The peculiar features of the partial truckload depend on the characteristics of the cargo. The shipments are divided into the following categories:
- General;
- Perishable;
- Bulk;
- Powders;
- Gases;
- Liquids;
- Dangerous;
- Over-sized.
In this article, we will deal with liquid ones. To transport them special cisterns and tanks are used. The type of container is determined by the liquid properties.
Mostly, the transport companies deliver oil and its derivatives. The specialists also work with chemical joints, coating materials, and food products. Each category has its peculiar features and transporting requirements.
As for the oil products, the flammability and evaporability refer to them. Also, such cargo can accumulate an electrostatic charge. Incorrect transportation can lead to the creation of sparks. In addition, you need to remember about the poisonous evaporations. Hydrocarbons are divided into three groups – crude oil, light, and dark ones.
Chemicals are aggressive and can easily burn. Working with them, you need to pay special attention to acids. Being in a concentrated state they can corrode metallic sheathing and cause emergencies. If the water joins the sulfuric acid, the thermal reaction occurs. It damages the container and harms nature and people.
Alcohol and liquefied gas easily evaporate and become wide when the temperature increases. In this state these liquids are flammable.
Liquid food products are milk products, fruit and vegetable juices, plant and animal fats, wines, etc.
For each subcategory, the specialists of transport companies choose the most suitable transport which meets all the requirements. Apart from flammability, fats absorb smells from the air, become bitter, and lose their taste qualities. Milk can sour, so it requires a special temperature regime while transporting.
If the storage requirements are met, the transportation of liquids can be performed by railway, ship, aviation, and by trucks. Despite the high speed of aviation, truck transportation is the most popular. It is because of the low cost, simple logistics, and the opportunity of controlling the state of containers.
To transport liquid cargo the next types of tank-containers are used:
- MO0 – it is appropriate for not dangerous liquids, water, and food products; it can be equipped with the thermal insulation, steam heating, or refrigerator facility;
- IMO1 – it is used for the transportation of liquid chemicals, including dangerous liquids;
- IMO2 – it is used for food products and not dangerous liquids; increased working pressure and thicker walls are the distinguishing features.
Why is truck transportation of liquids more profitable?
The benefits are obvious. The sender wastes less on logistics. The cargo can be delivered to any point of destination. The trucks don’t depend on the traffic jams on the roads. If there is a problem, the specialist can find an alternative road.
Speaking about railway transportation, we deal with the necessity of changing the transport. Also, the sender spends more time and money transferring cargo door to door. Using the cisterns, it is possible to deliver liquids to the point of destination. It can be either a warehouse or a production enterprise.