VIDEO: How ISO Tanks can help with capacity issues

The topic on everyone’s mind these days is capacity. With a limited number of qualified truck drivers and an ageing driving population, there is a capacity shortage within the chemical truck tank industry that is unlikely to improve in the near future. Additionally, the robust economy is driving a strong need for liquid bulk shipping that’s adding pressures on capacity.

“One of the ways we’re helping our clients gain additional capacity is by utilising Odyssey’s intermodal solutions which include the use of our ISO tanks,” said Mark Casiano, SVP, sales and marketing, Odyssey Logistics & Technology Corporation. “Intermodal is a cost-effective transportation solution providing a sustainable alternative to over-the-road trucking by reducing carbon footprints by as much as 50 percent or more.”

Intermodal shipping has become a viable alternative to long-haul trucking. Because it requires drivers for short, regional trips to and from depots, intermodal reduces the demand on the scarce driving resource and can take advantage of extensive rail networks to move shipments.

ISO tanks are specifically designed to move liquid bulk chemicals via intermodal and are safe, proven and are used extensively in international service. Key benefits of ISO tanks include:

Ideal for long-haul shipments
Cost-competitive to over-the-road
Readily available capacity
Transit-time comparable to over-the-road
Environmentally friendly
Deliver similar payload of approximately 45,000 pounds

Mark also added that ISO tanks and tank trucks are similar in dimensions and can be accommodated by most loading racks. “ISO tanks are similar in height and length to tank trucks and they’re virtually interchangeable. Moreover, both feature top and bottom loading options, including dome access, pressure valves and vacuum breakers.”

In addition to the size similarities, the setup process and unloading processes are essentially the same for both ISO tanks and tank trucks.

“One of the unique benefits is that an ISO tank can be held locally in the vicinity of a receiver,” added Mark. “This allows for an economical local point of supply for planned storage and avoids costly layover or empty retrieval charges that normally would be incurred if the long-haul driver has to wait to unload or come back for it at a later date.”

Shipping an ISO tank via intermodal is an easy transition for plant personnel and helps shippers solve the capacity and cost challenges of shipping long distances. ISO tanks are used heavily worldwide and many companies are already familiar with shipping and receiving ISO tanks for their international shipments.

Expanding the use of ISO tanks is a seamless step for those organisations looking to mitigate the capacity shortage.

You can learn more about ISO tanks and intermodal logistics in the following video: