Every kind of tote,
explained.
Intermediate bulk containers aren’t one thing. They’re a family of related containers suited to different contents. Here’s what each kind is good at. Partner suppliers in our network can quote reconditioned or new totes; availability depends on the supplier.
Free quote request.
Your request goes to partner suppliers in our network, and a partner supplier follows up with a quote. No obligation.
Caged HDPE — Standard
The classic intermediate bulk container: an HDPE bottle inside a galvanized steel cage on a pallet base. The most common and most widely available type.
Composite IBC
Same general design with a heavier cage and bottle. Often chosen for denser liquids and for totes that will make repeated trips.
Stainless Steel IBC
304 or 316L stainless with welded fittings. Long-lived and easy to clean, but heavy when empty. Used where a plastic bottle is not suitable.
Conductive HDPE
HDPE made to dissipate static. Used for solvents, fuels and other flammables where a standard tote could build up charge. Check current regulations for your contents.
Insulated / Heated
Totes with insulated jackets or band heaters. Useful for waxes, viscous adhesives and anything that has to stay warm to flow.
If you only know what you’re moving, start here.
| What you’re shipping | Common choice | Grade | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water, brine, glycols | Caged HDPE | Industrial | Vented cap; EPDM gasket. |
| Edible oil, syrup, brewing | Caged HDPE | Food | Food-contact gasket; ask about prior contents. |
| Cleaners, detergents | Caged HDPE | Industrial | Composite for repeated trips. |
| Adhesives | Caged HDPE | Industrial | Plan for difficult cleanout. |
| Solvents, fuel, ethanol | Conductive HDPE | Industrial | Static dissipation; check current regulations. |
| Mild acids | Caged HDPE | Industrial | Check gasket compatibility. |
| Strong acids / chlorides | Stainless 316L | Industrial | Confirm compatibility with the supplier. |
| Waxes, viscous adhesive | Insulated / heated | Industrial | Band heater optional. |
| Rainwater catchment | Used, washed HDPE | Washed | One tote, one fill point. |
Words people use around totes.
- IBC
- Intermediate bulk container — a rigid container for bulk liquids, usually 275 or 330 gallons.
- HDPE
- High-density polyethylene. The white plastic of standard IBC bottles. Tough and recyclable.
- Cage
- The galvanized steel lattice around the bottle. Provides structural support under forklift and stack load.
- Pallet
- The base under the cage: plastic, composite, steel or wood.
- Discharge valve
- The 2″ valve at the bottom of the bottle, commonly a ball or butterfly valve.
- Fill cap
- The large screw cap on the top, often 6″. Vented or sealed.
- Composite IBC
- A plastic bottle in a steel cage. The term is also used for reinforced, heavier-duty variants.
- Conductive HDPE
- HDPE made to dissipate static charge. Used for flammable contents.
- CIP
- Clean-in-place. A wash method used in food processing where the vessel is cleaned without disassembly.
- UN mark
- A marking such as 31HA1 showing the design type a tote was tested to for dangerous-goods transport. Check current DOT/UN rules for hazmat use.
Common questions.
What sizes are most common?
275 and 330 gallon totes, both on a footprint of about 40 × 48 inches. Other sizes exist; ask partner suppliers what they can offer.
Can I mix sizes or grades in one request?
Yes. List each size, grade and quantity in your quote request.
Do all totes use the same fittings?
No. S60x6 buttress is a common discharge thread, but stainless totes often use tri-clamp or NPT. Mention the fitting you need in your request.
Who sets the price?
Pricing, availability and delivery are set by the partner supplier who quotes your request.
Not sure which to spec?
Describe what’s going inside and where it needs to go. A partner supplier follows up with options.