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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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 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.
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.
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!
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.
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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.
[custom-related-posts title=”Related Posts” none_text=”None found” order_by=”title” order=”ASC”]The process of buying a container can seem tedious and exhausting, and CIMC Equilink is here to help. This step-by-step guide will take you quickly and easily to finding the right shipping container for your needs.
7 Steps to Buying a Container
Step 1: Should I buy or lease a container?
You should make choices based on your circumstances. Let's look at some situations you might want to consider.
If you just need to use containers to store goods, then you should buy containers.
The options are the same for the following cases:
When you are planning to purchase a container, it is important to ensure that you will be using the container for the long term, as buying a container is a one-time payment transaction. However, you can also sell it later on the used container market, or even use it for other purposes. Buying a shipping container is a good investment if you have deep pockets.
On the other hand, you may only need to use a small number of containers. It is also possible that you need a large number of containers, but only for one-way shipments; or you only need to use containers for a short period of time.
If you belong to any of these situations, then leasing a container is the best choice for you. You can also consider a one-way rental. In the case of short-term use, leasing is more cost-effective than buying a container, because you only need to pay the rent. However, in the long run, the cost of leasing containers may continue to add up, and even exceed the cost of buying second-hand containers.
Step 2: What type of container do I need?
Now that you know whether you should buy or lease a container, you're ready for the next step: determining the type of container you need. There seems to be a lot of dense information involved here again. But it totally depends on what cargo you want to ship.
When you start looking for a container, one of the first questions you should consider is: do I need a standard container, or a container that can meet the special requirements of the cargo? If you need to ship paper or other common dry cargo, standard containers are the solution. At this time, you can choose the most commonly used 20-foot and 40-foot containers, as well as tall boxes that exceed their standard heights.
But if your goods have special requirements, there are many special containers for you to choose. If you need to ship food, chemicals or pharmaceuticals, then you should look for refrigerated containers. Refrigerated containers maintain a stable temperature inside the container (suitable for cold chain logistics).
If you are transporting oversized cargo or engineering cargo, you must choose special containers, such as rack boxes, open top containers, hard open top containers, etc.
Step 3: Select the condition and class of the container
After you decide which container to choose, it's time to determine the class of the container. It depends on what your container is for. This step ensures that your shipment successfully clears customs. Containers have the following classes:
New/Second New: A container that has been used only once before reaching its destination is called a second new container. They have just been shipped from the manufacturer to the owner and are virtually brand new in the container.
Class F (Food Grade Containers): Class F containers are new containers, also known as food grade containers. This means the container can be used to ship food and has not previously been loaded with any toxic chemicals or products.
Class A: These are new, refurbished or used containers. This container has minimal rust and dents and has good wind and water resistance (WWT). These durable containers are suitable for transporting goods.
Class B (Cargo): This condition is considered suitable for cargo transportation. This kind of container can basically meet all kinds of transportation needs. Used containers also fall into this category.
Class C (Windproof and Waterproof): If wind or water cannot penetrate the container, then the container meets the windproof/waterproof standard. Class C containers may have undergone multiple maintenance and are usually used as storage containers.
As-is class: Refers to containers that are severely damaged and can no longer be used for transportation. Such containers may have extensive damage to the roof or walls, damaged floors, poor seals, doors that are difficult to open, or structural damage.
Step 4: Container Price
The other most important factor you need to consider is the container price. Knowing the price beforehand can help you better close deals with sellers. Below are the prices for 20ft and 40ft TEUs at popular ports.
Standard Container Price (Appropriate)
Location 20
20 feet
40 feet
China
$
$
United States
$
$
India
$
$
Europe
$
$
United Arab Emirates
$
$
Now you know the current average price of a container, but container prices fluctuate from time to time, depending on a variety of factors such as location or container type.Step 5: Where to buy containers?
There are usually a large number of container suppliers gathered around the port. If you want to buy a container, you can go to the port for a field trip. You can also use the local network of container brokers to find the container you need.
While containers are easy to find near ports, the practice still has its drawbacks. Container prices here will be higher due to convenient transportation and lack of transparency. You don't have much opportunity to know the lowdown on its price and related surcharges, etc.
Another solution you might consider is to take the time to flood your network with the hope that someone in it happens to be selling containers. There is also a more convenient way, that is to submit your demand to the marketing personnel of CIMC Equilink, and we will handle everything for you.
Step 6: Hire a box checker
If you want to rent a container, you must contact a container inspector.
Container inspectors usually perform safety inspections, surveys and inspections of container equipment before or after a company leases containers to ensure that the container is in suitable condition.
This is often a task that a leasing company needs to perform in order to keep it running its business.
Step 7: Shipping Container
After you have purchased the container, you should think about how to ship the box to your designated location. That means you have to decide on schedules, booking classes, trucking and railing.
Are you planning to ship empty boxes? Why lose money to transship empty containers by yourself, and not let others transport your containers for free?
You may wish to ship the container as a one way box. Suppose you need to ship a container from Los Angeles, USA to Shanghai, China. This means that the container user rents a freight container for the journey. This is a situation where both parties to the transaction can achieve a win-win situation.
Container users can deliver goods here, and you can also get the desired container at the designated location. Even better, the container user is responsible for paying for the shipping of that container. This means you get the container at your nominated location without paying anything.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of 20 Ft ISO Tank Container. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.