Industrial Container Knowledge Base
Comprehensive educational resources to help you make informed decisions about industrial containers. From detailed size guides to regulatory compliance information, find everything you need to select, use, and maintain containers properly.
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Comprehensive Reference Materials
In-depth guides covering every aspect of industrial container selection, compliance, and use.
Complete Size Guide
Comprehensive sizing information for all container types including exact dimensions, capacities, weight specifications, truck load quantities, and stacking recommendations.
Material Compatibility Guide
Learn about different container materials, their properties, chemical compatibility, temperature ranges, and best applications for your specific storage and transport needs.
Regulatory Compliance Guide
Complete reference for UN certifications, DOT 49 CFR regulations, ISPM-15 wood treatment, FDA requirements, EPA compliance, OSHA standards, and ISO specifications.
Comprehensive FAQ
Detailed answers to over 70 frequently asked questions covering products, ordering, selling, delivery, recycling, reconditioning, certifications, and technical specifications.
Popular Topics
Jump directly to the most commonly requested information.
Container Grading System
Understanding Grade A, B, C, and reconditioned container classifications to choose the right condition for your application.
UN Certification Explained
What UN certification means, when it is required, how to read UN markings, and packing group requirements for hazardous materials.
Pallet Standards & ISPM-15
GMA specifications, international pallet sizing standards, and ISPM-15 heat treatment requirements for export shipments.
Chemical Compatibility
Matching container materials to your products for safe storage - comprehensive compatibility charts for acids, bases, solvents, and more.
Food-Grade Requirements
FDA requirements for containers used with food products, approved plastic resins, and food-grade certification documentation.
Shipping Regulations
DOT and international shipping requirements for containers, hazard classes, labeling requirements, and documentation.
IBC Tote Selection
Guide to selecting the right IBC tote - composite vs all-plastic vs stainless steel, valve types, and capacity options.
Drum Size Selection
Complete drum sizing reference - from 5-gallon pails to 85-gallon overpack drums, closed-head vs open-head options.
Recycling Documentation
Understanding certificates of recycling, chain of custody documentation, and sustainability reporting for container disposal.
Reconditioning Process
How container reconditioning works, quality standards, UN recertification, and cost savings vs new containers.
Temperature Considerations
Container material temperature limits, heating options, cold storage considerations, and thermal compatibility.
Static Electricity Safety
Preventing static discharge when handling flammable liquids - grounding, bonding, and anti-static container options.
Container Industry Glossary
Common terms and definitions used in the industrial container industry.
The closure plug in drum openings. Standard sizes are 2" (NPS) and 3/4" (NPS).
Drum with fixed top and bung openings only. Used for liquids.
Drum with removable lid secured by lever-lock or bolt ring. Used for solids/viscous products.
Intermediate Bulk Container - standardized containers (275-330 gal) for liquid storage/transport.
Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container - fabric bags for dry bulk products, also called bulk bags.
Large corrugated box on pallet, typically 40-70 cubic feet capacity.
Grocery Manufacturers Association standard pallet, 48" x 40".
Certification marking indicating container passed tests for dangerous goods transport.
Hazard severity classification: PG I (high), PG II (medium), PG III (low).
Used container professionally cleaned, repaired, tested, and recertified.
IBC with new inner bottle installed in existing cage/frame.
Container rinsed three times with appropriate solvent per EPA requirements.
US Department of Transportation container standards for hazmat transport.
High-Density Polyethylene - common plastic for drums and IBCs, excellent chemical resistance.
Steel thickness measurement. Lower number = thicker steel (18 ga > 20 ga).
International standard for heat treatment of wood packaging for export.
Common Conversions & Measurements
Volume Conversions
- 1 gallon = 3.785 liters
- 55 gallons = 208.2 liters
- 275 gallons = 1,041 liters
- 330 gallons = 1,249 liters
- 1 cubic foot = 7.48 gallons
- 1 barrel (petroleum) = 42 gallons
Weight Conversions
- 1 pound = 0.4536 kg
- 1 kilogram = 2.205 pounds
- 1 short ton = 2,000 lbs = 907 kg
- 1 metric ton = 2,205 lbs = 1,000 kg
- Water: 1 gallon = 8.34 lbs
- Water: 55 gallons = 459 lbs
Linear Measurements
- 1 inch = 25.4 mm
- 1 foot = 304.8 mm = 0.3048 m
- 1 meter = 39.37 inches
- 48 inches = 1,219 mm (pallet)
- 40 inches = 1,016 mm (pallet)
- 23 inches = 584 mm (drum dia.)
Steel Gauge Reference
- 16 gauge = 0.0598" = 1.52 mm
- 18 gauge = 0.0478" = 1.21 mm
- 20 gauge = 0.0359" = 0.91 mm
- 22 gauge = 0.0299" = 0.76 mm
- 24 gauge = 0.0239" = 0.61 mm
- Lower gauge = thicker steel
Industry Organizations & Regulatory Bodies
Official resources for standards, regulations, and industry information.
DOT/PHMSA
Hazardous materials transportation regulations
https://www.phmsa.dot.govEPA
Environmental regulations for container handling/disposal
https://www.epa.govFDA
Food-contact container requirements
https://www.fda.govOSHA
Workplace safety standards for container handling
https://www.osha.govIPPC
International plant protection (ISPM-15)
https://www.ippc.intNFPA
Fire protection codes for flammable storage
https://www.nfpa.orgISO
International container standards
https://www.iso.orgSSCI
Steel Shipping Container Institute
https://www.steelcontainer.netNeed Personalized Guidance?
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