An IBC tote (Intermediate Bulk Container) is a reusable industrial container designed for storing and transporting liquids and bulk materials. The two standard sizes you’ll encounter in North America are 275 gallons (1,000 liters) and 330 gallons (1,250 liters) — both built on a 48″ × 40″ pallet base so they fit a standard GMA pallet footprint.
This guide covers every standard IBC dimension, the difference between 275 and 330 gallon totes, fill weights, pallet bases, and how to pick the right size for your application. Sizing is only half the buying decision — grades, food-grade rules, and the paperwork that sets a used tote’s value are covered in the complete IBC tote guide.
Key takeaways
- 275 gallon IBC: 48″ × 40″ × 46″ tall — the most common size in the U.S.
- 330 gallon IBC: 48″ × 40″ × 53″ tall — same footprint, taller cage
- Empty weight: ~132 lbs (275 gal) / ~145 lbs (330 gal)
- Pallet base: matches a GMA pallet — 4-way forklift entry
- Stack height: typically 2-high empty, 1-high filled
Standard IBC tote dimensions — quick reference
Most North American buyers will see 275 or 330 gallon totes. The footprint stays the same; only the cage height changes.
| Size | Capacity | Footprint | Height | Empty weight | Filled weight (water) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 275 gallon | 275 gal / 1,000 L | 48″ × 40″ | 46″ | ~132 lbs | ~2,425 lbs |
| 330 gallon | 330 gal / 1,250 L | 48″ × 40″ | 53″ | ~145 lbs | ~2,900 lbs |
| 550 gallon | 550 gal / 2,080 L | 47″ × 41″ | 70″ | ~225 lbs | ~4,810 lbs |
| 120 gallon (mini) | 120 gal / 450 L | 32″ × 32″ | 37″ | ~60 lbs | ~1,060 lbs |
275 gallon vs 330 gallon — which one do you need?
Both share the 48 × 40 inch GMA pallet base, but the 330 gallon is 7 inches taller. That makes a real difference for warehouse rack clearance and trailer loading:
| Factor | 275 gallon | 330 gallon |
|---|---|---|
| Total height (empty) | 46″ | 53″ |
| Pallets per 53′ trailer (single layer) | 26 (60-inch clearance) | 26 (53-inch clearance is enough — height isn’t the limit) |
| Double-stackable (filled) | No (weight limit) | No (weight limit) |
| Common applications | Smaller-batch chemicals, food, water storage | Maximizing each move — fuel, oil, lubricants, bulk water |
| Used market availability | More common, easier to source | Less common, slightly higher per-unit cost |
IBC tote anatomy
A standard composite IBC tote has four parts:
- Inner bottle: blow-molded HDPE (high-density polyethylene), typically 0.07″ thick, food-grade compatible.
- Outer cage: galvanized steel tubing welded into a grid that holds the bottle and provides crush resistance.
- Pallet base: wood, plastic, or steel. The base determines forklift entry (4-way is standard) and racking compatibility.
- Top opening + bottom valve: 6″ screw-on lid for filling, 2″ ball valve at the base for dispensing.
Pallet base options
The base affects price, weight, and what your facility can use. Three types dominate the market:
| Base type | Weight added | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood (composite) | ~30 lbs | Cheapest, repairable, ISPM-15 stamp available | Heavier moisture absorption; not food-grade by default |
| Plastic (HDPE) | ~25 lbs | Food-safe, easy to clean, no ISPM-15 needed for international | More expensive; can crack under heavy impact |
| Steel | ~50 lbs | Strongest, longest service life, fully reusable | Heaviest, most expensive, can rust over time |
Capacity in different units
Quick conversion table for the common sizes:
| Size | U.S. gallons | Imperial gallons | Liters | Cubic feet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 275 gallon | 275 | 229 | 1,041 | 36.7 |
| 330 gallon | 330 | 275 | 1,249 | 44.1 |
| 550 gallon | 550 | 458 | 2,082 | 73.5 |
Stacking and storage
- Empty: stack 2-high indoors (3-high if cages are in good condition and floor is level).
