Optimise space and use a tank container

EIGHTY DRUMS of 200 litre capacity is all that can fit into a 20-foot container. Use a tank container and 24 tons can go into the same size of box and at the same freight rate.
That, says Malcolm Drysdale, m.d. of M&S Shipping, tells the tale of the advantage of tank containers over drums.
One of the factors blocking the progress of tank container usage in this country is the fact that most of the products they carry are not safe.
Because of this, he says, tank units need special facilities at both ends, with relatively sophisticated protective systems for loading and unloading, and skilled staff to operate this equipment.
You also need bulk storage facilities to store the feed to the plant. With a drum, you can just roll it into the production area next to the assembly line and fill the machine.
But after this capital investment, the tank container user starts to win financially, he says.
Getting 24 tons into the same size of box is a start in this direction. Then, he points out, drums are not very eco-friendly, providing numerous breakage and spillage problems.
There's also the need for cleaning every single drum if you want to use them again. Tank containers are either product dedicated, or only require a one-off cleaning programme before refilling.