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IBC tote dimensions and filled weights

Standard IBC tote sizes, capacities, and construction specifications for intermediate bulk containers used in liquid and granular material handling.

Standard sizes

NameDimensionsWeightNotes
275 Gallon40" x 48" x 46"118-145 lbs (empty)Standard industrial size. Fits on GMA pallet footprint.
330 Gallon40" x 48" x 53"130-160 lbs (empty)Taller variant for higher volume. Same footprint as 275-gal.
550 Gallon47" x 41" x 70"200-250 lbs (empty)Heavy-duty for bulk chemical storage.

Construction types

Composite IBC

HDPE inner bottle inside a steel cage on a pallet base. Most common type. Reusable bottle and cage.

Steel IBC

All-steel construction for hazardous materials and high-temperature applications. Heavier but more durable.

Folding IBC

Collapsible design for return logistics. Reduces empty container storage and shipping costs.

Filled weights

ToteFilled with water
275 gallon2,294 lbs of water, 2,410-2,440 lbs with the tote
330 gallon2,752 lbs of water, 2,880-2,910 lbs with the tote

Water weighs 8.34 lbs a gallon, and the tote adds the empty weight in the sizes table. A denser liquid weighs more: multiply the water figure by its specific gravity. The most a tote may carry is its maximum permissible gross mass, in kilograms, which the UN marking on every certified IBC states.

Sources: U.S. Geological Survey, A million gallons of water: how much is it?; 49 CFR 178.703, marking of IBCs.

Shipping notes

A 53-ft dry van carries up to 60 empty 275- or 330-gal IBCs double-stacked on its 26-30 floor positions. Two 46" 275s stack to 92", so pre-built pairs roll in under a 105" rear door; two 53" 330s are 106", so that second tier is built inside the trailer, and on a standard 60" flatbed deck a 330 stack reaches 166", over the 162" legal height (a step deck's 36" lower deck keeps it near 142"). Filled totes are weight-bound: 18 of the 275-gal size (about 2,400 lbs each) or 15 of the 330-gal size (about 2,900 lbs) reach the 45,000-lb payload. Always verify UN certification markings for hazardous material transport.

Frequently asked questions

What are standard IBC tote dimensions?

The most common IBC tote is 40 inches wide by 48 inches long. Heights vary: 46 inches for 275-gallon and 53 inches for 330-gallon models.

How much does a full IBC tote weigh?

A 275-gallon IBC tote filled with water weighs approximately 2,400 lbs. A 330-gallon tote weighs approximately 2,900 lbs. Actual weight depends on the liquid density.

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