7 Reasons to Use Steel Shipping Drums

In the shipping and packaging industry, certain classics never go out of style. Steel shipping drums are one of those old, trustworthy standbys that have served shippers well for decades and are still going strong. That’s why Air Sea Containers offers our customers numerous options for steel shipping drums, and why they’re a perennially popular option across many different industries.

What can a good steel shipping drum do for your business? How can these classic packaging materials make your shipping stronger, safer, cleaner and more efficient? Air Sea Containers is here to explain seven key benefits that steel shipping drums can offer. 

1. Steel shipping drums are incredibly rugged.

For those who need tough packaging materials, steel shipping drums are still one of the top options available. Air Sea Containers’ steel shipping drums are made from high-performance carbon steel that’s great at resisting rough handling and keeping out contaminants. The durable construction of our steel shipping drums prevents leaks and protects the safety of both handlers and the environment alike, making them a strong choice for businesses that need durable protection for transporting their goods. 

2. Steel shipping drums come in a variety of styles. 

Steel shipping drums are also extremely versatile thanks to the variety of equipment and options they can come with. Air Sea Containers offers both open-head steel drums and closed-head steel drums, as well as a variety of different drum sizes to suit each customer and each business’s individual needs. Ring lock and bolt lock lids are available for extra security and safety.  

3. Steel shipping drums are great for shipping both liquids and solids. 

Many steel shipping drums are designed to hold a variety of liquid and solid materials safely, whether it’s dry goods or engine oil. If you’re shipping bulk quantities of any liquid or small solid items, steel barrels are an ideal choice thanks to their versatile design. They can also be easily palletized and wrapped, making them an ideal choice for bulk shipping applications. 

4. Steel shipping drums cost less than many other shipping materials.

Steel shipping drums offer an easy way to get high-performance shipping materials without going over your budget. The relatively simple design and wide availability of steel shipping drums make them affordable for businesses of all sizes and in many different industries. Our steel shipping drums are even popular with DIY enthusiasts who use them to create backyard smokers and root cellars, taking advantage of our low prices to craft their dream projects. 

5. Steel shipping drums can often be reused.

Another great feature of steel shipping drums is that, in many cases, the shipping drum can be reused after it’s been emptied. Of course, safely reconditioning steel shipping drums in-house can be a hassle, so you can save a lot of time and effort through Air Sea Containers’ reconditioned steel shipping barrel options, which are professionally cleaned and sanitized. (Note that reconditioned barrels are not appropriate for food-grade applications.)

6. Steel shipping drums are ideal for shipping hazardous materials.

Air Sea Containers offers steel shipping drums with the UN-rated performance that’s critical for safe hazmat shipping. Our steel shipping drums are rigorously tested for compliance with all relevant UN standards for land, marine and air freight, meaning that you can be confident that your drums are in compliance before you load your goods up for shipment. (It’s still always a good idea to check the appropriate shipping regulation books and your cargo’s MSDS guidelines to ensure that you’re getting the model that meets the standards you need.) 

7. Steel shipping drums can be lined to prevent rust. 

You might be wondering how steel drums used to ship liquid can avoid rusting out, and it’s a surprisingly simple solution. Air Sea Containers offers rust-resistant steel drums, with some models lined with epoxy-phenolic coating and some unlined, with rust inhibitor applied to their interiors. 

When you want dependable, tough, cost-effective and practical protection for your business’s cargo, remember that steel shipping drums are classics for a reason. Our shipping and packaging professionals can help your business select the right steel shipping drums at the right price. Just call us at (866) 596-9448 or contact us online for more information.