| Intermediate bulk containers are becoming an | | | | as you move from stainless steel drums to |
| increasingly popular alternative to stainless steel drums | | | | intermediate bulk containers. |
| for a variety of well-documented factors: | | | | For the most comprehensive guidance, it's best to |
| - Lower labor costs | | | | consult a reputable IBC sales and service provider. A |
| - Decreased overall packaging costs | | | | specialist in intermediate bulk containers will be able to |
| - Fewer general expenses | | | | provide the latest information, as well as useful |
| - Less product lossManufacturers and transporters | | | | recommendations on everything from storage to |
| also are turning to IBCs thanks to the tote tanks' | | | | cleaning to reconditioning. |
| strong reputation as a green alternative. Because IBCs | | | | One of the first things a good IBC provider will tell you |
| are returnable and completely drainable, they generate | | | | to consider is the size and number of intermediate bulk |
| less waste through the elimination of pallet and drum | | | | containers you should acquire, which has a direct |
| disposal and the lack of product waste. | | | | impact on the number of trucks needed to transport |
| Intermediate bulk containers also fill faster than drums, | | | | your material. |
| saving energy and reducing operating costs. Another | | | | Here is the basic rule of thumb for 350-gallon IBCs: |
| green advantage is that fewer IBCs can transport the | | | | about one tote per linear trailer foot. So 48 containers |
| same volume of product as a larger number of drums, | | | | fit in a 48' trailer; 52 in a 53' trailer. For 550-gallon tanks, |
| thereby lowering freight costs and fuel consumption. | | | | the ratio is about 2:1, so a 48' trailer can accommodate |
| As with any transition, there's a definite learning curve | | | | about 24 IBCs, and a 53' foot trailer, 26. |