Shipping drums play a key role in safely moving materials across industries, from chemicals to food. Choosing the right drum size ensures safe, cost-effective transport. However, balancing factors like material type, volume, and shipping regulations can be challenging, making it vital to carefully consider drum size for each shipment.
Shipping Drum Size Chart
| TYPE | TYPE | MATERIALS | CAPACITY | DIMENSION | WEIGHT |
| IBC Tote | w/pallet | HDPE/ Steel | 135 gal. | 40″ x 48″ x 27″ H | 20.4 lbs. |
| IBC Tote | w/pallet | HDPE/ Steel | 275 gal. | 40″ x 48″ x 46″ H | 135 lbs. |
| IBC Tote | w/pallet | HDPE/ Steel | 330 gal. | 40″ x 48″ x 53″ H | 155 lbs. |
| TYPE | TYPE | MATERIALS | CAPACITY | DIMENSIONS | WEIGHT |
| Steel Drum | Tight-head | 304-2B Stainless Steel | 5 gal. | 14″ W x 9.4″ H | 10 lbs. |
| Steel Drum | Tight-head | 304-2B Stainless Steel | 8 gal. | 14″ W x 15.1″ H | 14 lbs. |
| Steel Drum | Tight-head | 304-2B Stainless Steel | 10 gal. | 14″ W x 18″ H | 15 lbs. |
| Steel Drum | Tight-head | 304-2B Stainless Steel | 16 gal. | 14″ W x 26″ H | 19 lbs. |
| Steel Drum | Tight-head | 304-2B Stainless Steel | 20 gal. | 18.25″ W x 20″ H | 27 lbs. |
| Steel Drum | Tight-head | 304-2B Stainless Steel | 30 gal. | 18.25″ W x27.8″ H | 33 lbs. |
| Steel Drum | Tight-head | 304-2B Stainless Steel | 55 gal. | 22.5″ W x 33.5″ H | 48 lbs. |
| TYPE | TYPE | MATERIALS | CAPACITY | DIMENSIONS | WEIGHT |
| Steel Drum | Open-head | 304-2B Stainless Steel | 5 gal. | 14″ W x 8.9″ H | 10 lbs. |
| Steel Drum | Open-head | 304-2B Stainless Steel | 8 gal. | 14″ W x 14.4″ H | 14 lbs. |
| Steel Drum | Open-head | 304-2B Stainless Steel | 10 gal. | 14″ W x 17.4″ H | 15 lbs. |
| Steel Drum | Open-head | 304-2B Stainless Steel | 16 gal. | 14″W x 25.6″ H | 19 lbs. |
| Steel Drum | Open-head | 304-2B Stainless Steel | 20 gal. | 18.25″ W x 19.2″ H | 25 lbs. |
| Steel Drum | Open-head | 304-2B Stainless Steel | 30 gal. | 18.25″ W x 26.6″ H | 35 lbs. |
| Steel Drum | Open-head | 304-2B Stainless Steel | 55 gal. | 22.5″ W x 32.8″ H | 50 lbs. |
| Steel Drum | Open-head | 304-2B Stainless Steel | 65 gal. | 30″ W x 21.4″ H – inside | 86.5 lbs. |
| Steel Drum | Open-head | 304-2B Stainless Steel | 85 gal. | 26″ W x 36.8″ H – inside | 82 lbs. |
| Steel Drum | Open-head | 304-2B Stainless Steel | 110 gal. | 30″ W x 40.8″ H – inside | 105 lbs. |
| TYPE | TYPE | MATERIALS | CAPACITY | DIMENSIONS | WEIGHT |
| Plastic Drum | Open-head | HDPE | 8 gal. | 13.25″ W x 19.6875″ H | 4.5 lbs. |
| Plastic Drum | Open-head | HDPE | 15 gal. | 15″ W x 19.5″ H | 7 lbs. |
| Plastic Drum | Open-head | HDPE | 30 gal. | 18.5″ W x 29.75″ H | 17.5 lbs. |
| Plastic Drum | Open-head | HDPE | 55 gal. | 24.25″ W x 36″ H | 25.5 lbs. |
| TYPE | TYPE | MATERIALS | CAPACITY | DIMENSIONS | WEIGHT |
| Plastic Drum | Closed-head | HDPE | 15 gal. | 14.5″ W x 26.5″ H | 9.5 lbs. |
| Plastic Drum | Closed-head | HDPE | 30 gal. | 19.25″ W x 29.5″ H | 15.5 lbs. |
| Plastic Drum | Closed-head | HDPE | 55 gal. | 23.75″ W x 35″ H | 23 lbs. |
