Bulk liquids are present in everyday life, in one form or another. From gasoline to fuel our cars, to fruit juices and cooking oils for consumption, it’s hard to imagine what life would be like without these products.
Bulk liquid cargoes, which also include crude oil, liquefied natural gas, and chemicals, are not boxed, bagged or hand stowed. They are poured into and released from large tank containers which are most often transported via tank trucks and tank trailers, or on drop frame chassis.
Matlack Leasing, LLC is one of North America’s leading chassis and trailer lessors in the bulk liquid transportation industry. Matlack carries a variety of tank trailer and tank chassis models to provide reliable equipment to manufacturing companies, chemical distributors and truckers whose businesses depend on the storage and transport of bulk liquids.
Bulk liquids fall into two categories: non-edible or edible.
Non-edible and hazardous liquids include:
- Chemicals
- Petroleum
- Gasoline
- Liquified natural gas
- Liquid nitrogen
Edible liquids include:
- Cooking oil
- Fruit juices
- Vegetable oil
The bulk liquid transportation industry continues to grow in size and scale. 2018 saw many companies upgrading trucks, trailers, and associated equipment. It’s important for bulk liquid transporters to keep up with trends, and expand into new territories.
What are some trends in the bulk liquid transportation industry?
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Constructing bulk liquid containers with the better resin material and implementing more robust technology in manufacturing will reduce failures and increase the longevity of bulk liquid containers.
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It’s more economical to use larger, more durable bulk liquid containers compared to smaller containers which generally have a shorter service life.
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There is a continuing need to educate drivers on distracted driving, particularly with texting. Distracted driving caused 3,450 deaths in 2016 , per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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The use of alternative powertrain technologies using natural gas, hybrid drives, or fuel cells will increase over the next few years. Climate change and environmental regulation has led to a commitment to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
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To keep the industry moving, more drivers will need to be hired. As digital technologies take hold, there is a shortage of skilled drivers. The DOT (Department of Transportation) recently streamlined processes and rolled out new programs designed to increase the number of available truck drivers.
Matlack Leasing, LLC takes pride in providing reliable equipment for the transportation and storage of bulk liquids and chemicals. Because some bulk liquid products are hazardous or flammable in nature, it’s important to work with a company that understands the risks to workers, end users, and the environment. Additionally, Matlack Leasing offers specialized solutions for storage and transport of corrosive chemicals.
Matlack Leasing serves a variety of customers including: chemical companies, industrial manufacturers, chemical distributors, truckers and other industries. We will facilitate interactions between the manufacturer and the customer for equipment designed to meet a certain specification.