Complete Guide to IBC Totes
Discover everything you need to know about Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs). From sizes and grades to applications and specifications - your complete resource.
What are IBC Totes?
Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) are industrial-grade liquid storage and transportation containers designed for efficient handling of bulk materials. They combine the benefits of drums and tanks in a reusable, stackable, and space-efficient design.
Composite Construction
HDPE bottle protected by galvanized steel cage
Standard Pallet Size
48" x 40" footprint fits standard warehouse operations
Forklift Compatible
Four-way forklift access for easy handling
UN Certified
Meets international standards for hazardous materials
IBC Tote
Composite Design
IBC Tote Sizes
Choose the right capacity for your application. We offer the two most popular IBC sizes with comprehensive specifications.
275 Gallon IBC Totes
275 Gallons (1,040 Liters)
The most popular size for industrial applications, offering the perfect balance of capacity and maneuverability.
Key Features
- Standard 48" x 40" pallet footprint
- Stackable design for efficient storage
- UN certified for hazardous materials
- Available in food grade and chemical grade
Applications
- Chemical storage and transport
- Food and beverage production
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Paint and coating industry
330 Gallon IBC Totes
330 Gallons (1,250 Liters)
Larger capacity containers ideal for high-volume operations while maintaining standard footprint dimensions.
Key Features
- Maximum capacity on standard pallet
- Heavy-duty steel cage construction
- Optimized for bulk operations
- Cost-effective per gallon storage
Applications
- High-volume liquid storage
- Industrial bulk transport
- Water treatment chemicals
- Lubricants and oils
IBC Tote Grades
Different applications require different grades of containers. Choose the right grade for your specific needs.
Food Grade
FDA-approved containers for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical applications. Highest purity standards.
- • FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 compliant
- • NSF International certified
- • BPA-free HDPE construction
- • Suitable for direct food contact
Chemical Grade
Industrial-grade containers for chemicals, solvents, and hazardous materials. DOT and UN certified.
- • UN/DOT hazmat certified
- • Chemical resistance tested
- • Multiple packing groups
- • Regulatory compliance documentation
Industrial Grade
Cost-effective containers for non-food applications like water treatment, lubricants, and general industrial use.
- • Cost-effective solution
- • Non-food applications
- • Standard UN certification
- • Suitable for water-based products
IBC Tote Conditions
We offer IBC totes in various conditions to meet different budgets and application requirements.
New IBC Totes
Brand new containers with full warranties. Perfect for critical applications requiring the highest quality and reliability.
Reconditioned Totes
Professionally restored to like-new condition. Cost-effective solution with full certification and testing.
Rebottled Totes
New bottles in original steel cages. Excellent value for industrial applications with moderate requirements.
Technical Specifications
Detailed specifications for both 275 and 330 gallon IBC totes to help you make informed decisions.
275 Gallon Specifications
330 Gallon Specifications
Understanding IBC UN Data Tags
Every IBC tote features a UN data tag that provides crucial information about the container's specifications, certifications, and capabilities. Understanding these markings helps ensure safe and compliant use of your IBC containers.
Important Notes
- • "A" marking indicates all types and grades of steel construction
- • All IBCs are production tested at ≥ 20 kilopascals (kPa) or 2.9 psig air pressure
- • During transportation, vapor pressures cannot exceed CFR49 § 173.35 limits
- • IBCs are not pressure vessels and have specific transportation regulations
- • The UN code doesn't need to be on one line but must be sequential
IBC UN Data Tag Legend
Code Number Designating Type of IBC
Identifies the specific type and design of the IBC container
Packaging Group the IBC is Approved For (Group I & II)
Indicates the level of danger for substances the IBC can contain
Month/Year of Manufacture
Manufacturing date to track container age and compliance
Country Authorizing the Marking
Country where the IBC received its UN certification
Name of Manufacturer
Manufacturer identification code or name
Maximum Stacking Test Load in kilograms
Maximum weight that can be stacked on top of the IBC
Maximum Gross Weight in kilograms
Total maximum weight when fully loaded
Capacity in liters
Maximum liquid capacity of the container
Tare Mass in kilograms
Weight of the empty IBC container
Month/Year of Initial Leakproofness Test
Date of the first leak test certification
Month/Year of Initial Inspection Test
Date of the initial comprehensive inspection
Material of Construction
Code indicating the materials used in construction
Minimum Wall Thickness
Minimum thickness of the container walls
Maximum Fill/Discharge Pressure
Maximum pressure rating for filling and emptying
Manufacturer's Serial Number
Unique identifier assigned by the manufacturer
Model Number
Specific model designation from the manufacturer
Capacity in US gallons
Maximum liquid capacity in US gallon measurement
Maximum Gross Weight in pounds
Total maximum weight when fully loaded (US units)
Tare Mass in pounds
Weight of the empty IBC container (US units)
Customer Serial Number
Custom identification number assigned by customer
Safety & Compliance
Always verify the UN data tag information matches your intended use. Ensure the IBC is appropriate for your specific liquid type, pressure requirements, and transportation needs. When in doubt, consult with a certified container specialist.
Need help interpreting your IBC's UN data tag or choosing the right container for your application?
IBC Engineering & Design Principles
IBC totes are engineered with standardized dimensions and integrated pallet bases for optimal logistics integration. Their rectangular footprint and multi-directional accessibility make them ideal for modern supply chain operations.
Standard Footprint Design
Industry Standard Dimensions
IBC containers maintain a standard pallet footprint of approximately 45" L x 45" W, providing 14.06 sq.ft. of base area compared to 13.3 sq.ft. for standard pallets.
Volume Scalability
Capacity ranges from 110 to 550 gallons while maintaining footprint consistency. Volume increases are achieved through height adjustments only.
