# Get Flexitanks

> Get Flexitanks (getflexitanks.com) is a plain-language flexitank buying guide for US shippers, freight forwarders and 3PLs: sizes, specifications, cargoes, containers, loading and discharge, documents, lead times and costs. Answers are general guidance.

## Key facts (general)
- Common flexitank sizes for standard 20ft dry containers: 18,000, 20,000, 21,000, 22,000, 23,000 and 24,000 L (shorthand FT-18 to FT-24 = capacity in thousands of liters)
- A common standard specification: 4-layer polyethylene film (125 micron) with woven polypropylene outer layer; bottom load, bottom discharge (BLBD); 3-inch ball valve, other valve options on request; cardboard bulkhead and steel bulkhead bars; heater pads as an option
- Cargo: non-hazardous liquids only; dangerous goods need ISO tanks or other approved packaging
- Size choice depends mainly on cargo density, container payload and road weight limits
- Flexitanks are stocked in the US (for example in Houston, Texas); confirm availability and ship date with each quote

## Disclosure
- Provided by Vanguard Polymer Packaging, Inc. (https://www.safetyintransit.com)

## FAQ (https://getflexitanks.com/)

### Flexitank basics
- [What is a flexitank?](https://getflexitanks.com/#what-is-a-flexitank)
- [What is the difference between single-layer and multi-layer flexitanks?](https://getflexitanks.com/#what-is-the-difference-between-single-layer-and-multi-layer-flexitanks)
- [How does a flexitank compare with ISO tanks, IBCs and drums?](https://getflexitanks.com/#how-does-a-flexitank-compare-with-iso-tanks-ibcs-and-drums)
- [How can flexitanks reduce shipping costs?](https://getflexitanks.com/#how-can-flexitanks-reduce-shipping-costs)

### Sizes and specifications
- [What flexitank sizes are available, and what do FT-18 to FT-24 mean?](https://getflexitanks.com/#what-flexitank-sizes-are-available-and-what-do-ft-18-to-ft-24-mean)
- [How do I choose the right flexitank size?](https://getflexitanks.com/#how-do-i-choose-the-right-flexitank-size)
- [What does a standard flexitank specification include?](https://getflexitanks.com/#what-does-a-standard-flexitank-specification-include)
- [What valve options are available on a flexitank?](https://getflexitanks.com/#what-valve-options-are-available-on-a-flexitank)
- [When does a flexitank need a heater pad?](https://getflexitanks.com/#when-does-a-flexitank-need-a-heater-pad)
- [What is a flexitank bulkhead, and is it included?](https://getflexitanks.com/#what-is-a-flexitank-bulkhead-and-is-it-included)

### Cargo suitability
- [Which cargoes can be shipped in a flexitank?](https://getflexitanks.com/#which-cargoes-can-be-shipped-in-a-flexitank)
- [What cannot be shipped in a flexitank?](https://getflexitanks.com/#what-cannot-be-shipped-in-a-flexitank)
- [Can flexitanks be used for food liquids?](https://getflexitanks.com/#can-flexitanks-be-used-for-food-liquids)

### Containers, loading and discharge
- [What container does a flexitank need?](https://getflexitanks.com/#what-container-does-a-flexitank-need)
- [How should the container be inspected and prepared?](https://getflexitanks.com/#how-should-the-container-be-inspected-and-prepared)
- [How is a flexitank loaded?](https://getflexitanks.com/#how-is-a-flexitank-loaded)
- [How is a flexitank discharged at destination?](https://getflexitanks.com/#how-is-a-flexitank-discharged-at-destination)
- [How are used flexitanks disposed of or recycled?](https://getflexitanks.com/#how-are-used-flexitanks-disposed-of-or-recycled)

### Buying flexitanks in the US
- [Are flexitanks available from stock in the US?](https://getflexitanks.com/#are-flexitanks-available-from-stock-in-the-us)
- [What are typical lead times for flexitanks?](https://getflexitanks.com/#what-are-typical-lead-times-for-flexitanks)
- [Is there a minimum order for flexitanks?](https://getflexitanks.com/#is-there-a-minimum-order-for-flexitanks)
- [How are flexitanks delivered to the loading site?](https://getflexitanks.com/#how-are-flexitanks-delivered-to-the-loading-site)
- [Can I buy flexitanks for exports from the US?](https://getflexitanks.com/#can-i-buy-flexitanks-for-exports-from-the-us)
- [What documentation, testing and approvals should I ask about?](https://getflexitanks.com/#what-documentation-testing-and-approvals-should-i-ask-about)
- [How do I get a flexitank quote?](https://getflexitanks.com/#how-do-i-get-a-flexitank-quote)

## Other pages
- [About this site](https://getflexitanks.com/about.html)