IBC Totes
Intermediate Bulk Containers for liquid and granular material storage and transport. New, rebottled, and reconditioned options at competitive prices.
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About IBC Totes
IBC totes — short for Intermediate Bulk Containers — are reusable industrial containers engineered for the efficient transport and storage of bulk liquids, semi-solids, pastes, and granular materials. They bridge the gap between 55-gallon drums and full tanker trucks, offering a practical mid-range solution that holds 275 to 330 gallons of product in a single, forklift-ready unit. IBCs are recognized worldwide under UN packaging standards and are used in virtually every industry that moves liquid or flowable goods.
The standard IBC tote consists of three main components: a translucent or opaque HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) bottle, a galvanized steel cage that provides structural support and stacking strength, and a pallet base (steel, plastic, or composite) that allows handling by standard forklifts and pallet jacks. The bottle features a large fill opening on top (6 or 8 inches) sealed with a screw cap and gasket, and a 2-inch discharge valve at the bottom for gravity or pump-assisted dispensing.
HDPE was chosen as the bottle material for its exceptional chemical resistance, impact toughness, and FDA approval for food-contact applications. It resists most acids, bases, alcohols, and detergents. The steel cage distributes stacking loads evenly and protects the bottle from impact damage during forklift handling, truck transit, and warehouse storage. Together, the cage and bottle form a unit that can be stacked up to four high when filled — maximizing vertical storage space.
At PackMesa, we stock new, rebottled, and reconditioned IBC totes in both 275-gallon and 330-gallon capacities. Our reconditioned totes are triple-rinsed, chemically cleaned, pressure-tested, and inspected before sale. Rebottled totes feature a brand-new HDPE bottle in an existing cage — delivering near-new performance at a fraction of the cost. Whether your operation requires FDA-compliant food-grade containers or economical totes for industrial chemicals, we have the right solution at the right price.
Technical Specifications
Available Conditions
We offer IBC totes in three conditions to match your application requirements and budget. Every used unit is cleaned, inspected, and tested before sale.
New IBC Totes
- Brand-new HDPE bottle — never held any product
- Full manufacturer warranty with certified date code
- Pristine galvanized steel cage — no dents, rust, or welds
- New pallet base (steel, plastic, or composite)
- Includes new valve and cap with factory gaskets
- Carries full UN/DOT rating for hazmat and food-grade use
- Ideal for pharmaceutical, food-contact, and sensitive chemical applications
Rebottled IBC Totes
- Brand-new HDPE bottle installed in an inspected, existing cage and pallet
- Bottle has never held any product — virgin food-grade HDPE
- Cage is cleaned, straightened, and inspected for structural integrity
- New valve and cap assemblies included
- Can qualify for food-grade and UN/DOT certification depending on previous use
- Delivers 80-90% of new tote performance at 30-50% cost savings
- Best option when you need a clean bottle but do not require a fully new unit
Reconditioned IBC Totes
- Used bottle that has been triple-rinsed, pressure washed, and inspected
- Cage cleaned and straightened — minor cosmetic imperfections may remain
- All valves tested and replaced if worn or damaged
- Pallet base inspected and repaired as needed
- Pressure-tested for leaks at fill and drain points
- Suitable for non-food industrial applications: chemicals, soaps, coatings, agriculture
- Greatest cost savings — 50-70% less than new totes
275 vs. 330 Gallon Comparison
Both sizes share the same 48×40-inch pallet footprint. The 330-gallon tote stands taller to provide 20% more capacity.
| Specification | 275 Gallon | 330 Gallon |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal Capacity | 275 gallons (1,040 L) | 330 gallons (1,250 L) |
| Overall Dimensions | 48" L × 40" W × 46" H | 48" L × 40" W × 53" H |
| Pallet Footprint | 48" × 40" (GMA standard) | 48" × 40" (GMA standard) |
| Tare Weight (steel pallet) | ~130 lbs | ~145 lbs |
| Max Gross Weight | ~2,200 lbs | ~2,600 lbs |
| Max Fill Weight (water) | ~2,295 lbs | ~2,755 lbs |
| Fill Opening | 6" or 8" screw cap | 6" or 8" screw cap |
| Outlet Valve | 2" (DN50) | 2" (DN50) |
| Stackable (filled) | Up to 4 high | Up to 3 high (taller profile) |
| Common Use | Most common — fits standard racking | Higher volume — chemical & industrial |
Valve Types Explained
The discharge valve determines how you dispense product from the tote. All three types use a standard 2-inch (DN50) connection.
Butterfly Valve
A quarter-turn valve with a disc that rotates inside the flow path. The most common factory-installed valve on IBC totes. It provides a good balance of flow rate and shutoff reliability for medium-viscosity liquids.
