New step forward in temperature controlled transport

Van den Bosch is introducing its latest innovation in liquid bulk transport: the High Volume Temperature Controlled Tank Container. “With this state of the art model, we are taking the next step in temperature controlled transport”, says Emiel van Haren, Operations Director division Liquid Food at Van den Bosch.

The new tank container has a capacity of 29,000 litres and has been specifically developed for the intermodal transport of liquid foodstuffs with a high product density, such as chocolate, glucose and fruit juices. “By using this new tank container with a capacity of 29,000 litres, we can transport up to 30 tonnes. This will increase payloads and reduce the number of shipments”, says Van Haren. “The container is also highly insulated which helps maintain product temperature along the way. That makes the container ideal for temperature controlled transport, both heated and cooled.”

Temperature sensors
The new container is equipped with GPS and advanced temperature sensors through which the current location, product temperature and outside temperature can be monitored. Based on this information, it can be decided whether the product should be cooled or heated on the way. Van Haren explains: “We use cooling and heating units at strategic locations in our network. The big advantage is that these units are no longer mounted on the container itself, which reduces its weight to 3420 kilos while increasing the load capacity to 30 tonnes. Customers can also access the available information – such as the container’s location, product temperature and the condition of the sealing – in real time using our FreightInsight customer portal.”

Greener supply chains
While temperature controlled transport of perishable goods is still often done by road, the new container is speeding up the transition to intermodal transport. This has a beneficial effect not only on payload levels and logistics costs, but also reduces CO₂ emissions. Van Haren: “Together with juice producer Refresco, we have recently been able to achieve CO₂ savings of no less than fifty percent by switching to intermodal transport. Thanks to the new container, this will be sixty percent. In this way, we’re working together with our partners on greener supply chains.”

Ground-level controlled
Like the High Volume Ultra Light Tank Container introduced by Van den Bosch in October, the High Volume Temperature Controlled Tank Container is also equipped with a ground-level control mechanism. Not only the air line but also the sealing are both operated easily from a tap in the outlet box. Van Haren: “The development of ground-level controlled equipment is a new step to prevent unnecessary working at height and all the associated risks. We’re also optimising sealability by going from two to just one sealing point on the container. We never stand still when it comes to equipment innovation. We continue to develop, putting smart innovations into practice, serving our customers even better and shifting the 'status quo' in bulk transport.”

The High Volume Temperature Controlled Tank Containers will be delivered by manufacturer Van Hool at the end of 2020 in an initial series of 10 units. The second series of 50 units is expected in 2021.