When you are looking for a bulk liquids tank truck carrier to help you move product from one location to another, there are a lot of factors that need to be assessed. Safety is of course the priority, but there are other elements to a successful carrier relationship that your organization should consider. We spoke with a member of our Chemical Logistics team, Mark Colvin, to discuss the four areas an organization should look for when researching carriers.
Specialized Driver Certification
Drivers of bulk liquids naturally need more certification than if they were hauling other types of product. With specialty chemicals comes the increased risk of cross contamination as well as specific laws and regulations that are governed by each state. Not only do bulk liquids drivers need to be Hazmat-certified, they should also have TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential). Since 9/11, any chemical plant on a waterway requires an extensive background check via the TWIC process. Drivers cannot access these plants without this additional layer of certification.
Extensive Dispatcher Knowledge
Dispatchers have a bird’s eye view of a truck’s roadmap and are an additional support system for a driver. For example, if your product requires a specific fitting, and a driver is on their way to your site, a good dispatcher is going to know exactly what the driver needs to have available based on their previous experience with that location. This type of knowledge comes only from experience working with hauling chemicals and knowing a client’s site location intimately.
Speciality Chemical Experience
Hauling bulk liquids is, for obvious reasons, not the same as hauling lumber or other dry goods. But it’s important to work with a carrier that has extensive experience with specialty chemicals to avoid the risk of a cross-contamination or causing a chemical reaction. You will want to know which chemicals were on a trailer beforehand in order to avoid any cross-contamination or chemical reactions. If the carrier doesn’t know for sure – or, more likely – didn’t use the correct type of wash for the trailer, hoses, etc., you are running the risk of contaminating your product – or worse.
Safety in All Aspects of the Haul
Safety is the number one priority of all parties involved in the hauling of bulk liquids, but can you see safety? Actually, you can. Drivers who take pride in their equipment will have a meticulously cleaned trailer as well as hoses, fittings, etc. They will also have access to the correct equipment based on the product. Whether they need a compressor for one type of liquid or a pump for a product that is more flammable, a carrier that is safety-forward will have all aspects of the haul prepared when they arrive at your site.
Moving bulk liquids from one site to another should be a safe and seamless operation. A knowledgeable carrier will not only follow all the FMCSA and PHMSA regulations with regards to the safe transportation of hazardous materials, but they should have the big-picture thinking of an experienced strategist in ensuring your specific load will arrive safely, on time and without issue.
At Grammer, we are a customer-focused carrier with expertise hauling bulk liquids. We know our clients well, and we know what they require. Learn more about our Chemical Transportation division and how we can serve you today.