All You Need to Know About Reefer Flexitanks
Move large quantities of temperature-controlled or sensitive cargo with the right bulk shipping method
Reefer Flexitanks provide a stable thermal environment, significantly reducing the risk of product spoilage, and are perfectly suited for products that require temperature control during transit, whether that is to keep them frozen, chilled or at a consistently elevated temperature. In this article, we walk you through the key steps that guarantee the secure and efficient delivery of your products.
In this article, we will walk you through:
How to Ship Goods With Reefer Flexitanks
Shipping with Reefer Flexitanks involves several critical steps, from the initial fitting to the final unloading and recycling stages, to ensure that temperature-sensitive products are transported under optimal conditions. This end-to-end process not only maintains the quality and integrity of the cargo but also optimizes the use of space and resources within the shipping container.
Here is a brief overview of the steps involved in shipping Reefer Flexitanks:
Essential Tips for Shippers using DHL Reefer Flexitanks
Check out our expert tips to help shippers ensure the integrity of their cargo.
Industries and Commodities that Benefit from Reefer Flexitanks
Reefer Flexitanks are ideal for various sectors, with their use spanning from food and beverage commodities to complex industrial chemicals.
Dairy
Products such as milk are susceptible to spoilage and benefit from the temperature-controlled environment provided by Reefer Flexitanks.
Juices
Including Frozen Concentrate Orange Juice (FCOJ) and Apple Juice Concentrate (AJC), which require specific temperatures to maintain their nutritional quality and flavour.
Oils
Ranging from fish oils, which must be kept at low temperatures to prevent spoiling, to palm and vegetable oils, which must be maintained at higher temperatures to keep them in liquid form.
Wine and Sweeteners
Stability during transport is vital to preserving the intricate flavours of wine and the consistency of sweeteners.
Specialty Chemicals and Automotive Lubricants
Such products often require stringent control over their environmental conditions to prevent chemical reactions or degradation during shipment.
Other Products
Including latex, glycerine, emulsions, adhesives, and detergents, each benefiting from specific temperature maintenance to prevent spoilage, separation, or loss of efficacy.
Dairy
Products such as milk are susceptible to spoilage and benefit from the temperature-controlled environment provided by Reefer Flexitanks.
Juices
Including Frozen Concentrate Orange Juice (FCOJ) and Apple Juice Concentrate (AJC), which require specific temperatures to maintain their nutritional quality and flavour.
Oils
Ranging from fish oils, which must be kept at low temperatures to prevent spoiling, to palm and vegetable oils, which must be maintained at higher temperatures to keep them in liquid form.
Wine and Sweeteners
Stability during transport is vital to preserving the intricate flavours of wine and the consistency of sweeteners.
Specialty Chemicals and Automotive Lubricants
Such products often require stringent control over their environmental conditions to prevent chemical reactions or degradation during shipment.
Other Products
Including latex, glycerine, emulsions, adhesives, and detergents, each benefiting from specific temperature maintenance to prevent spoilage, separation, or loss of efficacy.
Reefer Flexitanks and their Features
Reefer Flexitanks are available with different specifications and come in various sizes to suit multiple product and volume requirements.
- 20ft Reefer Flexitanks: 16,000-21,000 litres
- 40ft Reefer Flexitanks: 16,000-27,000 litres
Both of the above Reefer Flexitanks feature bulkheadless construction, to maximize space and minimize the risk of damage to the container during transit.
In addition to the standard features, Reefer Flexitanks can be customized with advanced modifications to meet the precise requirements of sensitive shipments. For shipments requiring sterile conditions, such as pharmaceuticals or food products, irradiation and specialised fittings can be utilized for aseptic loading. These enhancements are crucial for preventing contamination and maintaining the cargo's integrity throughout the journey.
Furthermore, the Reefer Flexitanks are available in barrier and non-barrier forms to accommodate a broader range of products and giving protection against oxygen transition and product tainting.
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Advantages of Shipping with DHL Reefer Flexitanks
Choosing DHL Reefer Flexitanks for shipping temperature-sensitive products offers significant benefits compared to traditional drums and multiple individual Flexitanks.
Comparison to Drums
- Payload: DHL Reefer Flexitanks can carry up to 21,000 liters in a 20ft container, and up to 27,000 litres in a 40ft container, substantially more than approximately 16,000 liters when shipping 80 x 200 litre drums. This increased capacity allows for fewer shipments and a reduced logistics cost.
- Consistent Temperature Control: Unlike drums, which can have varied temperatures within each drum, affecting product quality, DHL’s Reefer Flexitanks maintain a single thermal mass. This uniformity ensures the entire product reaches its destination in perfect condition without the risk of temperature variations.
- Reduced Residue and Waste: Drums tend to retain a greater percentage of residual product. Additionally, the disposal and handling of multiple drums can be costly. In contrast, the single-unit design of Reefer Flexitanks minimizes residue and simplifies disposal processes, making them a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution.
IBC Totes and Drums are smaller packaging types. These versatile containers can carry up to 1 cubic meter of hazardous and non-hazardous liquids, making them an excellent choice for businesses that transport smaller volumes.
Comparison to Multiple Individual Flexitanks
- Product Integrity: The single thermal mass inside a DHL Reefer Flexitank prevents the product from mixing unevenly during transit, a common issue with smaller individual tanks. This uniformity ensures that the product's quality is preserved from start to finish, making it an optimal solution for sensitive commodities.
- Simplified Loading and Unloading: Using multiple smaller tanks complicates the loading and unloading processes and can lead to temperature discrepancies from the front to the back of the container, due to internal convection currents. With their larger bulk design, Reefer Flexitanks eliminate such complexities and risks, providing a more straightforward and safer solution.
Flexitanks are used for the carriage of non-hazardous liquids, designed as flexible bladders installed in standard shipping containers.
Optimizing Bulk Liquid Transportation with Reefer Flexitanks
Reefer Flexitanks represent a pivotal advancement in temperature-sensitive bulk liquid transportation. By integrating these specialised containers into your supply chain, you can achieve high efficiency and safety, and maintain the impeccable quality of your cargo throughout its journey.
Utilizing DHL's Reefer Flexitanks allows for higher payload capacities, consistent temperature maintenance, reduced residues, and overall cost-efficiency, by optimizing container space and minimizing waste. Adhering to best handling and temperature management practices further ensures that your products are transported under ideal conditions, enhancing customer satisfaction and business performance.
Ensure the Integrity of Your Cargo, Optimize Your Usage of Reefer Flexitanks
Utilizing Reefer Flexitanks to ship temperature-sensitive products efficiently and safely requires adherence to certain practices.
If you want to know more, check out our expert tips.
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