Shipping drums (also known as barrels) come in different sizes, materials, and types. They are used to transport and store liquids and dry bulk materials such as liquids, powders, granule compounds, chemicals, product parts, and food ingredients. Hazardous materials are also stored and transported in drums.
STEEL SHIPPING DRUMS
Steel drums are extremely durable. Stronger and more resilient than plastic or fiberboard drums, they are cost-effective, reusable, and long-lasting.
✓ Manufactured using steel, stainless, cold rolled, or carbon steel
✓ Manufactured by forming the bottom and top, and rolling and welding to sides
✓ Can have an interior plastic lining to accommodate a broader range of liquids
✓ Should never be used to contain acidic materials
PLASTIC SHIPPING DRUMS
The most popular option, plastic drums are lighter than steel drums, making them less expensive to ship. Long-lasting and reusable, plastic drums are a good choice for transporting and storing liquids, dry goods, and food items.
✓ Made of thermoplastics (PVC, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), nylon, and polystyrene)
✓ Manufactured by blow molding (extrusion, injection, and injection stretch)
✓ Used for liquids, dry powders, or granular materials
✓ Not compatible with some solvents
FIBERBOARD SHIPPING DRUMS
Fiberboard drums are cost-effective and incredibly light to handle, but not as durable as plastic or steel. Fiber drums can be adapted for specific uses by changing the size, lid, and lining.
✓ Formed from layers of heavy-weight virgin kraft paper
✓ Fiberboard covers are closed with steel rims and lever clamps
✓ Primarily used to transport dry goods but can be coated or lined for liquids
✓ Can be coated inside with aluminum, polyethylene, colored kraft, polyester, or silicone
✓ When no longer useful, fiber drums can be broken down and recycled
SHIPPING DRUM HEAD TYPES
Open-head Drums
✓ Removable covers that are closed with bolt rings or a lever lock
✓ Typically used for shipping solid materials and thick liquids
Closed-head Drums (Tight-head Drums)
✓ Non-removable covers
✓ Openings on the top with 2 screw-on bungs to seal the drum
✓ Plastic cap-seals can be affixed over the bungs
✓ Typically used to transport liquids
SHIPPING TOTES (Intermediate Bulk Containers or IBCs)
Shipping totes are cube-shaped industrial containers that are designed to store and transport products in larger quantities than drums. Totes take up less space than the equivalent capacity in round drums and their shape allows them to store 25% more content on a pallet.
IBCs are most commonly used to transport and store liquids, semi-solids, and powders such as:
✓ Liquids
✓ Grains
✓ Food ingredients
✓ Chemicals
✓ Solvents
✓ Pharmaceuticals
✓ Sand
Shipping Tote features:
✓ Can be pallet-mounted, making them easy to move with a forklift or pallet jack
✓ Contents are easily transferred using a tap at the base of the container
✓ Designed to be stacked with 45” wide x 45” long base dimensions that align with pallet size
✓ Height varies based on volume with the most common sizes being 275 gallons and 330 gallons.
Shipping Tote Materials / Types
IBCs are made from a range of materials. The most common type is a Composite IBC, with a rigid plastic inner container surrounded by a galvanized metal outer cage.
IBCs are also available as:
✓ Metal IBCs — constructed of metal (aluminum or steel), collapsible when empty
✓ Flexible IBCs (bulk bags) — made of woven materials (paper, plastic, or fabric), collapsible when empty
✓ Fiberboard IBCs — constructed of fiberboard, cannot be collapsed
✓ Rigid Plastic IBCs — made from a plastic, cannot be collapsed
✓ Wood IBCs — made from a variety of woods, cannot be collapsed
SHIPPING PAILS
Shipping pails are smaller weatherproof and puncture-resistant containers suitable for industrial, commercial, and consumer applications. They come in a range of sizes, shapes, and colors and can ship individually, as unit loads on pallets, or individually in corrugated fiberboard boxes.
✓ Available in plastic and steel
✓ Cover gaskets and closure options for best product compatibility and easy pouring or blending
✓ Bail handles and/or molded-in handles for secure and comfortable handling and dispensing
✓ Can be colored and/or surface treated to provide your product with the UV protection required
✓ Available open-head (removable lid) or tight-head or closed-head (sealed covers, bung closure)
✓ Open-head shipping pails are available with twist-lock, snap-lock, and tab-Lock Lid options
SHIPPING DRUM SIZE GUIDE
Disclaimer: This is a general guide only. The information in this chart was compiled from different manufacturer and supplier websites. Product specifications may vary based on construction materials, purpose, options, and manufacturer. Please contact shipping drum manufacturers and suppliers directly for guidance in choosing the most appropriate shipping drum, tote, or pail for your products.