Advantages
- Widely available and inexpensive to replace
- Quick quarter-turn open/close operation
- Compact profile — does not protrude far from tote
- Good for moderate flow rates and medium-viscosity fluids
Considerations
- Not ideal for thick or particulate-laden fluids (disc can restrict flow)
- Disc in the flow path can cause slight pressure drop
- Seal can degrade faster with aggressive chemicals
Camlock Valve
A cam-and-groove quick-connect fitting that allows fast connection to hoses and pumps without tools. Popular in applications requiring frequent hook-up and disconnect cycles, such as chemical transfer and food processing.
Advantages
- Tool-free connect/disconnect in seconds
- Industry-standard cam-and-groove fittings
- Excellent for pump and hose connections
- Available in aluminum, stainless steel, and polypropylene
Considerations
- Slightly higher cost than butterfly valves
- Requires matching cam fitting on the hose or pump
- Protrudes further from the tote — more susceptible to damage
Ball Valve
A full-bore valve with a spherical ball that rotates to open or close the flow path. Provides the highest flow rate and is the best choice for viscous fluids, slurries, and gravity-feed applications where maximum drain speed is important.
Advantages
- Full-bore design — no flow restriction when fully open
- Best for viscous fluids, syrups, and slurries
- Excellent shutoff — minimal drip when closed
- Durable and long-lasting with few moving parts
Considerations
- Bulkier profile — protrudes further from the tote
- Higher cost than butterfly valves
- Quarter-turn handle can be accidentally bumped open if not secured
Pallet Base Options
The pallet base affects weight, durability, hygiene, and cost. Choose the right base for your handling environment.
Steel Pallet
The most common and durable base option. Formed from galvanized steel with 4-way forklift entry. Resists moisture, chemicals, and heavy loads. Steel pallets add weight but provide the longest service life and highest stacking capacity.
Advantages
- Maximum durability and stacking strength
- Fully recyclable at end of life
- 4-way forklift entry
- Resistant to chemicals and UV
Considerations
- Heaviest option (~40 lbs more than plastic)
- Can rust if galvanizing is compromised
- Higher initial cost
Plastic (HDPE) Pallet
Molded from high-density polyethylene, plastic pallets are lighter and easier to clean than steel. They are the preferred choice for food processing, pharmaceutical, and clean-room environments where hygiene and weight matter.
Advantages
- Lightweight — reduces shipping costs
- Easy to clean and sanitize
- No splinters, nails, or corrosion
- ISPM-15 exempt (no heat treatment needed)
Considerations
- Lower stacking capacity than steel
- Can crack or warp under extreme heat
- Not as rigid as steel — can flex under heavy loads
Composite (Wood/Steel) Pallet
A hybrid base combining a wooden deck with steel reinforcement brackets. Offers a balance between the low cost of wood and the strength of steel. Common on economy-grade and reconditioned totes.
Advantages
- Lower cost than full steel or plastic
- Reasonable strength for most applications
- 4-way forklift entry
- Repairable — deck boards can be replaced
Considerations
- Wood can absorb moisture and harbor bacteria
- Requires ISPM-15 heat treatment for export
- Heavier than plastic, less durable than steel
- Shorter lifespan in wet environments
How to Choose the Right IBC Tote
Six factors to evaluate before purchasing.
Contents Compatibility
The single most important factor is what you plan to store. HDPE is compatible with a wide range of chemicals, but concentrated acids, certain solvents, and oxidizers can degrade the bottle. Always check the chemical compatibility chart for HDPE before purchasing. Food-grade applications require a tote that has never held non-food chemicals, or a new / rebottled unit.
Required Certifications
If you are transporting hazardous materials, your tote must carry a valid UN/DOT rating (UN 31HA1 for liquids). This certification has a 5-year expiration date from the manufacturing date stamped on the bottle. Food-grade applications require FDA-compliant materials and a documented chain of custody showing the tote has only held food-safe products.
Capacity & Dimensions
The 275-gallon tote is the industry standard and fits most warehouse racking systems, truck interiors, and processing lines. The 330-gallon tote provides 20% more capacity with the same footprint but stands 7 inches taller — verify that it fits your racking, doorways, and trailer height. Measure your space before ordering.
Valve Type
Choose your valve based on how you will dispense the contents. Butterfly valves are standard and work for most applications. Camlock valves are best for frequent pump connections. Ball valves provide maximum flow for viscous fluids. If the valve type you need is different from what we stock, we can swap valves before delivery at a nominal cost.
New vs. Rebottled vs. Reconditioned
New totes are required for first-use food-grade and pharmaceutical applications. Rebottled totes offer a clean, new bottle at a lower price and are ideal when cage condition is less critical. Reconditioned totes are the most economical choice for non-food industrial applications where cosmetic appearance does not matter.
