New IBC Totes
When regulations, chemical compatibility, or company policy demand a virgin container, we source and deliver factory-fresh IBC totes to your door.
When New Is the Right Choice
We are big believers in reuse — most of our business is used and reconditioned totes. But there are legitimate scenarios where a brand-new container is the only responsible option.
FDA-Regulated Products
Food ingredients, pharmaceutical intermediates, and cosmetic bases often require packaging with zero prior contact. A new tote provides a fully auditable, virgin chain of custody.
Aggressive Chemicals
Certain oxidizers, strong acids, and reactive solvents can compromise HDPE that has previously held a different chemical class. A virgin bottle eliminates cross-contamination risk.
Customer Mandates
Some end-customers or co-packers contractually require new packaging. If your buyer specifies new-only, we can source and deliver quickly.
Export Compliance
International shipments may require new, UN/DOT-certified packaging with unbroken test seals. New totes arrive with current certification marks.
Ultra-Pure Water
Deionized, distilled, or semiconductor-grade water requires a container that has never been exposed to surfactants, dyes, or organic residues.
Long-Term Static Storage
If a tote will sit filled for 12+ months without cycling, starting with a new bottle and fresh gaskets minimizes the risk of slow-developing leaks.
Available Sizes & Specs
| Size | Volume | Dimensions | Weight | Pallet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 275 Gallon | 1,041 L | 48" x 40" x 46" | ~130 lbs | HDPE or Steel |
| 330 Gallon | 1,249 L | 48" x 40" x 53" | ~145 lbs | HDPE or Steel |
| 550 Gallon | 2,082 L | 48" x 48" x 62" | ~195 lbs | Steel only |
All new totes ship with 2" butterfly valve, 6" screw cap, and EPDM gaskets standard. Cam-lock, ball valve, or custom valve configurations available on request.
New vs. Reconditioned
| Feature | Reconditioned | New |
|---|---|---|
| Chain of Custody | Documented reconditioning history | Zero prior contact — fully traceable |
| FDA / cGMP Compliance | Case-by-case (may require liner) | Out-of-the-box compliance |
| Chemical Compatibility | Limited by prior contents | Virgin HDPE — universal compatibility |
| Cost | $120 – $200 | $250 – $400+ |
| Lead Time | In stock, ships same week | 2 – 6 weeks (custom) or in-stock standard |
| Warranty | 90-day reconditioning warranty | Manufacturer warranty (1 year typical) |
Still unsure? Read more about reconditioned totes or ask our team — we will recommend the most cost-effective option for your application.
Custom Order Options
Bottle Color
Natural (translucent), white, black (UV-resistant), or blue. Color choice affects light permeability and UV degradation rates.
Valve Configuration
Butterfly, ball, cam-lock, or threaded NPT. Multi-port manifold setups for inline mixing applications.
Pallet Material
Standard HDPE plastic, composite wood, or galvanized steel. Steel pallets add durability for heavy-cycle environments.
Certifications
UN 31HA1 transport rating, FDA 21 CFR food contact, NSF/ANSI 61 potable water. Specify at order time.
Manufacturing Standards and Certifications
Every new IBC tote we supply is manufactured to internationally recognized standards. Here is what those certifications actually mean for your operation.
UN 31HA1 Transport Rating
The UN 31HA1 marking certifies that the composite IBC has passed the United Nations performance test series: drop test from 1.2 meters, bottom-lift test at 1.25 times maximum gross mass, top-lift test, stacking test at 1.8 times maximum gross mass for 28 days, leakproofness test at 20 kPa, and hydraulic pressure test at 100 kPa. This certification is mandatory for transporting hazardous materials under DOT regulations (49 CFR) and IMDG code for ocean freight.
FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 Compliance
The HDPE resin used in virgin IBC bottles complies with FDA 21 CFR 177.1520, which governs olefin polymers intended for food contact. This means the polyethylene has been tested for extractables and meets migration limits for food safety. Totes intended for food-grade use ship with FDA-compliant gaskets and valves as well -- not just the bottle.
NSF/ANSI 61 for Potable Water
If you need to store or transport drinking water, the container must meet NSF/ANSI Standard 61. This standard tests for leaching of contaminants into water at specific temperatures and contact durations. We source NSF 61-certified totes from approved manufacturers for municipal, disaster-relief, and commercial potable water applications.
ISO 9001 Manufacturing
Our manufacturing partners operate ISO 9001-certified production facilities. This means every step of the manufacturing process -- from resin sourcing through blow molding, cage welding, and final assembly -- follows documented quality management procedures. Lot-level traceability is maintained for raw materials, production parameters, and test results.
REACH and RoHS Compliance (EU Export)
For customers exporting to the European Union, we can source totes that comply with REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) and RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances). This ensures the tote materials contain no restricted substances above threshold concentrations.
