IBC Tote Specifications: Understanding Costs, Sizes and Dimensions (2024)

Resource Contents:

1. Common IBC Tote Engineering, Sizes, and Capacity
2. Individual IBC Model Dimensions, Specifications, Costs
3. IBC Use Logistics, Handling, and Stacking
   
4. Comparing IBCs vs. Drums, Other Portable Containers
   

IBC Engineering

Intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) have a standard transport pallet’s shape and easy-to-integrate rectangular footprint that provides multi-directional maneuverability. IBC containers can be 2-way, 3-way, or 4-way forklift / pallet jack accessible. IBCs have been engineered with bases that maintain the container’s footprint and dimensions to within a standard, world-wide pallet size for acceptability, versatility, and integration.

IBCs are manufactured in capacities from 110 gallons up to 550 gallons while maintaining the IBC’s footprint specifications. An increase in IBC container volume is accompanied by an increase in height alone for all but caged poly IBC totes, which experience a small change in pallet base size with capacity increase from 275 to 330 gallons.

IBC Common Footprint Dimensions

IBC tote engineering makes IBCs well suited for forklift and pallet jack handling, as well as stackable up to their designed weight limit. The common design characteristics of IBCs allow them to efficiently integrate into logistic streams that feature product filling, packaging, transit, transfer, and dispensing.

• IBC tanks have base dimensions near an internationally-accepted, most used, standard pallet dimension of 48″ L x 40″ W ⇒ Common Pallet Area: 13.3 sq.ft.
• IBCs have a common base footprint around 45″ L x 45″ W ⇒ Common IBC Base Area: 14.06 sq.ft
• Across IBC models and capacities, average tote area dimensions are: 45″ L x 45″ W x 50″ H ⇒ Average IBC Total Area Volume: 58.59 cu.ft.

IBC Pallet and Forklift Access

IBC containers have been engineered with integrated pallet bases that feature forklift, pallet jack channels for either 2-way, 3-way, or 4-way mobility access. The extent of tool access varies by IBC model. The following overviews the available mobility access by IBC model:

• 2-Way Pallet Jack; 4-Way Forklift | Standard Square Stackable, Premium, Widemouth IBCs
• 3-Way Pallet Jack; 3-Way Forklift | Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel IBCs
• 4-Way Pallet Jack; 4-Way Forklift | Caged IBC Totes, HDPE IBCs

Common IBC Tank Capacities, Materials, and Costs

IBC totes are available manufactured from High Density Polyethylene, (HDPE), Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, or are a Steel and Plastic Composite. IBC Container pricing ranges from $200 up to $5,500+ USD and is dependent on IBC model and its gallon capacity.

Most Common IBC Volume:

—275 gallons and 330 gallons due to their equivalence to 55 gallon drum-pallet sizes and volumes.

Most Common IBC Model:

— Composite, steel-caged poly totes due to their low cost and versatility.

Most Common IBC Material:

— High-density polyethylene used in composite and all plastic IBCs due to HDPE’s durability and compatibility.

Most Common Food Grade IBCs:

— Stainless steel metal IBCs due to their cleanliness and strict hygiene capabilities.

Poly Caged Totes

Composite, caged IBC totes offer a low-cost option largely intended for one time use in applications involving or transporting chemical industry, solvents, acids, caustics, detergents, ag crop chemicals, and food industry ingredients. Caged IBCs are acceptable for repeat use with inert, non-sensitive commodities as well as in water storage and provision applications.

All Plastic IBCs

Polyethylene (HDPE) IBC tanks are rotationally molded to 1/2″ thick plastic. This IBC type is very durable, widely reusable, and largely resistant to corrosion and other chemical attack. HDPE IBCs are well suited for operations involving chemicals, petroleum products, water, and general hazardous, non-hazardous materials. Excalibur totes are a plastic IBC model that have been selectively engineered as a modern, more durable alternative to the common poly caged IBC.

