Shipping ISO Tanks: Complete Guide to Features, Sizes & Benefits

What if a single shipping container could slash logistics costs, reduce environmental waste, and protect sensitive cargo like pharmaceuticals or chemicals? ISO tanks do exactly that—yet many businesses still overlook their potential. In this guide, you’ll learn everything about shipping ISO tanks: their features, ideal uses, regional regulations, and how they outperform drums or flexitanks. By the end, you’ll know exactly why ISO tanks are the secret weapon for efficient liquid transport across the Americas.

What Are ISO Tanks?

ISO tanks are intermodal, standardized, reusable containers built to transport bulk liquids (e.g., chemicals, oils, food-grade products) safely across trucks, trains, and ships. Their universal design meets ISO (International Organization for Standardization) specifications, ensuring seamless global compatibility.

Key Features of ISO Tanks

• Standardized Dimensions: Typically, ISO tanks have the same frame dimensions as standard 20-foot shipping containers, measuring 20 feet in length, 8 feet in width, and 8 feet 6 inches in height. This uniformity facilitates easy stacking and compatibility with existing container handling equipment.
  
• Construction Material: The inner tank is made of stainless steel, providing excellent resistance to corrosion and contamination, ensuring the purity of the transported substances.
  
• Insulation and Protection: Surrounding the stainless steel vessel is an insulation layer, often made of polyurethane, and a protective outer layer, typically aluminum, to maintain the temperature and integrity of the contents.

Standard ISO Tank Sizes

While the external dimensions are standardized, the internal capacities of ISO tanks can vary:

Note: Swap body tanks are primarily used in European markets and may not conform to ISO standards.

Types of ISO Tank Containers

ISO tank containers are categorized based on the nature of the cargo they transport:​

1. Standard (T11) Tanks: Designed for non-hazardous liquids like food-grade products, oils, and chemicals.
   
2. Lined Tanks: Equipped with specialized linings to transport corrosive substances such as acids and solvents.
   
3. Refrigerated (Reefer) Tanks: Feature temperature control systems, making them suitable for perishable goods like beverages and certain chemicals.
   
4. Gas Tanks (T50): Built to safely transport liquefied gases under pressure, including propane and butane.
   
5. Swap Body Tanks: Larger tanks used mainly in Europe for lightweight goods, offering increased capacity but requiring specific handling equipment.

Advantages of Using ISO Tank Containers

The utilization of ISO tank containers offers several benefits:​

• Efficiency and Cost Savings: ISO tanks optimize space utilization, enabling higher volumes of chemicals to be transported in a single container. This reduces shipping costs and ensures efficient use of transport modes.
  
• Enhanced Safety: Features like reinforced walls, safety valves, and protective linings prevent leaks and spills, thereby enhancing safety during transport.
  
• Environmental Benefits: By reducing the need for single-use packaging like flexitanks, ISO tanks contribute to less waste and a lower carbon footprint.
  
• Intermodal Flexibility: Designed for seamless transition between road, rail, and sea, they simplify logistics and reduce handling times.

Potential Disadvantages of ISO Tanks

While ISO tanks are highly beneficial for bulk liquid transportation, they come with certain limitations:

• Initial Investment: The cost of acquiring or leasing ISO tanks can be higher compared to traditional packaging methods.​
  
• Specialized Handling: Requires specific equipment and trained personnel for loading, unloading, and maintenance.​
  
• Regulatory Compliance: Transporting hazardous materials necessitates adherence to stringent international regulations, which can be complex and vary by region.​
  
• Cleaning Requirements: Strict sanitation needed for food/pharma cargo (e.g., FDA-certified cleaning).

Pro Tip: Considering a Flexitank container could be a better fit for your shipping needs? Read our guide comparing both options to choose the most efficient solution for your cargo.

Top Industries Using ISO Tanks in North America

In North America, several industries rely on ISO tanks to move essential commodities across borders. Here’s a look at the top sectors benefiting from this versatile container type:

1. Chemicals

The chemical industry is one of the largest users of ISO tanks due to the need for secure transportation of hazardous and non-hazardous liquids. ISO tanks provide a sealed and durable solution for shipping a wide range of industrial chemicals, including:

• Solvents (e.g., acetone, methanol)
• Acids (e.g., sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid)
• Surfactants used in cleaning and industrial applications
• Resins and adhesives for manufacturing

2. Food & Beverage

ISO tanks are essential in the food and beverage sector, ensuring the safe and hygienic transportation of liquid and temperature-sensitive products. These tanks are often equipped with food-grade linings to prevent contamination. Common cargo includes:

• Edible oils (e.g., palm oil, soybean oil)
• Fruit juices and concentrates
• Liquid sweeteners (e.g., corn syrup, honey)
• Dairy products (e.g., liquid milk, whey protein concentrate)
• Alcoholic beverages (e.g., wine, spirits, beer ingredients)

3. Pharmaceuticals

In the pharmaceutical industry, ISO tanks provide a secure and temperature-controlled method for shipping liquid raw materials and active ingredients used in medicine production. Key cargo includes:

• Glycerin (used in medicinal formulations)
• API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients)
• Sterile water and saline solutions
• Vaccine adjuvants and other pharmaceutical intermediates