Sources: www.thecarycompany.com www.skolnik.com www.generalcontainer.com
| TYPE | TYPE | MATERIALS | CAPACITY | DIMENSION | WEIGHT |
| IBC Tote | w/pallet | HDPE/ Steel | 135 gal. | 40″ x 48″ x 27″ H | 20.4 lbs. |
| IBC Tote | w/pallet | HDPE/ Steel | 275 gal. | 40″ x 48″ x 46″ H | 135 lbs. |
| IBC Tote | w/pallet | HDPE/ Steel | 330 gal. | 40″ x 48″ x 53″ H | 155 lbs. |
| TYPE | TYPE | MATERIALS | CAPACITY | DIMENSIONS | WEIGHT |
| Steel Drum | Tight-head | 304-2B Stainless Steel | 5 gal. | 14″ W x 9.4″ H | 10 lbs. |
| Steel Drum | Tight-head | 304-2B Stainless Steel | 8 gal. | 14″ W x 15.1″ H | 14 lbs. |
| Steel Drum | Tight-head | 304-2B Stainless Steel | 10 gal. | 14″ W x 18″ H | 15 lbs. |
| Steel Drum | Tight-head | 304-2B Stainless Steel | 16 gal. | 14″ W x 26″ H | 19 lbs. |
| Steel Drum | Tight-head | 304-2B Stainless Steel | 20 gal. | 18.25″ W x 20″ H | 27 lbs. |
| Steel Drum | Tight-head | 304-2B Stainless Steel | 30 gal. | 18.25″ W x27.8″ H | 33 lbs. |
| Steel Drum | Tight-head | 304-2B Stainless Steel | 55 gal. | 22.5″ W x 33.5″ H | 48 lbs. |
| TYPE | TYPE | MATERIALS | CAPACITY | DIMENSIONS | WEIGHT |
| Steel Drum | Open-head | 304-2B Stainless Steel | 5 gal. | 14″ W x 8.9″ H | 10 lbs. |
| Steel Drum | Open-head | 304-2B Stainless Steel | 8 gal. | 14″ W x 14.4″ H | 14 lbs. |
| Steel Drum | Open-head | 304-2B Stainless Steel | 10 gal. | 14″ W x 17.4″ H | 15 lbs. |
| Steel Drum | Open-head | 304-2B Stainless Steel | 16 gal. | 14″W x 25.6″ H | 19 lbs. |
| Steel Drum | Open-head | 304-2B Stainless Steel | 20 gal. | 18.25″ W x 19.2″ H | 25 lbs. |
| Steel Drum | Open-head | 304-2B Stainless Steel | 30 gal. | 18.25″ W x 26.6″ H | 35 lbs. |
| Steel Drum | Open-head | 304-2B Stainless Steel | 55 gal. | 22.5″ W x 32.8″ H | 50 lbs. |
| Steel Drum | Open-head | 304-2B Stainless Steel | 65 gal. | 30″ W x 21.4″ H – inside | 86.5 lbs. |
| Steel Drum | Open-head | 304-2B Stainless Steel | 85 gal. | 26″ W x 36.8″ H – inside | 82 lbs. |
| Steel Drum | Open-head | 304-2B Stainless Steel | 110 gal. | 30″ W x 40.8″ H – inside | 105 lbs. |
| TYPE | TYPE | MATERIALS | CAPACITY | DIMENSIONS | WEIGHT |
| Plastic Drum | Open-head | HDPE | 8 gal. | 13.25″ W x 19.6875″ H | 4.5 lbs. |
| Plastic Drum | Open-head | HDPE | 15 gal. | 15″ W x 19.5″ H | 7 lbs. |
| Plastic Drum | Open-head | HDPE | 30 gal. | 18.5″ W x 29.75″ H | 17.5 lbs. |
| Plastic Drum | Open-head | HDPE | 55 gal. | 24.25″ W x 36″ H | 25.5 lbs. |
| TYPE | TYPE | MATERIALS | CAPACITY | DIMENSIONS | WEIGHT |
| Plastic Drum | Closed-head | HDPE | 15 gal. | 14.5″ W x 26.5″ H | 9.5 lbs. |
| Plastic Drum | Closed-head | HDPE | 30 gal. | 19.25″ W x 29.5″ H | 15.5 lbs. |
| Plastic Drum | Closed-head | HDPE | 55 gal. | 23.75″ W x 35″ H | 23 lbs. |
| TYPE | TYPE | MATERIALS | CAPACITY | DIMENSIONS | WEIGHT |
| Fiber Drums | Open-head | Paper/Steel | 6.5 gal. | 16″ W x 9.5 ” H | 4 lbs. |