Metal IBC Tanks

Metal IBCs — carbon and stainless steel — are the industry’s strongest and most resistant IBC model with the longest average service life. The carbon steel IBC type is widely used for chemicals, lubricants, oils, and solvents. The stainless steel IBC model is well used within food, beverage, vineyards, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries due to their intensive hygiene capabilities. Metal IBCs are collectively used extensively in the oil and gas industry due to their corrosion resistance and NFPA 30 approval for up to Class I flammable, combustible material storage.

*Note: Food Grade IBCs will generally have increased purchase costs due to complete tank, gasket and component manufacture from FDA certified, food grade materials.

IBC Material Specs & Chemical Handling

An IBC tank’s overall chemical/commodity resistance is specific to the IBC container’s material of manufacture. Verifying the suitability between IBC and the chemical to be handled is always important in representative applications for ensuring service longevity, product security, and worker/environment safety.

The IBC material that is most suitable for use can vary on the individual case needs and cargo commodity characteristics. In chemical handling operations, metal isn’t always the strongest product when it comes to chemical resistance. Hydrochloric acid (HCl; muriatic acid) is an excellent scenario where HDPE IBCs are the recommended handling tanks for HCl applications versus metal IBC containers. See the following further chemical use information for the different IBC material types.

IBC Lids, Inlets, and Outlets | Usage Dimensions

IBC containers’ inlet, outlet sizes and lids come standard to IBC models but can often be customized on request. IBC inlet, outlet sizes do not change as tank capacity increases within a single IBC model. If looking for more information concerning IBC tote fittings, valves, or other components, visit our IBC Tank Fittings and Components Page.

Inlet Fill / Lids

The most common IBC inlet/fill port size is 6″. The inlet size can vary on container model with some overlap between types. Other IBC inlet sizes include: 6.5″, 7″, 18″, 20″, and 22.5″ fill ports.

The most common IBC container lid is the standard vented, 6″ screw cap installed on poly caged totes, ultratainer IBCs, and excalibur totes. Other available IBC lid options include: heavy duty screw caps; GEM caps; polypropylene vented screw caps; wide-mouth threaded, vented manways; bolted clamp-ring vented manways.

Outlet / Discharge

Common outlet standards for IBCs are 2″ discharge ball valves featuring a 2″ male camlock, quick disconnect coupler. IBC outlets can be manufactured from various materials to meet different applications compatibility needs. Other IBC outlet options include:

1. Bulkhead Fittings (in polypropylene, stainless steel, PVC, CPVC)
2. Bolted Bulkheads (in same)
3. Various Discharge Ball Valves (in PVC, CPVC, stainless steel)
4. IBC Hoses (in PVC, XLPE)
5. IBC Usage Pumps (in gas, electric, top/bottom unloading)

— Check out our IBC tote vales for sale—

Number of IBCs acceptable for stacking will depend on:

1. IBC model;
2. IBC tank total volume capacity;
3. Whether the IBC is full or empty, and;
4. Potential local environmental conditions such as high wind exposure and seismic activity.

Common Stacking of IBC Totes

Caged, poly IBC totes in 275 – 330 gallon capacities, are acceptable for stacking 4 high if the IBCs are empty and in a storage-type environment; caged totes are recommended for 2 high stacking if filled to max cargo weight. Most larger capacity IBC tanks, 275 gallons and up, are generally only approved for 3 empty, 2 full stacking due to a growing collective tank height and weight as well as a rising center of gravity.

Stacking IBCs 4-High

Stacking IBCs four (4) high is often limited to low height, small capacity IBCs ranging from 110 to 220 gallons and empty poly caged totes. Four-high stacking is largely reserved for IBC storage handling and should always be accompanied by professional judgment and/or potential engineering support depending on the IBC model, capacity, and especially if filled.

Common IBC Stacking when Filled

Caged, poly IBCs in 275 to 330 gallon capacities are rated for stacking 2 high if the total payload is at the IBC’s maximum gross mass. The stacking capability of caged totes differs from other IBC models due to their composite engineering.