Integrated Mobility
Built-in pallet bases with forklift channels enable 2-way, 3-way, or 4-way accessibility depending on the IBC model and design.
Common IBC Dimensions
2-Way Access
Standard square stackable, premium, and wide-mouth IBCs offer 2-way pallet jack access with 4-way forklift compatibility.
3-Way Access
Carbon steel and stainless steel IBCs provide 3-way access for both pallet jacks and forklifts for enhanced maneuverability.
4-Way Access
Caged IBC totes and HDPE containers offer maximum accessibility with 4-way access for both equipment types.
IBC Materials & Pricing Guide
Understanding the different materials and their cost implications helps you choose the right IBC for your specific application and budget requirements.
| Material Type | Capacity Range | Price Range | Dimensions (L×W×H) |
|---|---|---|---|
Poly Cage Composite Steel cage + HDPE bottle | 275 - 330 gallons | $180 - $300 | 45" × 40" × 46" to 48" × 40" × 53" |
HDPE Plastic High-density polyethylene | 120 - 550 gallons | $620 - $2,700 | 45" × 45" × 36.5" to 81" × 48" × 60" |
Carbon Steel Industrial strength metal | 110 - 550 gallons | $1,300 - $1,550 | 48" × 40" × 20" to 48" × 42" × 71" |
Stainless Steel Food grade, corrosion resistant | 110 - 550 gallons | $1,700 - $3,000 | 48" × 40" × 20" to 48" × 42" × 71" |
Most Popular Volume
275 & 330 Gallons
Equivalent to 55-gallon drum pallet sizes
Most Common Model
Composite Caged
Low cost and high versatility
Most Common Material
HDPE
Durability and chemical compatibility
Food Grade Choice
Stainless Steel
Cleanliness and hygiene capabilities
Stacking & Handling Specifications
IBC totes are engineered for safe stacking during storage and transport. Understanding stacking limits and calculations ensures optimal warehouse efficiency while maintaining safety standards.
Stacking Guidelines by Condition
Full Capacity Stacking
IBCs at maximum gross weight can typically be stacked 2 high for safe storage and transport operations.
Empty Container Stacking
Empty IBCs can often be stacked 3 high for storage, with larger capacity containers requiring more caution.
Small Capacity High Stacking
110-220 gallon IBCs and empty caged totes may be stacked 4 high in controlled storage environments.
Stacking Load Examples
Maximum stacking test load capacity
Maximum stacking test load capacity
Example high-capacity stacking load
Stacking Calculation Formula
Stacking Test Load ÷ Maximum Gross Mass = Maximum Stack Height
Factors Affecting Stacking Capacity
IBC Model Type
Different models have varying structural strengths and stacking capabilities
Total Volume
Larger capacity containers require reduced stacking heights due to weight
Fill Status
Empty containers can be stacked higher than full ones safely
Environmental
Wind exposure and seismic activity may require reduced stacking
Transport & Logistics Specifications
Optimize your shipping efficiency with detailed transport specifications. Understanding how many IBCs fit in different truck sizes helps plan logistics and calculate shipping costs effectively.
275 & 330 Gallon Caged Totes
250-350 Gallon HDPE/Metal
450-550 Gallon Large
Transport Capacity by Truck Size
IBC quantities for various standard freight truck lengths
| Truck Length | Caged IBCs (275 & 330 gal) | HDPE IBCs (120-330 gal) | Metal IBCs (110-350 gal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48' (576") | 56 Total | 48 Total | 52 Total |
| 50' (600") | 60 Total | 52 Total | 56 Total |
| 53' (636") *Most Common | 60 Total | 56 Total | 60 Total |
| 57' (684") | 68 Total | 60 Total | 64 Total |
| 59' (708") | 68 Total | 60 Total | 64 Total |
IBC Totes vs. Traditional Drums
IBCs offer significant advantages over traditional 55-gallon drums in terms of space efficiency, handling convenience, and overall logistics cost-effectiveness.
Space Efficiency Comparison
Volume Equivalency
Replaces 1.25 pallets of drums
Replaces 1.5 pallets of drums
Replaces 2.5 pallets of drums
IBC Advantages Over Drums
Space Efficiency
Up to 2.5x more volume in same footprint
Handling Ease
Single unit vs. multiple drum handling
Access Ports
Top and bottom access with quick connections
Cost Efficiency
Lower per-gallon shipping and handling costs
Reusability
Longer service life and reconditioning options
Maximum Truck Capacity Comparison
53-foot freight truck capacity comparison
IBC Inlet, Outlet & Accessory Options
Understanding IBC fittings, valves, and connection options helps optimize your container setup for specific applications and operational requirements.
Inlet & Fill Port Options
Standard vented screw cap for most IBC types
Available Inlet Sizes:
Lid Type Options:
- • Standard vented screw caps
- • Heavy duty screw caps
- • GEM caps for enhanced sealing
- • Polypropylene vented caps
- • Wide-mouth threaded manways
- • Bolted clamp-ring vented manways
Outlet & Discharge Systems
2" male camlock quick disconnect coupler
Bulkhead Fitting Materials:
Additional Options:
- • Various discharge ball valves
- • Bolted bulkhead fittings
- • IBC hoses (PVC, XLPE)
- • Usage pumps (gas/electric)
- • Top/bottom unloading systems
Chemical Compatibility Important
Always verify that your IBC material and fittings are compatible with your specific chemicals. For example, HDPE IBCs are recommended for hydrochloric acid applications over metal containers. Consult our compatibility charts or contact our experts for guidance.
Ready to Find Your Perfect IBC Tote?
With our comprehensive selection and expert guidance, we'll help you find the ideal IBC tote for your specific application.