Budget & Volume
Unit prices decrease significantly with volume. A single reconditioned tote may cost $100-$180, but a full truckload (56-60 units) can bring the per-unit cost down to $70-$130. Plan your annual consumption and consider placing a blanket order for the best pricing. PackMesa offers volume contracts with scheduled deliveries.
Cleaning & Reconditioning Process
Every reconditioned and rebottled IBC tote we sell goes through a rigorous multi-step cleaning and inspection process.
Pre-Rinse & Residue Removal
The tote is first drained of any remaining product. A high-pressure pre-rinse with hot water (140-160°F) removes the majority of residual material from the bottle walls, bottom, and valve assembly. For viscous products like syrups or adhesives, steam injection may be used to soften and flush stubborn residue.
Chemical Wash Cycle
A cleaning solution appropriate for the previous contents is circulated through the tote using a rotary spray head inserted through the fill opening. Alkaline cleaners are used for organic residues (food, oils). Acidic cleaners are used for mineral deposits and scale. The wash cycle typically runs 15-30 minutes at elevated temperature.
Triple Rinse & Neutralization
After the chemical wash, the tote is rinsed three times with clean water to remove all traces of the cleaning agent. If an acidic cleaner was used, a neutralizing rinse ensures the pH returns to a safe level. Each rinse is drained completely before the next cycle begins.
Inspection & Pressure Testing
A trained technician visually inspects the interior for residue, staining, cracks, and UV degradation. The valve and cap gaskets are checked and replaced if worn. The tote is then filled with water and inspected for leaks at the valve, seams, and fill cap. Any tote that fails this test is rejected and sent for recycling.
Drying, Labeling & Certification
Totes are air-dried (or force-dried with heated air) to prevent moisture from promoting bacterial or mold growth. A new condition label is applied indicating the cleaning date, previous contents (when known), and the reconditioning facility. If the tote will be re-certified for UN/DOT transport, the appropriate markings are applied after passing all tests.
FDA & UN/DOT Compliance
FDA Food-Grade Compliance
FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 governs the use of HDPE in food-contact applications. To qualify as food-grade, an IBC tote must be manufactured from virgin HDPE resin that meets FDA purity standards, and the tote must have a documented chain of custody showing it has only held food-safe materials.
New and rebottled totes with virgin HDPE bottles are the safest choice for food-grade applications. Reconditioned totes may qualify if they have a verified food-only history and pass a thorough cleaning and inspection process. PackMesa provides documentation of previous contents and cleaning records for all food-grade totes we sell.
UN/DOT Hazmat Certification
IBC totes intended for the transport of UN-classified hazardous materials must carry a valid UN marking. The most common designation is UN 31HA1 (composite IBC for liquids) or UN 31HZ1 (for solids). This marking is molded into the HDPE bottle and includes the manufacture date.
The UN/DOT certification is valid for 5 years from the date of manufacture. After expiration, the tote can still be used for non-regulated materials but cannot legally transport hazardous goods unless it passes a recertification inspection by an authorized testing facility. PackMesa stocks totes with current UN/DOT ratings and can verify certification status before delivery.
Applications by Industry
IBC totes serve virtually every industry that handles bulk liquids or flowable solids.
Food & Beverage
- Juice and concentrate storage
- Cooking oil and vinegar transport
- Liquid sweeteners and syrups
- Wine and spirits production
Chemical Manufacturing
- Solvents and cleaning agents
- Acids and caustics (HDPE compatible)
- Detergents and surfactants
- Adhesives and resins
Agriculture
- Liquid fertilizer storage
- Pesticide and herbicide transport
- Irrigation water holding
- Livestock feed supplements
Personal Care & Cleaning
- Hand soap and lotion base
- Shampoo and conditioner bulk
- Industrial cleaning concentrates
- Sanitizer and disinfectant storage
Paint, Coatings & Ink
- Latex and acrylic paint
- Stains and varnishes
- Printing inks
- Sealants and primers
Automotive & Industrial
- Coolants and antifreeze
- Hydraulic and transmission fluids
- Parts wash solutions
- Metalworking fluids and lubricants
Water Treatment
- Treatment chemicals and coagulants
- pH adjustment solutions
- Potable water emergency storage
- Deionized water transport
Pharmaceutical
- Purified water (USP grade)
- Excipient solutions
- API intermediate storage
- Cleaning validation rinse water
Pricing: New vs. Rebottled vs. Reconditioned
Rebottled and reconditioned totes can save you 40-70% compared to new. Actual pricing depends on valve type, pallet base, and order volume.
| Condition | Typical Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New IBC Tote | $300 - $500 each | Full manufacturer specs and certifications. Required for first-use food and pharma. |
| Rebottled IBC Tote | $175 - $300 each | New bottle in existing cage. Best balance of quality and value. |
| Reconditioned IBC Tote | $70 - $180 each | Cleaned and tested used tote. Most economical for general industrial use. |
Prices are approximate and vary by valve type, pallet base, and order quantity. Volume discounts available on orders of 10+ units.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a reconditioned IBC tote for food-grade liquids?
