Companies offer optionsto fit customers' needs
By Staff -- Purchasing, 5/7/1998
There are many ways to ship in bulk. In fact, there are as many as there are ways to define "bulk." The best way to define it may be to consider why it is relevant at all, and the simple answer is cost. No matter what volume of materials being shipped, no matter what the shipper considers "bulk" to be, there are options available for the shipper. The knowledgeable buyer can pick a container that can safely and most efficiently transport the largest amount of material at the lowest cost.For some shippers, this may mean sending two small bottles at the same time in a crate, instead of just one. For others, it may mean moving from drums to intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) to tank-trucks. Obviously, it would be foolish to ship in larger containers than needed (why send a half-empty IBC around), but there are proven, accepted benefits to maximizing the size of containers used--including a reduction in the overall number of containers, easier handling, and lower shipping costs.
There are other benefits as well. Many larger containers are returnable or reusable, then recyclable. This limits potential liability and minimizes disposal and landfill costs. Also, most container suppliers continue to refine and develop container management programs, which can reduce much of the burden shippers carry for worrying about used packaging.
Bulk, step-by-step
Buyers have moved away from smaller one-way containers toward larger reusable containers. Often, the first step on this path is toward drums or bulk bags. Drums, often in 55-gal sizes, continue to be a popular method for transporting materials. Steel drums, for example, offer users easy transportation and resistance to heat and fire. Considered strong and durable, they are reusable and offer many reconditioning options.
Plastic drums, which have grown significantly in recent years, provide a lighter weight one-piece construction and resistance to corrosion and rust. Both can hold most hazardous materials. Fiber drums provide an economical and lightweight alternative but don't have the strength to handle hazardous materials.
For larger volumes of solids and liquids, IBCs are the next step. Bulk bags or flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) are mostly for dry flowable products. They can hold upwards of 2,500 lb of material and are collapsible, self-contained units.
For liquids, an array of plastic and steel IBCs are available. Plastic IBCs, either a plastic bottle in a metal cage or an all-plastic unit, provide a lightweight container which won't rust or corrode. They provide good chemical compatibility and are returnable and reusable. Steel and metal IBCs also can be used for flammable materials or high-purity applications. IBCs normally handle up to 330 gal of material.
Another step-up would be for buyers to use bulk transportation, such as an intermodal tank container for liquids or a bulk truck liner for solids. The liner, essentially an enormous bulk bag, protects the contents from outside elements.
It is crucial for buyers to remember that each type of container comes in a variety of styles. Container suppliers continue to diversify their lines at a rapid pace. Producers are always looking to explore niche markets and functions. One bulk container can often provide key advantages over another for specific applications.
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