Looking for ISO tank containers? Your guide to uses, types & offers [2023]

A tank container is the most efficient way to transport liquids, gasses and hazardous materials. Read on to learn everything you need to know about ISO tank container sizes, types and uses.

Finding a suitable container type to ship goods safely is as essential as discovering the right certified partner to work with. It’s especially important when moving food-grade products, powders, liquids and chemicals in bulk. In the last few years, tank containers have emerged as the go-to solution for intermodal transportation of such cargo.

In fact, according to the International Tank Container Organization (ITCO), the global tank container fleet stands at 736,935 units worldwide, as of January 2022. This is a 7.3% increase in just one year.

Looking for quality tanks or other container types? It’s quick and easy to find boxes of all kinds on our platform. Simply type in the container type you’re after, as well as your location, and hit ‘search’ to get started right away.

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What are ISO tank containers?

Tank containers are used to ship and store hazardous and non-hazardous materials such as liquids, powders, and gasses. ISO tanks are made out of stainless steel, with insulation, as well as a protective layer of aluminum or polyurethane. This makes them a safe and secure option for transporting a wide variety of materials.

ISO tanks are equipped to transport the following:

• Liquids
• Gasses
• Powders
• Chemicals
• Perishable and non-perishable food items
• Alcohol
• Non-alcoholic liquids

If you’re a shipper, make sure you invest in a tank container that’s classified by the International Maritime Dangerous Good Code (IMO). This classification helps to identify and separate dangerous goods from other kinds of cargo. Check out this blog to learn all about IMO types for tank containers.

Safety and efficiency are synonymous with ISO tank containers. Apart from the fact that tanks can ship a considerable amount of bulk effortlessly, they’re also extremely durable. A tank container is designed to have a long life span, typically around 20 to 35 years. So you can use tank containers over and over again, giving you great value for money in the long run!

Wondering where you can find ISO tanks? Book a demo today to learn all about how you can buy, sell, and lease the exact container types you need on Container xChange. Simply click on the banner below to get started today.

ISO certification: A stamp of approval for ISO tank

So what is an ISO certification?

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) upholds a set of industrial and commercial standards for various products and services. This ensures consistency in both quality and reliability.

When a tank container is manufactured, it must comply with the size, durability, and strength as per the ISO standards. Each tank goes through strict inspection process, and only then is it certified. A container safety certificate (CSC) is also issued by the manufacturer.

Types of ISO tank containers

Before you go ahead and buy or lease tanks, you should know that there are specific tanks for specific types of cargo. The chart below shows the different tanks and what they can transport and store safely.

Container type	Ideal usage
T1 ISO tank container	Wine and light liquids
T4 ISO tank container	Non-hazardous edible and non-edible oils
T11 ISO tank container	Non-hazardous chemicals
T14 ISO tank container	Hazardous chemicals and acids like HCI and zinc chloride
T50 ISO tank container	Gasses such as LPG and ammonia
T75 ISO tank container	Cryogenic gasses
Rubber-lined ISO tank container	Acid-based chemicals
Food-grade tank	Only loaded with food grade products
Reefer tank	Ideal for food and chemicals
Gas tank	Suitable for the transport of gasses
Silo	Suitable for transport of grains and powders
SWAP container tank	Transport of cargo between 26,000 and 35,000 metric tons, 25,600 and 31,500 long tons and 28,700 and 35,000 short tons
SWAP body tank	This container type is bigger than its frame, ideal for lightweight cargo and storage use

Make sure you choose the correct tank container type for your shipping needs.

Dimensions of ISO tank containers

A tank container made according to ISO standards will always be fit for intermodal transportation. These containers also come in 20ft, 40ft, and 45ft varieties. But when it comes to tank containers, you need to prioritize capacity. Here’s a table with the measurements and capacities.

