Bulk liquids
in flexitanks and tank containers · 16,000–24,000 L in a 20' · ISO tank for DG
Bulk-liquid shipping in a flexitank means a single-use multi-layer liner of 16,000–24,000 L inside a standard 20'. Only non-hazardous liquids go this way: vegetable oils, juices, syrups, bulk wine, glycerine, non-hazardous chemicals. Dangerous products and those needing returnable equipment go in ISO tank containers.
We match the flexitank to the product and viscosity, get it approved by the carrier, install it in an inspected container, supervise filling, securing and discharge, and provide a pump and heating if needed. Booking, ocean freight, customs and delivery under single responsibility.
Specification
Specification · Bulk liquids. Standard terms · equipment and carrier approval are confirmed per product
Contract
- Service type
- Bulk liquid · door-to-door
- Equipment
- flexitank / ISO tank
- Product grade
- food / industrial
- Dangerous liquids
- ISO tank only
- Settlement currency
- USD · CNY · RUB
Equipment and product
- Flexitank volume
- 16,000–24,000 L
- Base container
- standard 20', inspected
- Food grade
- certified liner
- Product heating
- on request
- Operations control
- filling and discharge
Transit time
- Selection & installation
- 1–2 days
- Ocean leg
- 7–14 days from China, longer from distant ports
- Port & customs
- 2–5 days
- Transit to Moscow
- about 35 days and up
Service flow
- 01
Matching equipment to the product
Using the MSDS we confirm the product is not IMDG-regulated, then choose the flexitank, liner material and heating if needed for viscosity and temperature. For dangerous liquids we offer an ISO tank. We get the product approved by the carrier.
1–2 days - 02
Installation in a 20' and filling
We use a sound, clean 20' with no floor or wall damage, install the flexitank and door bulkhead, and supervise filling and valve tightness at the shipper.
1 day - 03
Securing and shipment
We check securing and load distribution, apply warning labels on the doors, record the seal, photos and VGM, and issue the bill of lading.
1 day - 04
Ocean carriage
Carriage on the liner schedule with end-to-end tracking: China to Vladivostok and Vostochny typically 7–14 days.
7–14 days from China - 05
Discharge at consignee
Delivery to the warehouse, discharge supervision, instructions and equipment if needed (pump, heating). After discharge the liner is disposed of and the container is returned clean to the carrier.
per route
Problems
Wrong equipment choice: an expensive returnable ISO tank is used for a non-hazardous food liquid, while a dangerous one is put into a single-use flexitank.
Flexitanks for non-hazardous food and industrial liquids, ISO tanks for dangerous and sensitive ones. We decide by the MSDS and product properties.
Food safety: a liner of the wrong material or dubious origin contaminates the product and fails acceptance.
We use new flexitanks with food-grade certification and match the liner material to the specific product.
A leak in transit: a damaged floor or wall punctures the liner, and the carrier bills for cleaning and repair.
We inspect the container before installation, fit a door bulkhead and record its condition with photos before filling.
The consignee has neither a pump nor heating, and a viscous product cannot be discharged.
We check discharge conditions in advance, provide instructions and, if needed, a pump and liner heating system.
Documents
The core document set for bulk-liquid shipments and customs release. Carriers accept flexitanks only after approving the product and equipment, so the MSDS and liner certificate are needed at booking. The final list depends on the product, HS code and delivery term.
Incoterms
- FOB
- free on board
- CFR
- cost and freight
- CIF
- cost, insurance and freight
- DAP
- delivered at place
Documents
- Commercial Invoice
- commercial invoice
- Packing List
- packing list with volume in litres and net/gross weight
- Flexitank certificate
- food-contact approval of the liner material
- Certificate of analysis
- product analysis / specification
- MSDS
- for industrial liquids — confirms the product is not regulated under IMDG
- B/L
- bill of lading
FAQ
A flexitank is a single-use liner in a regular 20' for non-hazardous food and industrial liquids: cheaper, with no equipment to return. An ISO tank is needed for dangerous products, cargo with special temperature or pressure requirements, and when reusable equipment with a cleaning certificate is required.
Typically 16,000–24,000 litres in one 20'. The actual volume is limited by product density and allowed weight: the container payload and the truck's gross mass on the final leg. For oil, for instance, it is usually around 20,000–22,000 L.
No. Flexitanks carry only liquids not regulated as dangerous under IMDG, as confirmed by the MSDS. For dangerous liquids we use ISO tank containers with the appropriate approval.
Yes, if the liner has food-grade certification. We use new flexitanks, choose the material for the specific product and, where needed, a heating system for viscous cargo.
We supervise flexitank installation and filling at the shipper and discharge at the consignee, providing instructions and, if needed, equipment such as a pump and heating.
A flexitank is single-use: after discharge the liner is removed and disposed of, and the container is returned to the carrier clean and dry. If it is returned dirty, the carrier will bill for cleaning.