- Filled: generally do not stack — the cage isn’t rated for the compressive load of a full IBC on top.
- Outdoors: elevate on pallets to prevent base rotting; use UV-resistant covers for sensitive contents (the natural HDPE is translucent and lets light through).
- Warehouse racking: use rated pallet rack with decking; never balance a filled IBC on rails alone.
How are IBC totes shipped?
Empty IBCs are typically shipped 21 totes per 53-foot trailer when flat-stacked (3-high). Filled, you’re back to 26 per truckload (single layer, no stacking). Loading orientation matters because the cage feet sit on a 48 × 40 pallet:
- Straight loaded (40″ side facing the doors): fits 4 across, 6 deep — 24 plus 2 in the nose = 26.
- Turned (48″ side facing the doors): cuts capacity — don’t use this orientation for IBCs.
Read our complementary guides on how to load IBC totes onto trucks and standard pallet sizes for the underlying math.
Buying new vs reconditioned
IBC totes are the most heavily reconditioned industrial container in the U.S. — and the price difference is huge:
Reconditioned totes are pulled from food-and-beverage and non-hazardous chemical service, washed in industrial steam systems, re-tested, and sold with new gaskets. For non-critical applications (water storage, biodiesel feedstock, agricultural use), they’re typically the right buy. For pricing trends and where to source them, see our used IBC tote pricing trends report.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions of an IBC tote?
A standard 275 gallon IBC tote measures 48″ × 40″ × 46″ tall. A 330 gallon tote shares the 48″ × 40″ footprint but is 53″ tall. Both fit on a standard GMA pallet base.
What's the difference between 275 and 330 gallon IBC totes?
The footprint is identical — only the cage height differs. A 330 gallon tote is 7 inches taller, holds 55 more gallons (~20% more), and weighs about 13 lbs more empty. Both fit 26 to a 53-foot trailer when filled.
How much does an empty IBC tote weigh?
Empty 275 gallon IBCs weigh about 132 lbs (60 kg). Empty 330 gallon IBCs weigh about 145 lbs (66 kg). The exact weight depends on the pallet base — wood adds ~30 lbs, plastic ~25 lbs, steel ~50 lbs.
How much does a filled IBC tote weigh?
A 275 gallon IBC filled with water weighs ~2,425 lbs total (275 × 8.34 lbs/gal + 132 lbs empty weight). Filled with heavier liquids the weight rises proportionally — for example, used motor oil at 7.4 lbs/gal puts a 275 gal IBC at ~2,170 lbs.
Can you stack IBC totes?
Empty IBCs can be stacked 2-high indoors (3-high if conditions are good). Filled IBCs should not be stacked — the cage isn’t designed to carry the compressive load of another full tote on top.
Are IBC totes food-grade?
The HDPE inner bottle is FDA-compliant. Whether a specific tote is food-safe depends on what was previously stored in it. For food-and-beverage use, buy new or reconditioned IBCs that have been certified food-grade. Never use a tote that previously held chemicals for food or potable water.
How long do IBC totes last?
A new IBC has a typical service life of 5+ years. UN-rated hazmat IBCs require retest every 2.5 years and full recertification at 5 years. Past 5 years, the inner bottle often needs replacement even if the cage and base are sound.
Where can I buy a used IBC tote?
Repackify connects buyers with vetted IBC suppliers across the U.S. — by truckload or in smaller quantities. For just a few totes, see our guide on where to source small quantities.
Bottom line
IBC totes are the most space-efficient way to move bulk liquids in North America. The 275 gallon tote is the default; the 330 gallon gives you 20% more capacity per move at the same freight cost. Both share the 48 × 40 GMA footprint, so they slot into existing pallet racking and trailer loading patterns without redesign.