Caged IBC totes feature unique, additional labels that specify their total stacking test load. IBCTanks’ model examples:

• 275 Gallon Caged Tote: Stacking Test Load, 3,210 lbs (1,605 kg)
• 330 Gallon Caged Totes: Stacking Test Load, 3,866 lbs (1,933 kg)

1. IBC Stacking Test Load: Cargo or other IBCs are rated for stacking on our example 120 gallon tote up to its stacking test load value of 9,816 lbs (4,462 kg)
2. IBC Maximum Permissible Gross Mass: The total allowed transit weight for the complete IBC and inner cargo; our example IBC has a maximum scale weight of 2,063 lbs (938 kg)

IBC Stacking Quantity Calculation

To determine the number of IBCs that can be stacked when fully filled, divide the IBC’s stacking test load by the stacking IBC’s maximum gross mass value seen on the UN/DOT permit label. The amount of IBCs permissible for filled-stacking will depend on IBC model and its rated test load. Our example 120 gallon IBC has test ratings approving it to maintain container integrity when stacked fully loaded up to 4 high; (mathematically this is: 9,816 lbs ÷ 2,063 lbs = 4.76, or 4 IBCs).

Our example 120 gallon full and stacked four high would approximate 8,252 lbs and 11.5’ in height—a potentially hazardous worker situation less the IBCs have been restrained, somehow confined, stored, or are within an active, supervised operation environment. Professional judgment should always accompany total stacking of filled IBCs.

IBC Transport Specifications | How Many Can Stack During Transit?

Many IBC totes are suitable for stacking 2 high during transit, effectively doubling a transport’s potential payload capabilities. The total number of IBCs that will stack for transport will depend on the IBC model, its capacity and corresponding height, the IBC’s test load rating, and the full size of the transport vehicle. IBC transport stacking should always be well-secured, contained, and restricted from movement.

Smaller capacity, low height IBCs—typically within 110 to 250 gallons—can potentially stack 3 high for transit within common, average-sized freight trucks. IBCs with volumes above 250 gallons tend to be suited for 2 high transport. When stacking IBCs, especially for transport, the stability, integrity, and safety of the container and immediate service environment should always be maintained.

Transporting 275 & 330 Gallon Caged Poly Totes

Poly caged totes are 45/48″L x 40″W x 46/53″H (275/330 gal). At these dimensions on an average 53ft. semi-trailer, potentially up to 2 full rows of 15 caged IBCs stacked 2 high could fit for:

• Total Caged IBCs in 53ft Truck: 60 IBCs
• Total IBC Volume: 16,500 – 19,800 Gallons
• Cubic Volume Total: 2,875 – 3,533 Cu.Ft.

Transporting 250 to 350 Gallon HDPE / Metal IBC Tanks

Medium capacity IBC containers have 250 to 350 gallon capacity ranges, dimension ranges from 48″L x 42″W x 35″H to 46″L x 46″W x 71″H; lower capacity and metal IBCs can potentially stack 2 high during transport for:

• Total 250-350 Gal. IBCs in 53ft Truck: 28 – 56 IBCs
• Total IBC Volume : 7,000 – 19,600 Gallons
• Cubic Volume Total: 1,143 – 3,070 Cu.Ft.

Transporting 110 to 250 Gallon Small Height IBCs

Small height, low capacity IBC tanks range from 110 to 250 gallons. Low end IBC volumes have heights limited enough for potential 3 high stacking during transport, up to 250 gallons can stack 2 high for:

• Total 110-250 Gal IBCs in 53ft Trucks: 56 – 84 IBCs
• Total IBC Volume: 9,240 – 14,000 Gallons
• Cubic Volume Total: 1,960 – 2,287 Cu.Ft.