| Fiber Drums | Open-head | Paper/Steel | 10 gal. | 16″ W x 13.5″ H | 7 lbs. |
| Fiber Drums | Open-head | Paper/Steel | 15 gal. | 16″ W x 20.5″ H | 7 lbs. |
| Fiber Drums | Open-head | Paper/Steel | 20 gal. | 16″ W x 25.5″ H | 8 lbs. |
| Fiber Drums | Open-head | Paper/Steel | 30 gal. | 19″ W x 27″ H | 13 lbs. |
| Fiber Drums | Open-head | Paper/Steel | 35 gal. | 19″ W x 31.625″ H | 14 lbs. |
| Fiber Drums | Open-head | Paper/Steel | 41 gal. | 22.125″ W x 27.25″ H | 15 lbs. |
| Fiber Drums | Open-head | Paper/Steel | 44 gal. | 22.125″ W x 29.25″ H | 16 lbs. |
| Fiber Drums | Open-head | Paper/Steel | 55 gal. | 22.125″ W x 35.5″ H | 17 lbs. |
| Fiber Drums | Open-head | Paper/Steel | 72 gal. | 23.5″ W x 41.25 ” H | 20 lbs. |
| TYPE | TYPE | MATERIALS | CAPACITY | DIMENSIONS | WEIGHT |
| Steel Pail | Open-head | Steel | 1 gal. | 11.75″ W x 8.25″ H | 1.25 gal. |
| Steel Pail | Open-head | Steel | 2 gal. | 11.75″ W x 9.5″ H | 2 gal. |
| Steel Pail | Open-head | Steel | 5 gal. | 11.75″ W x 9.875″ H | 3 gal. |
| Steel Pail | Open-head | Steel | 5 gal. | 8.5625″ W x13.375 ” H | 6 gal. |
| Steel Pail | Open-head | Steel | 6 gal. | 7.125″ W x 15.875 H | 7 gal. |
| TYPE | TYPE | MATERIALS | CAPACITY | DIMENSIONS | WEIGHT |
| Steel Pail | Closed-head | Steel | 1 gal. | 6.375″ W x 8.625″ H | 2 lbs. |
| Steel Pail | Closed-head | Steel | 3.5 gal. | 10.875″ W x 10.5″ H | 4 lbs. |
| Steel Pail | Closed-head | Steel | 5 gal. | 10.875″ W x 13.625″ H | 6 lbs. |
| Steel Pail | Closed-head | Steel | 7 gal. | 10.875″ W x 18.5″ H | 6.5 lbs. |
| TYPE | TYPE | MATERIALS | CAPACITY | DIMENSIONS | WEIGHT |
| Plastic Pail | Screw Top | HDPE | 1.25 gal. | 8.5″ W x 8.25″ H | 1.5 lbs. |
| Plastic Pail | Screw Top | HDPE | 2 gal. | 9.75″ W X 10.25″ H | 2 lbs. |
| Plastic Pail | Screw Top | HDPE | 3.5 gal. | 12.75″ W x 10.75″ H | 3 lbs. |
| Plastic Pail | Screw Top | HDPE | 5 gal. | 12.75″ W x 13.5″ H | 4 lbs. |
| Plastic Pail | Screw Top | HDPE | 6.5 gal. | 12.75″ W x 16.625″ H | 4.5 lbs. |
| TYPE | TYPE | MATERIALS | CAPACITY | DIMENSIONS | WEIGHT |
| Plastic Pail | Snap Top | HDPE | 1.25 gal. | 8″ W x 7.25″ H | 0.75 lbs. |
| Plastic Pail | Snap Top | HDPE | 2 gal. | 9.5625″ W x 9.5″ H | 1 lb. |
| Plastic Pail | Snap Top | HDPE | 3.5 gal. | 12″ W x 10.5″ H | 3 lbs. |
| Plastic Pail | Snap Top | HDPE | 5 gal. | 12″ W x 14.5″ H | 3.5 lbs. |
| Plastic Pail | Snap Top | HDPE | 6.5 gal. | 12″ W x 17.5″ H | 4 lbs. |
Commercial Freight Services, Inc., (CFS) operating as a certified cargo screening facility (CCSF) in Detroit Michigan since 2008, is capable of screening bulk commodities in shipping drums, totes, and pails and is currently certifying shipments at their facility near Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW).
To speak with a CFS cargo screening specialist: Phone: (866) 255-6153, email: info@cfsdtw.com – or request a callback consultation.
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