It depends on the tote's history. A reconditioned tote that previously held only food-grade materials and has been properly cleaned can sometimes be re-certified for food use. However, many food safety regulations require a new or rebottled tote with a documented chain of custody. For FDA-regulated food-contact applications, we recommend new or rebottled totes with virgin HDPE bottles. Contact us and we can help you determine the right option based on your specific regulatory requirements.
How long does an IBC tote last?
The HDPE bottle in an IBC tote has a typical service life of 5-7 years before UV degradation and material fatigue become concerns. The UN/DOT rating for hazmat transport expires 5 years from the manufacture date stamped on the bottle. The steel cage and pallet can last 10-20 years with proper care. Rebottling — replacing just the HDPE bottle while reusing the cage and pallet — is an economical way to extend the life of the overall unit.
How do I replace the valve on an IBC tote?
Most IBC valves use a standard 2-inch (DN50) threaded connection (S60x6 or NPS 2" depending on the manufacturer). To replace the valve, close it fully, remove any remaining liquid, then unscrew the old valve by hand or with a strap wrench. Clean the thread area, apply a new thread seal or gasket, and screw on the replacement valve hand-tight plus a quarter turn. Always test with water before filling with product. PackMesa stocks replacement valves for all major IBC brands.
Can IBC totes be stacked when full?
Yes. Most IBC totes are designed for stacking up to 4 high when filled to capacity, provided the totes are in good structural condition and placed on a flat, level surface. The 275-gallon size is the safest for stacking due to its lower center of gravity. The taller 330-gallon tote should generally be limited to 3 high. Never stack totes with damaged cages, cracked bottles, or compromised pallet bases. Always verify the manufacturer's stacking rating stamped on the cage.
Are IBC totes approved for hazardous materials (hazmat)?
IBC totes can be approved for hazmat transport if they carry a valid UN/DOT marking. The most common rating is UN 31HA1 for liquid hazmat. This certification is printed on the bottle and includes the manufacture date. The rating is valid for 5 years from that date. After 5 years, the tote can still be used for non-regulated materials but cannot legally transport UN-classified hazardous goods unless it is recertified by an authorized testing facility.
How should I clean an IBC tote between uses?
For a basic cleaning between compatible products, a triple rinse with hot water (140°F+) through a rotary spray ball inserted in the fill opening is usually sufficient. For switching between incompatible products, a full chemical wash cycle is required — typically an alkaline or acidic cleaner followed by triple rinse and neutralization. Professional IBC reconditioning services (like those we arrange through our partners) include chemical wash, pressure testing, and re-certification.
What is the difference between a rebottled and a reconditioned tote?
A rebottled tote has a brand-new HDPE bottle installed in an existing (used) cage and pallet base. The bottle has never held any product, making it suitable for food-grade and sensitive chemical applications. A reconditioned tote retains the original bottle, which is cleaned, inspected, and pressure-tested. Reconditioning is more economical but the bottle has previous product contact history, which limits its suitability for food and pharmaceutical use.
What is the shelf life of an HDPE IBC bottle?
An HDPE IBC bottle has a practical shelf life of about 5-7 years from the date of manufacture. UV radiation is the primary degradation factor — HDPE becomes brittle and prone to cracking with prolonged sun exposure. Totes stored indoors or under cover will last longer than those left outside. The UN/DOT certification for hazmat transport expires at exactly 5 years from the manufacture date, regardless of condition. For non-regulated uses, the bottle can continue to be used beyond 5 years if it passes visual inspection.
How many IBC totes fit on a truck?
A standard 53-foot dry van trailer can hold 20 IBC totes on the floor (single layer, 5 rows of 4). If the totes are empty and stackable, you can double-stack for a total of 40 units. A 48-foot trailer holds approximately 16-18 on the floor. Flatbed trailers can accommodate similar quantities but require securement with straps. For full truckload (FTL) orders of filled totes, the weight limit of the trailer (typically 44,000 lbs of payload) may be reached before the space is full.
Do you buy back used IBC totes?
Yes. PackMesa operates a buy-back and trade-in program for used IBC totes. We purchase clean, structurally sound totes in bulk — typically at $20-$80 per unit depending on condition, previous contents, and quantity. Totes that previously held food-grade products command the highest buy-back price. Contact us with details on the quantity, condition, and previous contents, and we will provide a buy-back quote within 24 hours.
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