Transporting 450 to 550 Gallon HDPE / Metal IBCs

Large capacity, 450 to 550 gallon IBCs have overall tank heights that are too large for 2-high stacking within traditional, covered transport vehicles. This IBC group dimensions range from 48″L x 42″W x 59″H up to 57″L x 49″W x 90.25″H. For 450 to 550 gallon IBCs:

• Total 450-550 Gallon IBCs in 53′ Truck: 30 IBCs
• Total IBC Volume: 13,500 – 16,500 Gallons
• Cubic Volume Total: 2,065 – 4,376 Cu.Ft.

How Many IBCs Can Fit within Various Freight Truck Sizes

The following table compares the amount of average IBC totes that will fit for transit within various common tractor trailer lengths.

Traditional shipping drums are 55 gallon containers with dimensions that allow for only four (4) to fit per standard pallet, maximizing drum-pallet volume capacity at 220 gallons. Most IBCs occupy the footprint of a single pallet base and with a total volume range of 110 to 550 gallons, which provides a potential volume up to two times (2x) greater than the drum-pallet max capacity, also meaning twice the shipping cargo potential.

When compared to total pallet quantity, the volume range of IBCs, 110 to 550 gallons, is the equivalent of 2 to 10 standard shipping drums that would fit on 0.5 to 2.5 pallets. This means a solitary 550 gallon IBC container could replace 2.5 pallets worth of 55 gallon drums in a single pallet’s worth of space while still providing the desired 550 gallons of shipping product.

Poly Steel Caged IBC Totes vs 55 Gallon Drums

275 gallon and 330 gallon caged IBC totes are the most commonly used IBC type and capacity among IBC models manufactured from either plastic or metal. When compared to filling/dispensing of standard 55 gallon drums, poly caged IBCs feature top and bottom access ports and quick pump, hose attachment capabilities foreasy product containerization. When compared to the shipping dimensions of standard 55 gallon drums:

• 275 gallon IBCs are equivalent to five (5) 55 gallon drums, which would occupy 1.25 pallets
• 330 gallon IBCs are equivalent to six (6) 55 gallon drums, which would occupy 1.5 pallets

Comparing IBCs and Commonly Used Portable Tanks

Intermediate bulk containers and other common portable tanks have various volume capacity, size, and price ranges. The following compares IBC totes against other portable tanks.

IBC v. Portable Tanks Summary

The freight cost per gallon of the common transit containers is also directly related to it’s complete service life from purchase to disposal. IBC containers typically have longer service lives than other portable containers, and this significantly decreases an IBC’s total life per gallon freight costs due to it’s returnable, reusable, and long-lasting engineering.

When considering company logistics, economics, as well as shipping safety, IBC tanks are cost-effective, well-designed, reliable, multi-use transit containers that are built for years of repeat use and handling. IBC tote engineering provides a better priced option against other common portable container types and come in a variety of gallon sizes, dimensions, and compatible materials. When selecting IBC containers, choose the one that best matches your individual application need.

Entire IBC Model Specifications

The information below concerns the volume capacities, pallet base dimensions, tank total height, and weight for the following IBC models:

• Galvanized Steel, Caged IBC Totes
• Standard Square Stackable
• Premium Square Stackable
• Widemouth Square Stackable
• Ultratainer
• Widemouth Ultratainer
• Voyager Totes
• Voyager Plus
• Voyager XL
• Megatainer
• Excalibur IBC Totes
• Stainless Steel
• Carbon Steel

IBC Tanks | The IBC Tote Authority

We aim hard here at IBC Tanks to provide quality IBC tote information that is relevant for inquiring professionals, enterprises, corporations, small-businesses, individuals and the like. For IBC information, review our IBC Tote FAQs and our IBC Tote Resource Center.

If you have a question, would like further assistance in IBC acquisition, want to request custom IBCs or custom size dimensions, or simply don’t see the resources you’re looking for or need: contact us, let us know. Use the details below to call, email, or send us a message. Our team is always ready to assist.