Building a Custom-Built Drayage Solution for Highly Specialized ISO Tank Freight

Due to its large volumes and complex transportation needs, PSP found it challenging to maintain an adequate equipment and driver base for its drayage operations. To achieve success, PSP required a highly specialized solution, including:

Specialized Service: ISO tank transportation is inherently a specialized service, which was compounded by PSP’s need for drayage services, including power only moves.

Specialized Equipment: Because PSP is shipping alcoholic liquid in bulk rather than bottled or canned form, PSP requires ISO tank containers. Unlike a typical TEU shipping container, ISO tanks require a specialized ISO tank chassis for transport. These chassis are less common, and at times, undergo significant shortages.

Specialized Drivers: Safely piloting an ISO tank loaded chassis requires additional training, protocols, and skills. ISO tanks have a higher center of gravity than standard dry vans, and the movement of the liquid inside the tanks during transport can affect the handling of the tractor and chassis. Drivers must have experience in properly accelerating and braking the vehicle to prevent liquid “surge,” which is excessive movement of the liquid within the ISO tank which can cause a driver to lose control or destabilize the vehicle. Drivers must also obtain and maintain a tanker endorsement which certifies that they have been trained to properly transport bulk liquids.

Specialized Permits and Approvals:

• Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Endorsement: Drivers with liquid transportation experience and hazmat certification are limited in supply and can be like finding “a needle in a haystack.”
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential: Commonly known as a “TWIC card,” this credential is required by the Maritime Transportation Security Act for workers who need access to secure areas of maritime facilities and vessels. TSA conducts a security threat assessment (background check) to determine a person’s eligibility and issues the credential. Without a TWIC card, drivers cannot access ports for pickups or deliveries.
• Vessel Approval: The underlying carrier’s SCAC code needs to be approved by the vessel in order for drivers to pick up from or deliver to a vessel. This can get complicated as PSP may have as many as 20 vessels in use at any given time, and the driver needs to be approved by each one.
• Custodian Bond: Custodian Bonds, also known as Activity Code 2 Custodian of Bonded Merchandise Bonds, are required for operations which carry or hold merchandise not yet entered into the commerce of the U.S., for export or entry at a later time or place. 3PLs serving PSP’s needs are required to hold this bond, which essentially makes the 3PL liable for taxes associated with the transported goods.