s time to get an understanding of flexitanks and how it’s different from tanks. We’ll also give you an insight into the best choice for you. Let’s dive in then.

ISOtainer vs Flexitank: Which one is for you?

ISOtainer and flexitank are both used to transport bulk liquids efficiently. However, how you choose to transport your cargo depends on your product type, origin, and destination locations.

Let’s take a look at some differences between both these types of containers. Flexitanks can turn out reasonable when your cargo is non-hazardous such as milk and milk products, vegetable oils, non-alcoholic beverages (juice), or liquefied sugar (depending on where you’re shipping to and from).

However, tanks are more accommodative for both non-hazardous and hazardous cargo. The structure of tank containers is suitable to maintain the required temperature for cargos and to provide a safer environment for storage and transportation.

Flexitank has a higher chance of spillage (which is very common) and can harm the environment. Tanks are more reliable that way. They are leakage-proof and cut down the environmental impact by 70%.

Having said that, keep in mind that tanks incur a high repositioning cost if there’s no two-way shipment. It can lead to an increased ocean freight rate. Flexitanks, however, have a better freight advantage here.

Choosing a tank or a flexitank depends on your requirements. You must understand your needs. We recommend you to weigh your long-term goals first – the time you need the container for, its environmental impact, product or cargo you’re shipping, and of course, reliability and safety before selecting either of them.

So, whether you choose a tank container or a flexitank, the most important point to keep in mind is the price. Getting your hands on a special container such as tanks at a price that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket is essential. And we understand that. That’s why, at xChange, we help you get the container you want at the most competitive price with market transparency.

Want to know how to get the best price for your next tank container? Click the banner below to find tanks from more than 800 vetted partners and pay the price you want to shell out.

How much does an ISOtainer cost?

If you’re planning to buy an ISOtainer, it’s essential to understand how much you should pay. It’ll not only give you more clarity on the market price situation but also ensure you’re not paying more than you should.

There’s a wide range of tank containers available today. And the cost of tanks depends on the type and the specifications. Moreover, the prices may differ depending on the location and the local market availability.

Be ready to shell out an average of US $.88 for a new 20ft ISO tank container. And US $.58 for a 40ft ISOtainer.

Get more information and detailed tank container prices in this separate blog.

How can xChange help you get the best price?

xChange helps you to get the containers at the best price. It has a wide range of containers available to suit your requirements. Be rest assured you’re dealing with only vetted partners. Get your deals commission-free, negotiate deals directly with other members and get market price transparency all from the comfort of your home.

We have 800+ vetted partners in 2,500 locations worldwide, which makes it easy to find available containers you’re looking for. Moreover, there are 10k monthly transactions taking place here on xChange. So, it’s time to find a tank at a price you’re willing to pay!

Buy or lease ISOtainer on xChange

It’s always good to have everything you need under one umbrella, right? That’s why we have a neutral marketplace for all your shipping container needs. For your tank containers too, you can buy or lease a container effortlessly on xChange. Not to forget all the benefits you’ll enjoy.

The platform works only with certified members to ensure you’re dealing with trusted partners.

You can buy ISO tanks without commission from more than 800 vetted partners.

Not just this, you can also get instant price visibility and compare the prices with each other before making a purchase. Get notified of new offers on available containers and the changing market trends too.

All you have to do is choose your pickup and drop locations and a list of certified partners will appear on your screen. Select the best fit and send them a request.

While you focus on growing your partner network, Container xChange takes care of smaller details such as payment handling and depot communication. And it’s all done with 100% transparency and accuracy.

Buy or lease tank containers in a hassle-free, fast and simple way. Our experts are always ready to help you get started, in case you’re stuck.

Now, with so many advantages on your lap, why waste your time searching for tank containers at the “best price” somewhere else? Click the banner below and enter your contact details so our support team can reach out and find you the right containers at the most competitive price.

ISOtainer: Common FAQs

What are ISOtainers?

ISOtainer (or ISO tank containers) are special containers to carry both hazardous and non-hazardous liquids in bulk. These containers follow the standards of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). They’re intermodal containers used to transport liquids, powders, and liquefied gases safely.

Are you interested in learning more about LN2 Storage Tank? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

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