Intermediate bulk containers (IBC totes) are known for their dependability, strength, easy handling features, large capacities, ability to handle various cargo and commodities, and their UN/DOT shipping approval. As various cargoes have different weights, different structures have different max weight loads, and vehicles different gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR), the tare weight of the IBC tote itself can become an important consideration between applications and selecting the right IBC type and size.
What Determines the Weight of an IBC Container
The weight of an empty IBC tote will depend on the materials the tote is built from, the tote’s size (i.e., volume capacity), and additional accessories, features, or customizations. Let’s explore this concept:
Standard IBC Tank:
A standard 275 gallon (1000 liter) poly caged IBC tote, complete with a drain valve, lid, steel cage and base, weighs approximately 135 pounds (61.2 kilograms) when empty.
Size Variation:
An empty IBC tote’s weight can range anywhere from 135 to 675 pounds and will depend on tote volume and construction material. The lightest IBC is the 275 gallon caged tote, while the heaviest are the 450 gallon carbon steel IBC and 550 gallon stainless steel IBC tanks.
Tote Weights:
Here’s a summary of IBC tote weights for common IBC models and capacities:
- 275 Gallon Poly Caged IBC Tote: 135 lbs
- 330 Gallon Poly Caged IBC Tote: 155 lbs
- 120 Gallon Premium Stacking IBC Tote: 185 lbs
- 220 Gallon Ultratainer IBC Tote: 268 lbs
- 300 Gallon Stainless Steel IBC Tote: 424 lbs
- 550 Gallon Stainless Steel IBC Tote: 650 lbs
- 550 Gallon Megatainer IBC Tote: 570 lbs
Tare Weight:
The tare weight (empty weight) of just the inner plastic bottle of a 330 gallon caged IBC tote generally ranges around 42 lbs (19 kg), the composite pallet base by itself around 35 lbs (16 kg), and the steel frame around 53 lbs (24 kg).
Material Considerations:
An IBC’s construction material will make a significant difference in the total weight of the IBC model product. For build material, rigid IBCs are made from either high-density polyethylene, carbon steel, or stainless steel. Polyethylene, being a synthetic plastic material, means plastic IBCs will be significantly lighter than metal-built IBCs.
Other Factors:
Additional points such as wall thickness (manufacturer specific), the type of pallet either plastic, wood, metal, or composite (caged IBC specific), and any accessories, extra components, or customizations can influence an empty IBC’s total weight.
IBC Weight and Logistics
IBC tote weight is an essential consideration in transportation applications and company logistics. The IBC’s overall weight can affect the total amount of product that can be transported at once, which can directly influence transport efficiency and costs. IBC tanks that are lighter in weight will allow more product to be transported as the IBC is contributing less to the total vehicle weight.
Takeaway
Understanding the weight of an empty IBC container can make for safer handling, better transportation, easier maneuvering, and potential cost savings. Always consider and compare different tare weights between different IBC models when searching for the option that best suits your application needs.
