How Many Gallons Are in a Tote?
- By Cory Levins
- 24 mar 2017
The tote has grown in popularity over the years, and it is easy to see why. Durable, easy to handle, and with a large volume capacity, totes have become the go-to solution for storing and shipping a variety of items.
In the world of international shipping, a tote usually refers to an Intermediate Bulk Container or IBC for short. These cleverly designed containers are built for the transport and storage of bulk liquid and granulated substances, such as liquids, chemicals, food ingredients, solvents, pharmaceuticals, etc. The size and shape of IBCs provide companies with a cost-effective solution to store and transport items, as IBCs take up less space than other items, such as drums.

IBCs are sold in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the two most popular volumes are 275 gallons and 330 gallons. This volume range is situated between drums and tanks, which is where the term “intermediate” comes from. The most common outer dimensions are 48” x 40” x 46, making them ideal for shipping on a pallet. Their weight averages around 118 pounds for the 275-gallon model and 145 pounds for the 330-gallon model, but this can vary, depending on whether a metal cage is attached.
They are made of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), a high strength-to-density ratio product. There is a tap or valve at the base where a hose can be attached to allow easy transfer of contents into smaller containers for easy packaging, distribution, and sale in your target location. This is important when certain packaging and legal requirements need to be ensured locally. They also usually have metal cage housing for extra security.
IBCs can also be paired with items, such as manual hydraulic tilt tables and IBC insulated covers. Manual hydraulic tilt tables are designed to tilt IBC totes, containers, tubs, wire baskets, and boxes and allow easier access to retrieving or placing parts into a container. The manual pump is an economical solution to placing the container at the right tilt angle for the best ergonomic solution. Many have a tilt range of 0-20° and a capacity of 3,000 lbs. and can handle most applications Built-in fork pockets are standard and allow the tilt table to be easily transported by forklift or walk-behind stacker.
IBC insulated covers are manufactured from a polyurethane coated nylon with a highly efficient layer of thermal insulation contained within. Velcro is used to secure the side jacket and can be made to order. They are perfect for when you need to keep the contents in the IBC tote warm or cool.
IBCs can be used for a variety of purposes. The most popular uses include: storing and shipping bulk chemicals (including hazardous materials or dangerous goods); commodities and raw materials used in industrial production; liquid, granulated, and powdered food ingredients; food syrups (such as corn syrup or molasses); and petrochemical products (such as solvents, detergents, or adhesives).
As you can see, IBC totes are very versatile. In addition to being used as a shipping and storage container, IBC totes can be used for rainwater collection, as the building blocks for aquaponic systems, and as a gardening tool.

If you have a garden, large or small, you can use IBC totes for water storage as well as converting it into a “Vegtank.” Since they are durable, can hold plenty of water, and can be connected to a hose, IBCs are great tools for storing water. They can also be converted into storage for your plants and vegetables. The container can provide shelter to growing plants, and you can create a microclimate within the tank for various types of herbs and plants.
To answer the question at the start of the article, intermediate bulk containers can typically hold either 275 gallons or 330 gallons. There are IBCs in other sizes, but they are not commonly used. The popular 275-gallon and 330-gallon sizes provide businesses and manufacturers with a cost-friendly and efficient method to ship and store a variety of materials. They can also be used for other purposes, such as a home for your plants and a water storage solution.
Air Sea Containers offers a wide range of IBC products and accessories, and it offers fast and secure shipping, all with a great price. If you have any questions or are in need of particular size IBC, please contact our friendly team, and we’ll be happy to help.
In the world of international shipping, a tote usually refers to an Intermediate Bulk Container or IBC for short. These cleverly designed containers are built for the transport and storage of bulk liquid and granulated substances, such as liquids, chemicals, food ingredients, solvents, pharmaceuticals, etc. The size and shape of IBCs provide companies with a cost-effective solution to store and transport items, as IBCs take up less space than other items, such as drums.

IBCs are sold in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the two most popular volumes are 275 gallons and 330 gallons. This volume range is situated between drums and tanks, which is where the term “intermediate” comes from. The most common outer dimensions are 48” x 40” x 46, making them ideal for shipping on a pallet. Their weight averages around 118 pounds for the 275-gallon model and 145 pounds for the 330-gallon model, but this can vary, depending on whether a metal cage is attached.
They are made of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), a high strength-to-density ratio product. There is a tap or valve at the base where a hose can be attached to allow easy transfer of contents into smaller containers for easy packaging, distribution, and sale in your target location. This is important when certain packaging and legal requirements need to be ensured locally. They also usually have metal cage housing for extra security.
IBCs can also be paired with items, such as manual hydraulic tilt tables and IBC insulated covers. Manual hydraulic tilt tables are designed to tilt IBC totes, containers, tubs, wire baskets, and boxes and allow easier access to retrieving or placing parts into a container. The manual pump is an economical solution to placing the container at the right tilt angle for the best ergonomic solution. Many have a tilt range of 0-20° and a capacity of 3,000 lbs. and can handle most applications Built-in fork pockets are standard and allow the tilt table to be easily transported by forklift or walk-behind stacker.
IBC insulated covers are manufactured from a polyurethane coated nylon with a highly efficient layer of thermal insulation contained within. Velcro is used to secure the side jacket and can be made to order. They are perfect for when you need to keep the contents in the IBC tote warm or cool.
IBC Uses
IBCs can be used for a variety of purposes. The most popular uses include: storing and shipping bulk chemicals (including hazardous materials or dangerous goods); commodities and raw materials used in industrial production; liquid, granulated, and powdered food ingredients; food syrups (such as corn syrup or molasses); and petrochemical products (such as solvents, detergents, or adhesives).
As you can see, IBC totes are very versatile. In addition to being used as a shipping and storage container, IBC totes can be used for rainwater collection, as the building blocks for aquaponic systems, and as a gardening tool.

If you have a garden, large or small, you can use IBC totes for water storage as well as converting it into a “Vegtank.” Since they are durable, can hold plenty of water, and can be connected to a hose, IBCs are great tools for storing water. They can also be converted into storage for your plants and vegetables. The container can provide shelter to growing plants, and you can create a microclimate within the tank for various types of herbs and plants.
Conclusion
To answer the question at the start of the article, intermediate bulk containers can typically hold either 275 gallons or 330 gallons. There are IBCs in other sizes, but they are not commonly used. The popular 275-gallon and 330-gallon sizes provide businesses and manufacturers with a cost-friendly and efficient method to ship and store a variety of materials. They can also be used for other purposes, such as a home for your plants and a water storage solution.
Air Sea Containers offers a wide range of IBC products and accessories, and it offers fast and secure shipping, all with a great price. If you have any questions or are in need of particular size IBC, please contact our friendly team, and we’ll be happy to help.