Different types of powder are used in everything from the food you eat to the foundation of your home. Bulk powder transport uses various types of equipment and dry bulk trailers to ship the powder to its desired destinations. If you are considering utilizing your trailer for bulk powder transport, there are a number of things that you should know. Make sure that you do as much research as possible.
To get you started, here are a number of factors to consider.
What Kinds of Powders Are Shipped?
Bulk orders that are commonly shipped in the United States can consist of the following industrial materials:
- Cement
- Clay
- PVC resin powder
And powders that are nonindustrial, food grade products such as dextrose (sugar) and cornstarch. Each powder’s characteristics can be altered by whether it is treated or untreated, the grade of the powder, and its own unique properties.
An Important Factor Regarding Your Trailer
This next part is exceedingly important! It is essential that no incompatible materials (incompatible with the powder you will be transporting) have ever been transported in your trailer before. That’s a biggie!
As an example: limestone (according to some companies) cannot be shipped in a trailer that has handled sand previously. Why, you may ask? If, perchance, the sand was not completely and totally washed out of the trailer it could feasibly combine with the limestone. The result? The contaminated limestone would need to be emptied from its silo, cleaned, and then once again be transferred back into the silo. This is a headache that is avoidable and very expensive. No one wants that kind of headache.
The broker of the particular powder should be aware of just what qualifies as incompatible products. You (as a carrier) cannot, after all, be expected to know what all of the characteristics of the powders are versus the characteristics of what would be considered as contaminants.
Regarding Food-Grade Powder Shipment
In the interest of foodborne illness prevention, food transportation protocols were raised by the FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act). Compared to before, the standards are exceptionally stringent. If you plan on transporting food grade powders, you will need to meet FSMA requirements.
As an example: food grade powders (or animal food products), in order to be transported according to the new standards, now must meet the same standards that apply to human-consumed foods. That includes all of the equipment and transportation related standards.
Tanks that transport food grade powders most commonly need, in order to make sure that their tanks are properly washed and sanitized, a conversion tank wash system that takes the water up to at least 190°F. There are additional requirements in place if you plan on transporting kosher products.
All of that equipment, and all of those standards, and all of that washing and sanitizing can equate to a considerable investment. For that very reason, Mickey Genuine Parts has, in stock, used trailers. To find out if there is a bulk trailer currently in stock, or some other type of trailer that fits your needs, check out our inventory online. If you have any questions or would like to order something from Mickey Genuine Parts, contact us to speak to one of our knowledgeable representatives.