Capacity	Gross Weight	Tare Weight	Payload	Max. Cargo Temp.	Test Pressure	Working Pressure
21,000l	36,000kg	3,650kg	32,350kg	120°C	6.00 BAR	4.00 BAR
24,000l	36,000kg	3,900kg	32,100kg	120°C	6.00 BAR	4.00 BAR
25,000l	36,000kg	3,730kg	32,270kg	130°C	6.00 BAR	4.00 BAR
26,000l	36,000kg	4,060kg	31,940kg	130°C	6.00 BAR	4.00 BAR

Never overfill or underfill a tank container

It’s important to note that a tank container should never be overfilled or underfilled.

ISO tanks should be at least 80% full at all times. This will avoid a surge during transit.

Similarly, always make sure that your tanks are less than 95% full. This allows for thermal expansion.

Average prices of ISO tank containers

You must be wondering how much a tank container costs, given their growing popularity. It’s important to note that prices vary based on the container size, location and condition, as well as the current market situation.

The most commonly used ISO tank container is the T11 — primarily used to transport non-hazardous chemicals in bulk. To learn more about the general prices of tank containers, check out this blog.

To lease a T11 tank on xChange, pick up charges range from around US $300 and US $525.

ISO tank containers: Uses

As you know, tank containers store and transport both hazardous and non-hazardous cargo. Now, let’s have a closer look at what all can be shipped in an ISO tank.

Here are some of the most commonly-shipped materials:

• Fuel such as petrol, diesel, and compressed natural gas (CNG)
• Dairy products
• Alcoholic beverages such as wine and spirits
• Chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide, sulfur acid, etc
• Liquid food products such as cooking and vegetable oil, etc
• Petrochemicals
• Powders

Benefits of ISO tank containers

There are also many advantages to using an ISO tank container. Let’s look at a few of them now:

• ISO tank containers are internationally approved, and come with a quality assurance.
• They can store much more than drummed shipments, and the cost of shipping is significantly less.
• ISO tank containers are environment-friendly. They’re designed to combat product spillage and leakage, especially during long journeys.
• They save fuel and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 70 percent.
• ISO tanks can withstand harsh weather conditions.
• They’re easy to load and unload

Interested to know more about these benefits? Head over to this blog.

ISO tank offers on Container xChange

You can find ISO tank containers on our trading and leasing platforms. Check out our offers below.

For leasing:

Subscribe to our Basic Membership Plan at $299 per month to get up to 10 containers under management.

Subscribe to our Professional Membership Plan at $549 per month to get up to 100 containers under management.

Lease containers

For buying:

Subscribe to our Professional Membership Plan for just $299 per month, to buy and sell an unlimited number of containers, at 0% commission.

Buy containers

Subscribe to either of the above-listed base plans and get a leasing/trading add-on for $99 per month.

If you’re already a member on xChange, you can get access to the tank container network for only $179 per month.

Buy, lease and supply quality ISO tank containers on Container xChange

Container xChange makes it easy for you to get your hands on shipping containers of all shapes and sizes. One of the biggest advantages of using xChange to find containers is the market transparency.

On Container xChange, we’ve got 1500+ vetted and pre-approved members to work with. Leverage this network to lease, buy, and supply tank containers at prices that suit your needs and budget.

You can find boxes in over 2,500 unique locations around the world at the most competitive price in the market. And you get them all commission-free!

Let’s take a look at what you get when you use Container xChange to lease and trade containers.

Get a glimpse of the containers available near you on xChange right now.

Sign up for a demo today to learn more about how you can get containers at great prices, and streamline your container logistics process in no time at all.

What is an ISO tank container used for?

Iso tank containers are used to carry liquids, chemicals, fuel, petrochemicals, dairy products, alcohol and non-alcoholic liquids.

What is an ISO storage tank?

An ISO storage tank is used to store liquids, chemicals, fuel, petrochemicals, dairy products, alcohol and non-alcoholic liquids.

What is the capacity of an ISO tank container?

The ISO tank containers are available in various capacities. You can easily find tank containers in 21,000l, 24,000l, 25,000l, and 26,000l capacities in the market.