Chemical cargo logistics from Europe: requirements, risks, solutions

The transportation of chemical cargo is a special type of international logistics that requires high qualifications, technical equipment, and strict compliance with regulations. Unlike standard cargo, chemical products can pose a danger to people, the environment, and infrastructure, which is why special requirements apply to the transportation of such cargo. This topic is particularly relevant for industrial companies that work with chemical supplies from Europe to Ukraine. It is here that the interests of manufacturers, logisticians, carriers, and regulators collide in practice.

What does the transportation of chemical cargo include?

The term “transportation of chemical cargo” covers a wide range of logistics operations related to the transportation of substances for industrial, agricultural, or technical purposes. These can be bulk chemical cargoes (liquid and viscous substances) or packaged chemical cargoes packed in specialised containers: bags, canisters, barrels, IBC containers.

Typical types of chemical cargo:

• solvents, acids, alkalis;
• plasticizers, latexes, dispersions;
• liquid and solid fertilizers;
• chemical additives and reagents;
• alcohols and glycols;
• industrial oils.

Each of these types requires a specific approach to logistics: from the choice of transport to the preparation of documentation. Violation of technology can lead to accidents, fines, and loss of business reputation.

Bulk chemical cargo: logistics in tank trucks

Bulk chemical cargoes are substances transported in liquid form in tank trucks. They require particularly careful preparation, as they are highly fluid, reactive, and sensitive to temperature conditions. Tank trucks for chemicals must meet a number of requirements:

• be made of suitable materials (stainless steel, aluminum, with internal coating);
• have a thermal insulation or heating system;
• have valves, pumps, and safety devices;
• be certified according to the ADR standard.

Chemical logistics in bulk is particularly relevant for deliveries from factories such as BASF SE, DOW Chemical, Ineos, Sasol, and other chemical companies where additional special requirements are imposed on tank trucks and drivers.

Before loading at European plants, the tanker must undergo certified specialized washing, and the driver must undergo instruction/examination of the plant's territory. Without these conditions, loading will simply not take place.

Packaged chemical cargoes: rules for transportation in packaging

Packaged chemical cargoes are substances packed in individual containers: barrels, bags, big bags, IBC containers, canisters. This format is often used for solid or paste-like chemical products, as well as for concentrates and additives.

Requirements for the transportation of packaged chemical cargoes:

• The packaging must be leak-proof, resistant to aggressive environments, and protected from mechanical damage.
• Each container must be labeled in accordance with ADR: UN number, hazard symbol, handling instructions.
• The cargo must be placed in the vehicle taking into account the permissible load, fastening, and ventilation.

Tented trucks, containers, or refrigerated trucks are used for transportation if the product is temperature-sensitive.

What is ADR and why is it important?

ADR (Accord Dangereux Routier) is the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road. Under ADR, chemicals are classified into 9 hazard classes, each with a set of requirements:

• Special transport (tanks, containers, vans).
• Trained driver with a valid ADR certificate.
• Set of documents: safety data sheet (MSDS/SDS), transport instructions, CMR, ECD, declaration on request.
• Protective equipment for the driver: special clothing, helmet, boots, goggles, gloves, respirator.
• Emergency kit in the vehicle: sand, absorbents, plugs.

Transporting dangerous goods requires more than just equipment and certificates — a well-established control system is essential, from tank preparation to confirmation of unloading.

Transporting chemicals from Europe: how BASF SE and DOW Chemical plants operate

Europe's largest chemical companies, such as BASF SE (Germany) and DOW Chemical (Netherlands), apply very strict standards to the logistics of their products. Not every logistics company can work with such plants. Why?

• The plants only allow vehicles from the so-called white list — a list of approved contractors — to load.
• All documentation is checked: the driver's ADR, tanker license, insurance, and tanker cleaning report (if it is a bulk cargo).
• The driver must understand the instructions in English or German, pass a check, and be equipped in accordance with regulations.
• Additional technical inspection of the vehicle or visual inspection of the tanker may be carried out on the factory premises.

If the transport does not meet the requirements, the factory is not responsible for any downtime — this risk is borne by the carrier. Therefore, the transport of chemical goods from Europe requires not only the availability of transport, but also well-established procedures, experience, and qualifications.

Main risks during transportation of chemical cargo

Chemical logistics involves a number of risks that must be anticipated and minimized:

1. Risk of leakage or depressurization — especially with bulk cargo. Poor-quality tanks, improper loading, or poor cleaning can lead to accidents.
2. ADR non-compliance — lack of necessary documents or incorrect labeling will result in fines and delays at borders.
3. Refusal to load — European factories do not allow unprepared transport to load.
4. Errors in documents — incorrect UN codes, lack of SDS, incorrect CMR documentation.
5. Damage to packaging of packaged chemicals — improper stowage, weak packaging, or careless handling.

How we ensure the safety and reliability of chemical transportation

Save Pro Solutions specializes in the transportation of chemical cargo, both bulk and packaged. Our experience working with the industrial sector in Europe and Ukraine allows us to provide logistics of any complexity.

What we do:

• We use tank trucks, tented trucks, and refrigerated trucks that meet the requirements of the European chemical industry.
• We analyze in detail the requirements of each sending plant.
• We check documents and the condition of the transport before each trip.
• We cooperate with certified EFTCO washing stations in Europe.
• We assign drivers with ADR and experience in working with chemicals.
• We provide round-the-clock support and trip monitoring.
• We provide photo reports, confirmation of loading, and real-time coordinates.

Geography and route logistics

We organize the transportation of chemical cargo throughout Europe and Ukraine:

• Main routes: Germany – Ukraine, Poland – Ukraine, Netherlands – Ukraine, Belgium – Ukraine.
• We work with factories in Italy, France, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and other EU countries.
• We deliver cargo to warehouses and production sites throughout Ukraine: Kyiv, Lviv, Dnipro, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, Cherkasy, Kharkiv.
• We optimize routes taking into account seasonality, factory operating hours, and customer preferences.

Why choose SaveProSolutions

• 13+ years of experience in logistics of chemical and ADR cargo.
• Guaranteed compliance with the requirements of factories such as BASF SE, DOW Chemical, INEOS, Shell, and others.
• Comprehensive approach: from vehicle preparation to unloading.
• Fast feedback, flexible rates, insurance, personal manager.
• Reliability and transparency: photos, reports, GPS.

Conclusion: chemical logistics is a job for professionals

Transporting chemical cargo from Europe to Ukraine is a high-risk area of logistics where every detail matters. It is in such conditions that the experience, consistency, and responsibility of a logistics partner are particularly important.

SaveProSolutions offers a comprehensive solution: from selecting the right transport to controlling the entire logistics chain. We know how to work with chemicals, how to organize safe and uninterrupted delivery, and are ready to offer customized terms for your business.

Contact us to calculate the cost of transporting chemical cargo or to receive a free consultation. We work quickly, professionally, and safely.