What different tank container types are available?

Tank containers come in a variety of designs, each tailored to specific cargo requirements and industry needs. At their core, all tank containers are built to safely transport or store bulk liquids, gases, or powders. But the differences in how they are built, what materials they use, and what features they offer make each type suitable for particular applications. 

Understanding the broad spectrum of tank containers is essential to choosing the right solution for your business, whether you’re moving chemicals, food products, gases, or something more specialist. 

The most common categories include standard tank containers, food-grade & feed-grade tanks, gas tanks, swap body tanks, and specialist units designed for unique or challenging cargo.

Standard ISO tank containers explained

Standard tank containers are the workhorses of the industry. Built to ISO specifications, these containers are typically made from high-grade stainless steel and encased in a protective steel frame. They are easy to handle and can be stacked across various modes of transport: road, rail, and sea. Standard tanks can be used for both non-hazardous and hazardous bulk liquids, such as chemicals, oils, and fuels.

These containers meet the T11 specification for non-classified products. More demanding classified products, such as acids, require the higher T14 specification. For an even higher level of safety, tank containers can be fitted with baffles.

A typical standard tank container has a capacity between 15,000 and 26,000 litres, with features like manholes, bottom and top discharge valves, and pressure relief systems. Their robust construction ensures safety and durability, even under demanding conditions. For many companies, standard tank containers offer the best balance of cost, versatility, and availability, making them a popular choice for both short-term projects and long-term logistics strategies.

Food-Grade & Feed-Grade tank containers and their uses

Food-grade and feed-grade tank containers are specifically designed to meet the strict hygiene and safety standards required for transporting foodstuffs for humans or animals. These tanks are constructed from food-grade stainless steel, which is resistant to corrosion and easy to clean. The interior surfaces are polished to prevent residue buildup and bacterial growth, ensuring that products like edible oils, juices, wine, and dairy remain uncontaminated during transit.

Many food-grade tanks are equipped with insulation and heating systems to maintain the right temperature for sensitive cargo. They also feature specialist valves and fittings that make loading, unloading, and cleaning as efficient as possible. For businesses in the food and beverage sector, using certified food-grade tank containers is essential for regulatory compliance and maintaining product quality from origin to destination.

If renting a food-grade or feed-grade tank container, the ideal supplier will issue you with a valid EFTCO cleaning certificate, confirming the tank has been cleaned to the standard required for use.

Gas tank containers

Gas tank containers are engineered to safely transport liquefied or compressed gases. These containers are built with reinforced shells and advanced safety features, such as pressure relief valves, bursting discs, and sometimes double-walled construction for added protection. Common gases transported in these tanks include liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), ammonia, and various industrial gases.

Because of the unique risks associated with gases, these containers must comply with strict international regulations and undergo regular inspections. Gas tank containers are widely used in the energy, chemical, and manufacturing sectors, where reliable and secure transport of gases is critical. Their design means they are a top choice for efficient intermodal transport, making it easier to move gases across long distances.

Swap body tank containers for flexible transport

Swap body tank containers are designed for maximum flexibility in European and global logistics. Unlike standard 20 ft ISO tanks, swap bodies are taller, wider, and not always built to ISO dimensions, which allows for increased capacity – sometimes up to 35,000 litres. They are equipped with support legs, making it possible to “swap” the tank between different transport modes, such as road and rail, or leave it stationary at a site without the need for a chassis.

Swap body tanks often come with safety features including handrails, ground-operated vapour return (GOVR), baffles, hazardous placard boards and spill box covers. Their larger volume makes them ideal for transporting non-hazardous bulk liquids, such as food ingredients, industrial chemicals, or even water. For companies looking to optimize their supply chain and reduce handling times, swap body tank containers offer a practical and cost-effective solution.

Special tank containers for unique cargo

Some types of cargo call for something more than a standard tank container can offer. Special tank containers are custom-built to handle unique or challenging products, such as highly corrosive chemicals, high-purity pharmaceuticals, or temperature-sensitive materials. These tanks may feature special linings, advanced insulation, or even integrated heating and cooling systems, so even the most demanding logistics challenges can be met safely and efficiently.

Special containers fall broadly into three categories:

High-specification tank containers: These tank containers are built to a higher T-code than the standard T14, typically T20 or T22, and can even bear an ASME U stamp approval, required for transporting Class 6.1 products in the USA. High-spec containers are made with a bolted manlid and preferably tongue-and-groove seal, full-flanged ball valves, and a nitrogen connection.

High-temperature tank containers: Products requiring high temperatures need special containers to handle them, as barrel dimensions will fluctuate due to high temperatures. You should also consider fitting spill boxes and bottom cabinets.

Modified tank containers for operational needs: Certain products or processes require the tank container to be modified. One example involves fitting legs for easy drop-off from a chassis or mixing devices to keep products moving during storage.

Refrigerated and Heated tank containers

Refrigerated and heated tank containers are essential for transporting cargo that must be kept within a specific temperature range to preserve its quality.

Refrigerated tanks, or reefers, use integrated cooling systems to maintain low temperatures, making them ideal for products like dairy, certain chemicals, or pharmaceuticals that are sensitive to heat. This makes them ideal for deep-sea traffic. A reliable container supplier will want to understand your product’s specifics and even see the MSDS sheet to find out the required product temperature during loading and transport and the expected ambient temperature, as well as the transit time and mode. They can then advise you on the best solution for your needs.

Heated tanks, on the other hand, are equipped with an electrical water-glycol heating unit from renowned suppliers. The water-glycol mixture is pumped through the tank’s steam channels to maintain consistent heating, allowing for the safe transport of products that need to remain liquid or at a stable temperature, such as chocolate, oils, or bitumen. The best heated tank containers are also fitted with steam channels as a backup system, so you can enjoy dependable heating whatever happens.

These specialist containers are often used in industries where product quality and safety depend on precise temperature control. By choosing the right refrigerated or heated tank container, you can ensure that your cargo arrives in perfect condition, no matter how long the journey or how challenging the conditions.

Key takeaways

A wide range of tank containers are available, each designed to meet specific cargo and industry needs. 

Most commonly used are standard ISO tank containers, which offer a versatile and cost-effective solution for transporting both hazardous and non-hazardous bulk liquids. For industries dealing with food and animal feed, food-grade and feed-grade containers are critical, incorporating hygiene-focused features and meeting regulatory standards. Gas tank containers are heavily reinforced to safely carry pressurized or liquefied gases, while swap body tanks provide added flexibility and capacity for multimodal logistics. For highly sensitive or demanding materials, special tank containers offer high-specification features, such as advanced linings or integrated mixing systems. Lastly, refrigerated and heated tank containers keep temperature-sensitive cargo such as pharmaceuticals transported under precise thermal conditions during transport. 

Choosing the right type depends heavily on your cargo’s characteristics, the regulatory requirements, and other logistical considerations.

The experts in New tank containers

At Tankcon, we work with top manufacturers to offer the latest tank container models. We have a wide range of top-quality options that are ready to use or can be customized to meet our high standards and your specific needs.

And once you’ve got your tank container, the journey doesn’t stop there. We offer maintenance services to keep your tank performing at its best. Our service team handles cleaning, repairs, and general upkeep, so your investment stays efficient and safe over time.

Is a New tank container the right solution for you?

Wondering what tank container could be right for you and your logistics? Or need more information to help you make the right choice? 

Get in touch with the Tankcon team today to find the best solution for you.