What is liquid cargo?

The term “bulk cargo” usually refers to any liquids, viscous substances or gaseous substances that are transported without the use of traditional containers. They are transported in specialized containers that ensure their safety and security. The service “Bulk cargo transportation” is in demand in many industries, including the petrochemical, food industry, agriculture and the production of chemical reagents.

The key customers of the service “Transportation of liquid cargo” are industrial enterprises, fuel and energy companies, manufacturers and distributors of food products, as well as the agricultural sector. The specifics of the transportation of bulk cargo require strict compliance with regulatory requirements and safety standards. Depending on the type of substance, the appropriate transportation methods are selected: motor transport, trains, sea and river vessels.

Main types of bulk cargo

• Classification of bulk cargo depending on their physical and chemical properties:
• Petroleum products (oil, gasoline, diesel fuel, fuel oil, aviation fuel).
• Chemicals (acids, alkalis, solvents, liquid fertilizers, ammonia).
• Food products (milk, fruit juices, vegetable oils, wine, molasses, syrups).

Gaseous substances (liquefied natural gas, propane-butane, oxygen, nitrogen, chlorine).

Each of these types of cargo has its own characteristics and requirements for transportation. Thus, petroleum products require sealed containers with corrosion resistance, chemicals are transported in specialized tanks with an anti-corrosion coating, and food liquids require careful sanitary treatment of tanks. Gaseous substances are transported in a liquefied state with strict adherence to temperature and pressure conditions.

General requirements for the transportation of bulk cargo

Transportation of bulk cargo is regulated by international and national standards that ensure their safety and security. The main requirements include:

• Use of specialized containers that correspond to the chemical properties of the cargo.
• Compliance with temperature and pressure conditions during transportation.
• Use of certified containers and tanks for transportation of hazardous substances.
• Availability of a leakage control and emergency response system.

In addition, bulk cargo includes products related to the food industry, therefore, special tanks with anti-corrosion coating are used for their transportation and strict compliance with sanitary standards is ensured. Hazardous cargo is subject to international standards ADR, IMDG and RID, ensuring their safe movement. The key point is the prevention of leaks and environmental pollution, which requires regular inspection of the technical condition of the containers used.

Loading and unloading of bulk cargo

The methods or technology by which bulk cargo is loaded or unloaded depend on the type of substance being transported:

• Gravity loading (gravity) for low-viscosity liquids.
• Pump system for viscous and heavy liquids.
• Use of compressors and pressure for gaseous substances. 

Since bulk cargo is essentially a liquid, the key requirement is to ensure tightness during loading and unloading. The use of automated systems helps to minimize the risks of leaks and contamination. The loading and unloading procedure requires trained personnel and compliance with process instructions to prevent emergency situations.

Transportation of bulk cargo by road

Road transport is the most universal and flexible way to deliver bulk cargo. The basic rules for transporting bulk cargo include the following requirements:

• Use of specialized tank trucks resistant to the substances being transported.
• Control of temperature, pressure and liquid level inside the tank. Availability of safety valves and leak prevention systems.
• Compliance with road safety standards and ADR requirements.

Transportation of bulk liquid cargo by road allows you to deliver various types of liquids even to the most remote regions, but requires constant monitoring of the technical condition of the transport. For food liquids, isothermal tanks are used to prevent changes in the temperature of the product, and hazardous goods are transported in tanks with additional protection.

Transportation of liquid cargo by rail

Rail transport is used to transport large volumes of liquid cargo over long distances. The following are used:

• Universal and specialized railway tanks.
• Temperature-controlled tank containers.
• Liquefied gas wagon trains.

Rail transportation of bulk cargo allows to reduce logistics costs and minimize risks associated with road traffic. Depending on the type of cargo, tanks with heating or additional insulation are selected to prevent freezing or evaporation of the substance. Examples of bulk cargo for rail transportation are oil and oil products (gasoline, diesel fuel, fuel oil), liquid chemical fertilizers, liquefied gas, alcohol, etc.

Transportation of bulk cargo by sea

Sea and river vessels are designed to transport large batches of bulk cargo. The following are used:

• Tanker vessels with sealed tanks.
• Bunker vessels for refueling other ships.
• Tank containers for transporting smaller volumes of bulk substances.

Sea transport is the most efficient for international logistics. Tanker vessels are equipped with pressure, temperature and liquid level control systems. Tank containers provide flexibility of delivery and can be used in multimodal transportation.

Features of international transportation of liquid cargo

When transporting liquid cargo internationally, it is necessary to consider:

• Differences in national legislation;
• Customs procedures and certification;
• International safety standards (ADR, IMDG, RID);
• Optimal routes and transit restrictions.

International transportation of liquid cargo, involving the crossing of state borders, requires careful preparation of documentation, compliance with storage and transportation rules, as well as control of the cargo’s compliance with the declared parameters.

Advantages of contacting a specialized transport and logistics company

Professional logistics operators provide comprehensive services that fully take into account the features of transporting liquid cargo and include the following:

• Selection of the optimal mode of transport.
• Documentation and cargo insurance.
• Organization of loading and unloading operations.
• Monitoring of delivery and prompt response in case of emergency situations.

Cooperation with a transport and logistics company reduces risks, optimizes costs and guarantees safe and timely transportation of bulk cargo, both within Ukraine and far beyond its borders. In addition, at the customer’s request, the company can undertake the preparation of a package of documents and work with customs.