How Do You Transport An IBC Tank

A Guide to Transporting IBC Tank Containers

Intermediate bulk containers (IBC) are widely employed for their ability to store and transport the variety of liquid cargo and company commodities needed across modern industries and market sectors. IBC containers are a key component of many business’ operations due to their superior combination of durability, versatility, reusability, security, and ease of handling for moving cargo through transit networks from where it’s made to where it’s needed.

On this topic, many users new to IBCs such as individuals, farms, and small businesses, want to know how to properly transport an IBC tote. To ensure both safety and efficiency are maximized, there are specific procedures and precautions that should be followed when transporting, unloading, and preparing an IBC tank container for transit.

1. Methods of Transport: There are three primary methods of transport best recommended for IBC tanks:
   1. Truck: This is the most common method, often used for local or regional transport. Trucks can include freight carrier type semi-trucks, flatbed trucks, pull-behind trailers, or domestic style pickup truck beds.
   2. Rail: For longer distances, rail transport in train freight cars can be an effective and quick option.
   3. Ocean Vessel: For shipping internationally, IBC tanks can be transported by maritime vessels in cargo containers across oceans.
2. Preparation for Transport: Before transporting an IBC tank, inspect the IBC for any signs of damage or leaks. Ensure that the lid is fully tightened and the valve is closed and sealed. For UN/DOT regulated shipments, ensure the IBC has undergone proper closure procedure, that the lid has been torqued to set, and the tote is correctly labeled.
3. Loading and Moving the IBC Tank: Unless empty, IBCs typically require the use of equipment like a pallet jack or forklift to move and load them onto a vehicle for transport. When doing this, make sure the forks reach all the way underneath the IBC, move slowly, maintain a clear pathway, and avoid rough surfaces like gravel or rocks.
4. Securing the IBC Tank: Once the IBC has been loaded onto the vehicle, it may be necessary to secure and fasten the IBC to keep it from moving during transport. Fastening is often needed when transporting less-than-full loads and when the IBCs do not self-secure and the vehicle has extra space that can allow the tote to move. Fastening an IBC tote for transport can be done several ways as long as it is safe and secure. Common methods involve using straps or chains to secure the tank directly to the vehicle. Additional options include air bags, wood bracing, and corrugated filling.
5. Unloading the IBC Tank: To maintain tote stability when unloading, ensure forks are fully beneath the IBC and through the pallet base. Keep the tote level and balanced.
6. Safety Considerations: Transporting an IBC tank or tanks safely is important and of paramount importance when handling hazardous materials. For non-hazardous transports, full IBC totes can weigh thousands of pounds and can cause significant damage should an accident occur due to improper fastening or unsafe transport. For hazardous, UN/DOT controlled shipments, always follow local and international regulations on transport and signage.
7. Type of IBC Cargo: The type of IBC cargo can affect how the tote should be transported. This largely applies to regulated hazardous materials and is not typical for consumer, personal applications. In an example, flammable materials have specific regulations that can mandate the IBC type, components, and how they are to be transported.
8. Venting Procedures: Proper venting procedures should be followed when transporting IBC totes if the buildup of pressure or vapors should be a concern. This can include wearing personal protective equipment, releasing a bung, and/or opening the IBC lid. In many standard use cases, the automatic self-venting lid common to many IBCs is often sufficient to prevent dangerous pressure buildup. However, releasing the lid seal by opening the lid prior to using the drain valve is often recommended after transport or long-term storage to ensure excess pressure does not apply through the IBC drain valve.
9. IBC Certification: Before regulated transit, verify the IBC is up to date on its UN/DOT certification and labeled properly for the cargo it carries. The UN/DOT certification label should be clearly displayed on the IBC, often on the front face.
10. Avoid Pinching or Moving from Sides: Pinching or moving an IBC tote from its sides can cause undue force on the container that can cause it to puncture and spill its contents. Forklift trucks and pallet jacks are the recommended equipment for moving IBC containers.