| TYPE | TYPE | MATERIALS | CAPACITY | DIMENSIONS | WEIGHT |
| Fiber Drums | Open-head | Paper/Steel | 6.5 gal. | 16″ W x 9.5 ” H | 4 lbs. |
| Fiber Drums | Open-head | Paper/Steel | 10 gal. | 16″ W x 13.5″ H | 7 lbs. |
| Fiber Drums | Open-head | Paper/Steel | 15 gal. | 16″ W x 20.5″ H | 7 lbs. |
| Fiber Drums | Open-head | Paper/Steel | 20 gal. | 16″ W x 25.5″ H | 8 lbs. |
| Fiber Drums | Open-head | Paper/Steel | 30 gal. | 19″ W x 27″ H | 13 lbs. |
| Fiber Drums | Open-head | Paper/Steel | 35 gal. | 19″ W x 31.625″ H | 14 lbs. |
| Fiber Drums | Open-head | Paper/Steel | 41 gal. | 22.125″ W x 27.25″ H | 15 lbs. |
| Fiber Drums | Open-head | Paper/Steel | 44 gal. | 22.125″ W x 29.25″ H | 16 lbs. |
| Fiber Drums | Open-head | Paper/Steel | 55 gal. | 22.125″ W x 35.5″ H | 17 lbs. |
| Fiber Drums | Open-head | Paper/Steel | 72 gal. | 23.5″ W x 41.25 ” H | 20 lbs. |
| TYPE | TYPE | MATERIALS | CAPACITY | DIMENSIONS | WEIGHT |
| Steel Pail | Open-head | Steel | 1 gal. | 11.75″ W x 8.25″ H | 1.25 gal. |
| Steel Pail | Open-head | Steel | 2 gal. | 11.75″ W x 9.5″ H | 2 gal. |
| Steel Pail | Open-head | Steel | 5 gal. | 11.75″ W x 9.875″ H | 3 gal. |
| Steel Pail | Open-head | Steel | 5 gal. | 8.5625″ W x13.375 ” H | 6 gal. |
| Steel Pail | Open-head | Steel | 6 gal. | 7.125″ W x 15.875 H | 7 gal. |
| TYPE | TYPE | MATERIALS | CAPACITY | DIMENSIONS | WEIGHT |
| Steel Pail | Closed-head | Steel | 1 gal. | 6.375″ W x 8.625″ H | 2 lbs. |
| Steel Pail | Closed-head | Steel | 3.5 gal. | 10.875″ W x 10.5″ H | 4 lbs. |
| Steel Pail | Closed-head | Steel | 5 gal. | 10.875″ W x 13.625″ H | 6 lbs. |
| Steel Pail | Closed-head | Steel | 7 gal. | 10.875″ W x 18.5″ H | 6.5 lbs. |
| TYPE | TYPE | MATERIALS | CAPACITY | DIMENSIONS | WEIGHT |
| Plastic Pail | Screw Top | HDPE | 1.25 gal. | 8.5″ W x 8.25″ H | 1.5 lbs. |
| Plastic Pail | Screw Top | HDPE | 2 gal. | 9.75″ W X 10.25″ H | 2 lbs. |
| Plastic Pail | Screw Top | HDPE | 3.5 gal. | 12.75″ W x 10.75″ H | 3 lbs. |
| Plastic Pail | Screw Top | HDPE | 5 gal. | 12.75″ W x 13.5″ H | 4 lbs. |
| Plastic Pail | Screw Top | HDPE | 6.5 gal. | 12.75″ W x 16.625″ H | 4.5 lbs. |
| TYPE | TYPE | MATERIALS | CAPACITY | DIMENSIONS | WEIGHT |
| Plastic Pail | Snap-Top | HDPE | 1.25 gal. | 8″ W x 7.25″ H | 0.75 lbs. |
| Plastic Pail | Snap-Top | HDPE | 2 gal. | 9.5625″ W x 9.5″ H | 1 lb. |
| Plastic Pail | Snap-Top | HDPE | 3.5 gal. | 12″ W x 10.5″ H | 3 lbs. |
| Plastic Pail | Snap-Top | HDPE | 5 gal. | 12″ W x 14.5″ H | 3.5 lbs. |
| Plastic Pail | Snap Top | HDPE | 6.5 gal. | 12″ W x 17.5″ H | 4 lbs. |
Understanding Drum Capacities and Dimensions
The size and capacity of shipping drums are critical in determining how much material can be safely transported. For example, a standard 55-gallon drum is widely used, but smaller sizes like 5 or 30 gallons also have their uses. Each drum size varies in height, diameter, and weight, affecting how it fits into shipping plans.
