Glycerin transport
USP food-grade glycerin, in bulk, in stainless steel.
TRESAL (Transportes Especializados del Altiplano, S. de R. L. de C. V.) transports glycerin in bulk in food-grade stainless steel tank trucks, with nationwide coverage from its bases in Cuautitlán Izcalli —part of the Greater Mexico City area— and San Luis Potosí. Every shipment travels in a dedicated unit under food-hygiene practices.
What is glycerin and what is it used for?
Glycerin (glycerol, C₃H₈O₃) is a viscous, colorless, odorless and sweet-tasting liquid that is highly hygroscopic (it absorbs moisture). In USP grade and in line with the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) it reaches a purity above 99.7%, making it suitable for food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic use. In the food industry it is known as additive E422.
Uses of glycerin
Glycerin is one of the most versatile fine-chemical inputs; its uses span four major industries:
- Food: humectant, sweetener (E422) and preservative in confectionery, bakery, beverages and pastry.
- Pharmaceutical: excipient in syrups and suppositories, humectant and carrier for active ingredients.
- Cosmetics and personal care: creams, soaps, toothpaste and lotions.
- Industry: coatings, alkyd resins, antifreeze and technical humectants.
How is glycerin safely transported in bulk?
Glycerin is moved in a food-grade stainless steel tank truck, in a dedicated unit. Because it is hygroscopic, it requires a clean and dry tank to preserve its purity and concentration. TRESAL delivers door to door with the traceability we give every shipment. See our full guide to food-grade bulk transport, which also covers 304 vs. 316L stainless steel.
Food-safety standards we meet when transporting glycerin
At TRESAL we align every glycerin shipment with the applicable hygiene regulations:
- NOM-251-SSA1-2009 — Mexico’s hygiene-practices standard for food processing; its transport section requires clean vehicles free from contamination. Enforced by COFEPRIS.
- USP grade and the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC): food- and pharmaceutical-grade glycerin meets these purity standards of over 99.7%.
- Food additive E422, internationally recognized as safe for use in food.
How do we wash tank trucks for food cargo?
Between loads we wash with high-pressure hot water in a single pass, using clean water on each pass to prevent cross-contamination. We document every wash and, for food-grade and Kosher cargo, we apply a final steam step. We operate under ISO 9001:2015 and with criteria equivalent to the international tank-cleaning standard (EFTCO). More detail on our tank truck washing service.
Frequently asked questions
What is USP glycerin and why does the grade matter?
USP glycerin meets the purity requirements of the United States Pharmacopeia and the Food Chemicals Codex (over 99.7%), making it suitable for food, medicine and cosmetics. The grade determines in which processes it can be used.
How is moisture avoided when transporting glycerin in bulk?
Because it is hygroscopic, glycerin is transported in a clean, dry stainless steel tank truck, in a dedicated unit, to maintain its concentration and purity throughout the trip.
References
- NOM-251-SSA1-2009 (platiica, Ministry of Economy)
- Glycerol — PubChem (National Library of Medicine)
- COFEPRIS
- EFTCO — European Federation of Tank Cleaning Organisations
Learn more: food-grade bulk transport in Mexico · tank truck washing · certifications.
We also transport
Last updated: July 10, 2026