4. Agrochemicals

The agricultural sector depends on ISO tanks to transport liquid fertilizers and pesticides safely. Given the hazardous nature of many agrochemicals, ISO tanks ensure secure containment and regulatory compliance. Commonly shipped products include:

• Liquid fertilizers (e.g., ammonium nitrate, urea solutions)
• Herbicides (e.g., glyphosate-based products)
• Pesticides and fungicides
• Adjuvants used to enhance chemical application efficiency

5. Oil and Gas

ISO tanks are widely used in the oil and gas industry for moving refined and specialty liquid products, particularly those that require careful handling. These include:

• Crude oil derivatives (e.g., lubricants, base oils)
• LNG and LPG (when specialized ISO tank variants are used)
• Petrochemical solvents (e.g., naphtha, xylene)
• Fracking chemicals used in drilling operations

By utilizing ISO tanks, these industries benefit from a standardized, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective solution for bulk liquid transport. As global trade continues to grow, the demand for ISO tanks in North America is expected to increase, reinforcing their importance in international logistics.

Regional Regulations for Shipping ISO Tanks

Shipping ISO tanks in the Americas requires compliance with various national and international regulations to ensure the safe transport of hazardous and non-hazardous liquids. Below is an overview of key regulations across different regions.

North America

ISO tank transportation in North America is governed by strict safety and labeling requirements, particularly for hazardous materials and food-grade shipments.

• United States & Canada:
  
  • Compliance with DOT (Department of Transportation) and Transport Canada (TC) regulations for the handling of hazardous materials.
    
  • OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards for workplace safety related to tank handling and maintenance.
    
  • Pressure testing requirements to ensure structural integrity.
    
  • Hazard placards in line with the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) and the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for chemical classification.
    
  • Food-grade shipments must meet FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) standards, including sanitation certificates for tanks used in food and beverage transport.
    
• Mexico:
  
  • NOM-012-SCT guidelines regulate tank container inspections, weight limits, and vehicle conditions for transport.
    
  • Hazardous materials must comply with NOM-002-SCT for classification and NOM-003-SCT for labeling.
    
  • Tanks carrying food-grade liquids must adhere to COFEPRIS (Federal Commission for the Protection Against Sanitary Risk) regulations on hygiene and safety.

Central America

Regulations in Central America vary by country but generally align with international hazardous materials transport standards.

• The SIECA (Secretariat for Central American Economic Integration) oversees harmonized trade and transport policies in the region.
  
• Many countries follow UN ADR (Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) guidelines for hazardous materials.
  
• Costa Rica and Panama have stricter environmental and safety regulations due to their roles as key logistics hubs, with additional inspections for ISO tanks carrying chemicals and food-grade products.

South America

South America follows a mix of national and international standards, with some countries adopting stricter rules for hazardous materials transport.

• Brazil:
  
  • Governed by ANTT (National Land Transport Agency) regulations, which require ISO tanks transporting dangerous goods to comply with Resolução 5232/2016 for classification and labeling.
    
  • The ANVISA (National Health Surveillance Agency) oversees food-grade and pharmaceutical shipments, ensuring compliance with hygiene standards.
    
• Argentina:
  
  • Mercosur Agreement harmonizes dangerous goods transport laws among Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
    
  • Decree 779/95 outlines safety standards for road transport of hazardous liquids.
    
• Chile & Peru:
  
  • Require compliance with MTT (Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications – Chile) and SUTRAN (Superintendence of Land Transport – Peru) for tank container inspections and labeling.
    
  • Follow UN standards for dangerous goods transport and often require bilingual hazard labeling (Spanish/English).

The Caribbean

Given the heavy reliance on maritime transport, the Caribbean follows IMO (International Maritime Organization) regulations for shipping ISO tanks.

• Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and the Dominican Republic have national hazardous materials transport laws based on IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) Code requirements.
  
• Food-grade shipments must comply with local health and safety authorities, such as the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) or Dominican Institute for Quality (INDOCAL).
  
• Ports in the region enforce strict environmental regulations to prevent spills and contamination, with regular inspections of ISO tanks before transit.

By adhering to these regulations, businesses can ensure safe and compliant ISO tank transportation across the Americas, avoiding costly delays or penalties.

ISO Tanks vs. Flexitanks vs. Drums

Why Choose Latin American Cargo for ISO Tank Shipping?

At LAC, we specialize in secure, cost-effective ISO tank logistics across North America, LATAM, and The Caribbean. Whether you’re shipping chemicals from Houston or pharmaceuticals to Panama, our team ensures seamless bulk liquids transport, so you don’t have to worry about the details.

What Sets Us Apart?

✔ End-to-End Services – From customs brokerage to tank leasing and hazardous material handling, we cover every aspect of your shipment.
✔ Regional Expertise – Our deep knowledge of cross-border logistics allows us to streamline routes all across North America and Latin America, ensuring timely deliveries.
✔ Advanced Technology – With real-time GPS tracking and digital documentation, you always have full visibility and control over your cargo.

💡 Need a Reliable ISO Tank Shipping Partner? Get a free quote today and optimize your liquid cargo shipments with confidence!