Shipping and Packaging

Proper care and handling of a new tank is critical to ensure that it is installed properly and without inadvertently damaging it before it is placed in service. Tank Gurus provides tanks from five gallons to 20,000+ gallons, many in single and dual-wall configurations. Obviously, handling a small tank is vastly different than a large tank and the way we package and ship them also varies. This page should serve as a reference for you to understand what to expect when receiving your new tanks.

Tanks from 5 to 70 Gallons

Tanks in this size range are normally shipped in boxes, either on UPS or FedEx Small package express service, or in cases of multiple tanks per order, are palletized, strapped to a pallet and wrapped in polyethylene stretch film to protect them during transit and shipped via common carrier. Any accessories provided with these tanks are routinely disassembled and placed inside the tank to prevent damage in transit. Tanks in this size range can be unloaded by hand, pallet jack or forklift.

 

Tanks from 75 to 1,500 Gallons

Tanks in this size range exceed the cubic dimensions for UPS and FedEx small package service, so they will need to be shipped via common or contract carrier. Most common carriers require that plastic tanks be palletized. This makes them easier to handle and protects them from shipping damage. Before being palletized, the tanks will be cleaned and inspected. The tanks will be packaged thoroughly and tightly in a manner that helps protect them in transit. Tanks over 48” in diameter can be placed on a custom-built pallet. Once palletized, the tank will be strapped and either stretch wrapped or shrink wrapped with heavy gauge polyethylene film to protect it during transit. Larger tanks normally have lumber and/or cardboard attached over the tank to protect it from damage by shipping straps and tie-down cables.

Welded nozzles and other tank fittings are individually secured and protected, and any loose parts are boxed and either inserted inside the tank or shipped along with the tank and notated on the shipping documentation, as “extra packages”. Our manufacturers always take pictures of the completed tanks before and after they are loaded to show the condition of the tank prior to shipment in case they are damaged in transit and there is a “claim” involved.

Important! Make sure you check your receiving documents and count the pieces you receive against what the Bill of Lading (BOL) shows so you are not shorted any of the parts shipped separately. Also, thoroughly check the tanks for damage before signing for them upon receipt. If there is any damage or the packaging looks damaged in any way, take photos, and note on the BOL before signing and accepting the shipment. This will be very important if you have any damage claims at that time or discover some later that you didn’t notice upon receiving the shipment. These tank sizes are normally unloaded with either a pallet jack or forklift. 

 

Tanks Larger than 1,500 Gallons

Tanks in this category commonly have a variety of accessories integrated into the design, including welded nozzles, ladders, fill lines, agitation systems, process controls, seismic restraint systems and many other engineered enhancements. These larger tanks are sometimes shrink wrapped in polyethylene film and shipped on a contract “shared load” or “dedicated” trucks and shipped directly from our factories to the job sites. They commonly have lifting lugs and are often too large to ship standing up, so they are typically shipped laying on their side; in some cases, on a low-bed truck and/or permitted “wide load”. We take great care in loading these tanks and supervise securing them to the truck correctly to prevent damage during transit. Proper handling during unloading upon receipt is critical to avoid damage. Improperly handling these tanks upon delivery will almost certainly result in damage.

Inevitably, larger tanks get scuffed, scratched, or dented during the transit and unloading. Despite our best efforts, this is sometimes unavoidable. The good news is that most of these cosmetic issues can easily be mitigated after the tank is placed in its ultimate location by simply cleaning it with a detergent or degreaser. Due to the inherent resiliency of polyethylene, the majority of dents caused in transit typically pop out on their own. Be sure to visually inspect your tank for any serious damage before unloading and again before filling it with liquid. It is also prudent to take lots of pictures of the tank before unloading and signing the BOL. Taking pictures should be a standard part of inspecting the tank. These tanks are normally unloaded by either a forklift or a crane.

 

Receiving your New Tanks

We take great care in inspecting our tanks prior to shipping to ensure they leave our facilities in pristine condition. Upon receiving your new tanks, be sure to visually inspect them carefully for obvious external damage and look inside to see if there are loose parts inside before filling your tank with liquid.

If you notice any shortages or damage, you must note the damage on your receiving document (BOL) from the shipping company before accepting and signing for it, or refuse the delivery, because the freight company will not take responsibility for the damage unless it is noted and signed for on the receiving document. Since all our tanks are inspected for quality and compliance prior to shipping, any damage caused in transit is the transit company’s responsibility. If your receiving department does not catch it and make note of it on the trucking company’s receiving paperwork, you will have a hard time getting them to take responsibility. 

Off Loading your Tanks

Our tanks are very durable and should perform well in service for many years if handled and installed carefully. If care is not used during this critical phase, they are susceptible to damage.

• DO NOT allow tanks to be rolled off the truck to the ground or allow them to be rolled over the fittings or accessories installed on the tank.
• If the tank is too large to manage by hand, be sure to use a forklift or crane to control the tank at ALL TIMES during the unloading and installation process.
• Use extra care during inclement weather or high wind conditions as these factors can contribute to losing control while moving large tanks.

 

Need More Help?

Tank Gurus is honored to earn your trust as your preferred tank supplier. If at any point during delivery or installation (or afterwards) you have questions or need help in any way, please give us a call any time. Our manufacturers have been in the plastic tank business for over 40 years and have tens of thousands of installations. We are happy to assist you with questions about tank handling and installations. You can reach us at 1 (213) 463-8720 or support@tankgurus.com during normal business hours.