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What You Need To Know About Chemical Logistics

We provide a wide range of logistic solutions at Suttons Tankers, with one of the services we offer being chemical logistics.

Chemical logistics refers to the movement and storage of chemicals from one place to another. Given that chemicals can be toxic, highly reactive, and dangerous to the environment, it’s critical that they are transported appropriately and safely, in line with health and safety regulations.

This guide will tell you more about UK chemical logistics, as well as why Suttons Tankers can bring ease to your supply chain and be your partner of choice.

Popular UK chemical logistics transportation

We have the equipment to facilitate the handling, movement, and storage of a wide range of liquid chemical compounds that are most commonly used by businesses in the UK. Examples of these chemicals are:

  • Ammonia solution

  • Caustic soda

  • Ferric sulphate and ferric chloride

  • Peroxides

  • Sulphuric acid

  • Solvents

Our fleet of chemical road tankers transport these chemicals, and more, from one industrial processing plant to another, where they are turned into products that businesses and the general public use on a daily basis.

For example, ammonia is used to create fertiliser, as a refrigerant gas, and in the manufacture of textiles, plastics, and pesticides.

Our specialist equipment for transporting chemicals

The most efficient, safe, and cost-effective way to move chemicals from one place to another by road is by using a chemical road tanker. This tanker needs to abide by ADR, the European regulations concerning the transport of dangerous goods by road.

(Important note about Brexit: ADR still currently applies to the UK. It is likely that the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 will be revised and become the new regulatory source at some point. We’ll keep you updated as to when this happens.)

There is a wide range of chemical tankers available in our fleet, and the one we use for your goods will depend on what we are transporting. Safer and less hazardous chemicals may be transported in a general purpose tank, while other chemicals might require a bespoke tanker.

For example, corrosive chemicals will need a rubber-lined tank to prevent the metal of the tanker from being weakened. Some substances may require a temperature-controlled tank to ensure liquids do not go above or below a specific temperature.

The potential dangers of chemical haulage

Transporting liquid chemicals by road can be hazardous if not performed safely by individuals with appropriate training and equipment, which is why choosing the right chemical logistics provider is so important.

A tanker can be driven dangerously, be in poor condition, or be improperly cleaned, leading to the contents of the tanker being spilled, or reacting with another substance. In the best-case scenario, this can lead to road closures while the issue is resolved. In the worst-case scenario, this can lead to injury or loss of life.

At Suttons Tankers, we take safety incredibly seriously and abide by the following steps regarding safe and reliable chemical logistics solutions:

  • We conduct comprehensive education and training, so drivers understand the products they carry and how to handle them. All our drivers have regular ADR refresher sessions, so they always stay compliant

  • All tractor units are equipped with a tracking device so we can locate any vehicle in seconds. Any vehicle that deviates from its planned route raises an alarm

  • All tankers are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before re-use

  • A three-tier emergency response system is in place so we can respond to any incidents quickly

  • We foster close working relationships with the Environmental Agency and emergency services

  • We have implemented a continuous improvement programme for our safety team, where each incident, no matter how small, is logged and reviewed

Can you transport chemicals overseas?

Yes, this is possible, but there are additional guidelines that need to be abided by. For example, the International Maritime Dangerous Goods, or IMDG, covers the transportation of dangerous chemicals by sea. International shipments must be monitored closely and meet customs regulations.

As well as this, a smaller ISO tank may be needed for transportation on ships and trains.

As we operate in 48 locations worldwide, we can help if you need to export chemicals to another country.

Suttons Tankers: your chemical logistics specialists

As the UK’s largest bulk carrier of general chemicals, we operate all across the country, providing a high-quality service 24 hours a day.

Suttons International also operate across 48 different countries, so contact us today and find out how we can help you with your business’ chemical logistics requirements.