What does Dry Bulk Logistics entail?

Transport, handling and storage

Dry bulk logistics refers to the transport, handling and storage of (large) quantities of dry bulk goods. Dry bulk goods are non-liquid goods that are usually homogeneous in nature and are transported in large quantities, usually measured in metric tons or cubic meters. Examples of dry bulk are grains, ores, coal, cement, fertilizers and various raw materials.

Efficient dry bulk logistics plays a crucial role in industries such as agriculture, mining, construction, energy, and manufacturing, where the timely and cost-effective movement of bulk goods is essential for production and distribution. Effective dry bulk logistics management helps ensure a reliable supply chain, minimize costs, and meet customer requirements in these industries.

Dry bulk logistics involves a range of activities and considerations to ensure the efficient and cost-effective movement of these goods:

• Transportation: Dry bulk is typically transported in bulk carriers, which can be specialized vessels or barges designed to transport large quantities of dry goods. Transportation can take place in a variety of ways, such as sea, rail, or road, depending on the raw material and specific logistics requirements.
• Handling and storage: Dry bulk goods are often handled with specialized equipment such as conveyor systems, cranes, and loaders/unloaders. Efficient transshipment is critical to minimize losses, maintain product integrity, and ensure safe and timely transshipment between different modes of transport or storage facilities. Dry bulk storage facilities can be silos, warehouses, or outdoor stocks.
• Packaging: Depending on the raw material, dry bulk logistics may require the use of specialized packaging or containment methods. For example, grains can be stored in silo bags, while bulk bags (big bags) are used for certain powders or fine materials. At HUSA Logistics, most customers use these big bags, which arrive in containers or in trucks.
• Supply Chain Management: Dry bulk logistics involves managing the entire supply chain, including coordination with suppliers, shippers, carriers, and receivers. Effective supply chain management ensures the timely availability of the required amount of dry bulk at the desired locations, while optimizing costs and minimizing disruptions.
• Regulatory Compliance: Dry bulk logistics is subject to various regulations related to safety, environmental considerations, and trade restrictions. Compliance with regulations such as those related to cargo handling, weight limits, customs procedures, and hazardous materials is essential for smooth operation. HUSA Logistics has all the necessary certifications for the logistics of food and feed.

Addressing these challenges requires expertise, specialized knowledge, and effective coordination among stakeholders involved in dry bulk logistics, including commodity producers, shippers, carriers, and logistics providers. HUSA Logistics has this expertise.

Dry bulk in big bags

HUSA Logistics’ customers use big bag storage for various reasons.

It is important to note that the suitability of big bags as packaging depends on the specifics of the product, the handling requirements, and legal considerations. Companies should assess the compatibility of their products with big bags and consider factors such as moisture sensitivity, static electricity, and other material-specific considerations before choosing this packaging option.

• Cost-efficiency: Big bags offer cost advantages compared to traditional packaging options such as drums or bags. They are relatively cheap to produce and transport. In addition, they require less storage space and can be stacked efficiently, reducing warehouse costs.
• Bulk packaging: Big bags are designed to hold a large volume of product, typically ranging from 500 kg to 2,000 kg or more. They allow for efficient handling and transportation of bulk materials, reducing the number of individual packages required.
• Protection and containment: Big bags provide protection and containment for different types of materials, such as powders, granulates or small solid objects. They are made of durable and tear-resistant materials, preventing product leakage, contamination, or damage during handling, storage, and transportation.
• Ease of use: Big bags are designed with lifting loops or belts that are easy to handle with forklifts, cranes, or other material handling equipment. This simplifies the loading, unloading and moving of the packaged products, reducing labor and processing time.
• Flexibility and versatility: Big bags are available in a variety of sizes and configurations, allowing businesses to choose the most suitable option for their specific product and application. They can be customized with different features such as drain spouts, liners, or ventilation to meet specific requirements.
• Environmental benefits: Big bags are often reusable, which means less waste is produced compared to single-use packaging. They can be easily folded and stored when not in use and take up as little space as possible. Many big bags are also recyclable, which contributes to sustainability efforts.
• International shipping: Big bags are widely used for international shipping due to their efficiency in terms of volume and weight. They can be transported in a variety of ways, such as containers, trucks, or ships, facilitating global trade.

Converting to and from big bags

At HUSA Logistics, we are regularly asked to convert bulk materials packed in big bags into bulk shipments in silo trucks (bulking).

It is important to note that the specific process of converting bulk materials from big bags to bulk carriers can vary depending on factors such as the nature of the material, available equipment, transportation regulations, and industry-specific considerations. It is recommended to consult with logistics professionals or bulk handling experts for guidance tailored to your specific situation.

There are several technologies available for loading bulk materials from big bags into carriers. The choice of technology depends, among other things, on the nature of the material, the desired load factor, the available equipment and specific requirements. Here are some common technologies for loading big bags into carriers:

• Forklift or front loader: In cases where the carrier is at ground level or at a height accessible to a forklift or front loader, this equipment can be used to lift the big bags and empty them directly into the carrier. The operator can carefully place the bag over the carrier opening and release the material using the bag’s drain spout or by cutting the bag open.
• Conveyor systems: conveyor systems can be used to transfer bulk material from the big bags to the carrier. Conveyors, bucket elevators or screw conveyors can be used to transport the material from the big bag discharge spout to the carrier’s loading point. Conveyor systems ensure continuous and controlled transfer, allowing for efficient loading.
• Pneumatic Conveying: Pneumatic conveying systems use air pressure or vacuum to transport bulk materials. In this method, the material is sucked out of the big bags via a suction pipe and transported to the carrier with air or a combination of air and gravity. Pneumatic conveying is suitable for powdery or granular materials and offers fast and dust-free loading.
• Bulk Bag Unloaders: Bulk bag unloaders, also known as bulk bag unloaders or bag dump stations, are specialized equipment designed to empty big bags efficiently. These losers usually have frames or stands to hold the big bag securely while the material is unloaded. They may include methods such as mechanical agitation, vibration, or pneumatic paddles to facilitate the flow of material out of the bag.
• Portable bag handling equipment: Portable bag handling equipment, such as bag cutting machines or bag dumping stations, can be used to open the big bags and facilitate controlled unloading into the carrier. These devices usually have mechanisms to cut open the bag and allow the material to flow out. They are suitable for situations where the material is relatively free-flowing and does not require additional conveyor systems.

The selection of the best technology depends on factors such as material properties, required loading speed, available infrastructure and specific handling requirements.

HUSA Logistics is able to repack bulk of 25 kg bags (bagged goods) into big bags or empty big bags into bulk silo trucks, usually weighing 25,000 kg, the so-called bulking.

In the event of a customer request to bulk 25kg bagged goods into a silo truck, the big bag is used as an intermediate step.

Finally

Efficiency, accuracy, safety and quality control play an essential role in dry bulk logistics. Our goal is to optimize the storage and handling of dry bulk goods so that they can be delivered to customers on time and in good condition. HUSA Logistics has more than 30 years of experience in this field and is happy to help you.