Shipping Modes
ISO Tank
A cylindrical tank mounted in a standard container frame, used to carry bulk liquids, gases, and powders in the intermodal system.
In depth
An ISO tank moves bulk liquid without drums or flexitanks, using a stainless steel vessel inside a frame with standard container dimensions so it can be handled by ordinary equipment. Tanks are built to different specifications depending on whether the cargo is a food-grade product, a hazardous chemical, or a cryogenic gas, and hazardous cargoes bring full dangerous goods documentation and placarding. Fill levels are regulated — tanks generally must be either substantially full or nearly empty — because a part-filled tank surges dangerously in transit.
Key points
- Bulk liquid, gas, or powder tank in a standard container frame
- Handled by ordinary container equipment across all modes
- Hazardous cargo requires full DG declaration and placarding
- Fill level is regulated to prevent dangerous surge in transit