Larger drums hold more, but they are heavier and take up more space, which may increase shipping costs. On the other hand, smaller drums are easier to handle but might require multiple shipments. Choosing the right size means weighing the tradeoff between volume, cost, and handling ease.
Regulatory Standards for Drum Sizes and Safety
Shipping drums must follow strict regulatory guidelines to ensure the safe transport of materials. UN and DOT regulations outline the standards for drum construction, strength, and testing, particularly for hazardous materials.
Proper labeling is also crucial, as it helps identify contents and prevent mishandling. However, meeting these regulations can increase costs, especially for drums that require additional testing or certification.
Balancing compliance with cost-effectiveness can be challenging, but cutting corners on safety may result in legal penalties or accidents. Therefore, it’s essential to carefully assess drum size and regulatory needs to ensure both safety and efficiency during shipping.
Choosing the Right Drum Size for Your Shipping Needs
Selecting the right shipping drum size depends on several key factors, including material type, quantity, and shipping method. For instance, larger drums can hold more material, reducing the number of shipments, but they may be more expensive and harder to handle. On the other hand, smaller drums are easier to manage and ship, but using multiple drums might increase overall costs.
Balancing efficiency with cost is critical, as the wrong size can either waste space or lead to overpacking. It’s important to evaluate your specific shipping needs and weigh the tradeoffs to ensure you choose the most cost-effective and efficient drum size.
FAQS
1. What are the most common shipping drum sizes, and how do I choose the right one?
The most common shipping drum sizes are 5-gallon, 30-gallon, and 55-gallon drums. The right size depends on the volume of material you need to ship, the type of material, and handling requirements. Larger drums are ideal for bulk shipments but may increase shipping costs due to size and weight. Smaller drums are easier to transport and handle but might require more units to ship the same volume.
2. Are there regulations I need to follow when shipping materials in drums?
Yes, shipping drums must comply with UN and DOT regulations, especially when transporting hazardous materials. These guidelines cover drum construction, testing, and labeling to ensure safety during transport. It’s important to follow these regulations, as non-compliance can result in legal penalties and safety risks.
3. How does drum size impact shipping efficiency and costs?
Drum size directly affects both shipping efficiency and costs. Larger drums hold more material, reducing the number of shipments, but they are heavier and take up more space, which can increase freight costs. Smaller drums are easier to manage and may fit more efficiently into shipping containers, but multiple shipments may be necessary, potentially raising costs. Balancing these factors is key to optimizing your shipping strategy.