Flexitank logistics can be cost-effective for small shipments, but the economics depend on your specific volume needs and cargo requirements. With flexitanks holding up to 27,000 litres, they work best when you can utilise a significant portion of this capacity. The cost-effectiveness comes from their ability to transform standard shipping containers into bulk liquid transport solutions without requiring specialised tank containers.
What exactly are flexitanks and how do they work for liquid transport?
Flexitanks are large, flexible bladders that fit inside standard 20-foot shipping containers to transport non-hazardous bulk liquids. These polyethylene bags can hold up to 27,000 litres of liquid cargo, effectively converting regular containers into liquid transport vessels.
The system works by installing the flexitank inside a standard container, then pumping your liquid cargo directly into the bag. This eliminates the need for drums, intermediate bulk containers, or dedicated tank containers for many liquid shipments. The flexitank fills the container space efficiently, maximising payload while minimising packaging costs.
Flexitank providers typically offer door-to-door delivery services, handling everything from installation to unloading. This includes technical assistance, temperature-controlled storage when needed, and even recycling programmes for the used bags. The service model means you don’t need to manage the logistics yourself or worry about returning empty containers.
What’s the minimum shipment size that makes flexitank logistics cost-effective?
Flexitanks become cost-effective when you can utilise at least 15,000-20,000 litres of the available 27,000-litre capacity. Below this threshold, traditional packaging methods like drums or intermediate bulk containers often provide better value per litre transported.
The economics improve significantly as you approach the full capacity. When you’re shipping 25,000-27,000 litres, flexitanks offer substantial savings compared to alternative packaging methods. This is because you’re spreading the container and logistics costs across maximum volume whilst avoiding the higher per-unit costs of smaller packaging.
Your cargo type also influences the minimum viable volume. Food-grade liquids and non-hazardous chemicals work particularly well with flexitanks, as they don’t require the specialised handling that might make smaller shipments more economical with other methods. Consider flexitanks when your regular shipments consistently exceed 15,000 litres and you can benefit from the simplified logistics.
How do flexitank costs compare to other bulk liquid shipping methods?
Flexitank shipping typically costs less than ISO tank containers for single-use shipments, but more than drums when shipping smaller volumes. The key advantage lies in the comprehensive service model where flexitank providers handle the entire logistics chain.
ISO tank containers offer reusability and can handle hazardous materials, but they require higher upfront costs and return logistics. You also need to manage scheduling around available tank containers and their positioning. Flexitanks eliminate these complexities by providing a one-way transport solution with no return requirements.
For smaller shipments under 15,000 litres, traditional drums or intermediate bulk containers often provide better cost per litre. However, they require more handling, create packaging waste, and involve more complex loading and unloading procedures. Flexitanks shine when you need simplicity and can utilise their substantial capacity efficiently.
The global operation model of flexitank providers means you get consistent pricing and service quality without managing multiple logistics partners or worrying about equipment availability in different regions.
What factors determine whether flexitanks are right for your small shipment needs?
Your cargo compatibility is the primary factor – flexitanks work exclusively with non-hazardous liquids that don’t require temperature control beyond basic ambient protection. Food-grade products, industrial oils, and certain chemicals transport well, while hazardous materials require ISO tank containers instead.
Route requirements matter significantly. Flexitanks work best for door-to-door shipments where the provider handles inland transport, loading, and unloading. If your route involves multiple handling points or requires specialised terminal equipment, other transport methods might be more suitable.
Consider your volume consistency. If you regularly ship 15,000+ litres on similar routes, flexitanks offer excellent value through simplified logistics and comprehensive service. Occasional smaller shipments or highly variable volumes might be better served by more flexible packaging options.
Your operational preferences also influence the decision. Flexitanks work well when you prefer outsourcing logistics complexity to specialists rather than managing multiple transport components yourself. The service includes technical expertise, recycling solutions, and partnerships with reliable shipping lines, making it attractive for businesses wanting streamlined bulk liquid transport.
When evaluating flexitank logistics for your shipments, focus on volume utilisation, cargo compatibility, and service model preferences. We specialise in flexitank logistics services, offering comprehensive solutions that handle the entire transport chain so you can focus on your core business operations.