Methods of transport for beverage products
When making and packing drinks, the final step is to distribute the product. The best transport option for your beverage products depends on the packaging, destination, and delivery time of the product. Below, we outline some of the options utilised in the beverage industry.
Bulk liquid:
Tankers:
Bulk liquid tankers come in a variety of sizes ranging from just over 20,000L and up to 45,000L. When transporting liquid in large quantities, it is important to fill the tankers as much as possible. This helps prevent product damage and avoids excessive air space in the tanker.
Tankers are a great way to move liquid over distances that can be travelled by road. This might occur when transferring liquid between manufacturing facilities, or if the liquid creators and liquid packagers are two different companies.
IBCs:
IBC stands for intermediate bulk containers. IBC’s are typically 1,000L and are ideal for transporting smaller volumes of liquids. At IDL we utilise IBC’s frequently, typically for importing bulk spirits such as ethanol, tequila, rum etc.
Bladders/shipping containers:
Shipping containers transport bulk liquid internationally. The shipping container protects the liquid inside the plastic bladder. This is a common method of transporting bulk liquids internationally. Here at IDL, we utilise this method when important New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and when exporting bulk wine internationally.
Packaged stock:
Semi-trailers:
In Australia, a regular truck can carry around 20-22 pallets. But trucks, whether fully loaded with pallets or not, have a weight limit. For semi-trailers this weight limit is around 25,000KGs.
B-double:
B-double trucks have the capacity to carry 34 pallets, which can amount to a maximum of 36,000KGs. Transporting full B-Double loads instead of partially filling a truck is more economical and efficient.
Rail:
Freight trains are an effective method of transport when transporting goods across state lines. Typically, this is a cheaper transport option than road transport for long-distance routes. Road trains can transport 44 pallet spaces, around 48,000KGs.
Shipping container/boat:
We can fill shipping containers with full pallet loads of stock and then load them onto boats to ship globally. Various size shipping containers hold varying amounts of pallet spaces. When moving drinks, different sized pallets are used to make sure the shipping container is fully used.
Air:
One of the more expensive freight options for beverage transport as liquid or packaged stock is air travel. This would be a suitable method when transporting only a few pallet spaces and delivery is considered urgent.
Interested in the beverage manufacturing services offered by IDL, including beverage transport and logistics? Contact our team today.
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