Rules for the transportation of bulk cargo

One of the leading areas in transport logistics is the transportation of bulk cargo. It ensures uninterrupted delivery of liquid substances for various industries. From oil, refined products and chemical reagents to food liquids and pharmaceutical components – each category requires strict compliance with transportation standards and compliance with international and national safety regulations. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead not only to significant financial losses, but also to serious environmental consequences, which makes this segment of logistics extremely responsible and strictly regulated.

The demand for the service of transportation of bulk cargo is steadily growing due to the increase in the production of petrochemicals, chemical compounds and food liquids. The main customers of such transportation are large industrial companies, fuel and agricultural enterprises, as well as pharmaceutical manufacturers. High requirements for the transportation process necessitate strict control at each stage of the logistics chain, for which the rules for the transportation of bulk cargo have been developed and are in force. 

Bulk Cargo — Types and Features

Bulk cargo is divided into several main types:

• Food group: dairy products, vegetable oils, fruit juices, alcohol and spirits. Require compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards and avoidance of contact with foreign substances.
• Hazardous chemicals: acids, alkalis, solvents. They are transported in specialized containers with increased safety measures.
• Oil products: gasoline, diesel fuel, fuel oil, crude oil. Key aspects are the tightness of tanks and strict compliance with environmental standards.
• Technical fluids: antifreeze, paints, resins, adhesives. Particular attention is paid to protection from aggressive effects and leak prevention.
• Other bulk cargo: liquid fertilizers, emulsions, bitumen. Most often used in agriculture and construction.

In order to ensure that the transportation of the above products in Ukraine and abroad is carried out as safely as possible and without losses along the way, special rules for the transportation of bulk cargo are provided. We will familiarize ourselves with their main provisions and requirements below.

Requirements for transport and tanks

Bulk cargo is transported using specialized transport:

• Tank trucks – effective for transportation over short and medium distances.
• Railroad tank cars – the best option for transporting large consignments over long distances.
• Tanker ships – designed for international transportation of large volumes of liquid substances.
• Tank containers – often used for multimodal logistics.

Basic requirements for tanks:

• Tank materials must be resistant to the substance being transported (stainless steel, aluminum alloys, fiberglass).
• The tightness of the tanks eliminates any leaks.
• Temperature control is necessary for liquids with special storage conditions.

Loading and unloading safety is ensured by well-thought-out drain and fill systems.

General and special rules for the transportation of bulk cargo

The current rules for the transportation of liquid bulk cargo have both general and special requirements. General requirements oblige participants in the transportation of bulk cargo to comply with the following conditions:

• Use only specialized certified transport.
• Regular technical inspection of tanks.
• Compliance with environmental standards and prevention of leaks.
• Training of personnel working with bulk cargo.

Special conditions:

• Registration of a special permit.
• Control of the temperature of substances sensitive to the environment.
• Sealing of tanks minimizes evaporation and leakage of aggressive chemicals.
• Container marking facilitates identification and response in emergency situations.

Main properties of bulk cargo

Bulk cargo is a liquid, viscous substance or liquefied gas with certain physical and chemical properties. In order to ensure safe and loss-free transportation, you should know them thoroughly. The main characteristics of bulk cargo are:

• Density and viscosity – determine the pumping speed and transportation conditions.
• Temperature parameters – affect the need for heating or cooling.
• Chemical activity – it is important to consider the interaction with tank materials.
• Volatility – requires special storage and transportation conditions.
• Toxicity and environmental hazard – determine special safety and disposal measures.

Transportation of bulk cargo by road

Tank trucks are widely used for short and medium-distance liquid cargo transportation. Basic rules for transportation of bulk cargo by road:

• Transport approval and certification: tanks must comply with ADR standards (for dangerous goods) and sanitary requirements (for food products).
• Tank truck design: protective coating, anti-corrosion layer, heating or cooling system.
• Filling and draining system: automated pumping systems for easy loading/unloading.
• Transport safety: use of tank truck stabilization and rollover prevention systems.

Additional requirements — trained drivers with at least 3 years of experience, mandatory marking on vehicles, availability of fire extinguishing equipment.

Transportation by rail

The rules for transportation of bulk cargo by rail provide for the use of the following types of tank cars, depending on the characteristics of the substance being transported:

• Universal tanks — suitable for various types of liquids.
• Thermally insulated tanks – ensure temperature maintenance.
• Pressure tanks – designed for liquefied gases and volatile compounds.
• Multi-section tanks – allow transporting several liquids simultaneously.

Before loading, tanks must be thoroughly cleaned and, if necessary, disinfected, especially when changing the type of cargo being transported. This prevents contamination and ensures the preservation of product quality.

Sea (river) transportation of liquid cargoes

The rules for the transportation of liquid cargoes by sea include the following provisions:

• International Conventions and Codes – SOLAS (regulates the safety of ships), IMDG Code (defines the requirements for the transportation of hazardous liquid substances), IBC Code (regulates the transportation of hazardous chemical liquids), IGC Code (applies to gas carriers), MARPOL 73/78 (includes rules for preventing oil and chemical spills).
• Vessel type — tankers must match the cargo (oil, chemical, gas tankers).
• Certification — the vessel and crew must have the appropriate certificates.
• Loading and unloading safety — temperature and pressure control, evaporation prevention.

Availability of spill response equipment — inert gas systems, emergency systems, double sides to prevent spills.

International cargo transportation

The specifics of transporting bulk cargo across the territory of other countries, including international waters, require compliance with the following standards: ADR (auto), IMDG (sea), RID (rail), ADN (inland waterways).

Customs procedures are also mandatory: obtaining permits, certification and declaration of cargo.

It is imperative to know the specifics of not only the international rules by which bulk transportation is carried out. You should also study the nuances of the legislation of those countries through which the route runs. 

How to organize liquid cargo transportation correctly

Transportation of liquid cargo is a very complex process that requires taking into account many factors. For safe and high-quality delivery of products, it is necessary to know the exact characteristics of the transported substance, its properties and behavior at different temperatures. This helps to avoid accidents and environmental disasters.

It is important to comply with the transportation conditions, be able to provide first aid in emergency cases, and also know the methods of neutralization in case of spills. All the necessary information is contained in the safety data sheet, to which the carrier or forwarder must have access.

You should know that most liquid cargo belongs to the category of hazardous substances, therefore, their transportation (by road, rail or sea transport) must be carried out with the utmost care and with the involvement of qualified specialists.

The rules for the transportation of liquid cargo in bulk require strict compliance with regulatory requirements, and the professional approach of transport and logistics companies ensures safety and timely delivery.