ISPM 15 Pallet Treatment
Wooden pallets are heat-treated to ISPM 15 standards (56 degrees C core temperature for 30 minutes) to eliminate invasive pest species. This treatment is required for international shipping. Each treated pallet carries the IPPC stamp confirming compliance. Plastic and steel pallets are exempt from ISPM 15 requirements.
Detailed Material Specifications
Understanding what your tote is made of matters when selecting for chemical compatibility, temperature range, and service life.
| Component | Material | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Inner Bottle | High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) | Blow-molded from virgin HDPE resin. Wall thickness 3.5 to 5mm. Density 0.941 to 0.965 g/cm3. UV-stabilized formulations available. Operating temperature range: -40F to 140F. |
| Outer Cage | Galvanized Steel Wire | Welded mesh construction using 4mm to 5mm wire diameter. Hot-dip galvanized to ASTM A123 standards for corrosion resistance. Designed to withstand stacking loads of 4 high when filled. |
| Top and Bottom Frames | Tubular Galvanized Steel | Square or rectangular tube sections welded into rigid frames. Carry the stacking load and transfer it to the cage panels and pallet. Corner reinforcement plates on all joints. |
| Outlet Valve | Polypropylene / Stainless Steel | Standard 2-inch butterfly valve. Polypropylene body rated for most non-solvent chemicals. 304 or 316 stainless available for aggressive chemical service or high-temperature applications. |
| Gaskets and Seals | EPDM (standard) / Viton / PTFE | EPDM is the default for water and mild chemical service. Viton specified for solvents and fuels. PTFE for universal chemical resistance. FDA-compliant compounds available for all materials. |
| Fill Cap | HDPE | 6-inch (150mm) screw cap with integrated gasket. Vented and non-vented options. Tamper-evident versions available with breakaway ring. |
| Pallet | HDPE / Steel / Composite Wood | Four-way forklift entry standard. HDPE pallets: 48x40 inches, 75 lb. Steel pallets: 48x40 inches, 95 lb. Wooden pallets: heat-treated to ISPM 15, 48x40 inches, 55 lb. |
Warranty and Ordering Details
We want the purchasing process to be straightforward. Below are the details on warranties, lead times, and volume pricing.
Manufacturer Warranty
All new IBC totes carry the original manufacturer's warranty, which typically covers defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of delivery. This includes the bottle, cage, pallet, valve, and gaskets. Warranty does not cover damage from misuse, overloading beyond rated capacity, exposure to incompatible chemicals, or normal wear. We handle warranty claims directly with the manufacturer on your behalf.
Lead Times and Availability
Standard 275-gallon and 330-gallon white and natural totes are kept in stock at our West Coast warehouse and ship within 1 to 3 business days. Custom configurations -- including colored bottles, non-standard valve setups, steel pallets, and 550-gallon units -- are manufactured to order with lead times of 2 to 6 weeks depending on quantity and specification. We recommend ordering custom units at least 4 weeks ahead of your need date.
Volume Pricing and Truckload Discounts
New IBC totes are priced on a tiered volume scale. Single-unit pricing applies for orders of 1 to 9 totes. Orders of 10 to 49 totes receive a standard volume discount. Full truckload quantities (typically 56 to 60 totes per 53-foot trailer) receive the best per-unit pricing. We can also set up blanket purchase orders with scheduled releases for customers who need a steady supply throughout the year.
Delivery and Freight Options
Local deliveries within the San Francisco Bay Area and Central Valley are handled by our own trucks, usually within 2 business days. For shipments throughout California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, and Arizona, we use vetted LTL and full-truckload carriers with typical transit times of 2 to 5 business days. Liftgate delivery is available for locations without a loading dock. We can also arrange direct-ship from the manufacturer to your facility for large orders.
Complete New Tote Specifications
When specifying new IBC totes for procurement, engineering, or regulatory documentation, you need precise technical data. The following tables provide complete specifications for all standard sizes, including physical dimensions, material properties, performance ratings, and compliance certifications.
| Specification | 275 Gallon | 330 Gallon | 550 Gallon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominal Capacity | 275 US gallons (1,041 liters) | 330 US gallons (1,249 liters) | 550 US gallons (2,082 liters) |
| Maximum Fill Volume | 264 gallons (to bottom of fill neck) | 317 gallons (to bottom of fill neck) | 528 gallons (to bottom of fill neck) |
| External Dimensions (L x W x H) | 48" x 40" x 46" | 48" x 40" x 53" | 48" x 48" x 62" |
| Pallet Footprint | 48" x 40" (standard GMA) | 48" x 40" (standard GMA) | 48" x 48" (oversize) |
| Empty Weight (HDPE pallet) | ~125-135 lbs | ~140-150 lbs | ~185-200 lbs |
| Empty Weight (Steel pallet) | ~155-165 lbs | ~170-180 lbs | ~220-240 lbs |
| Maximum Gross Weight | 2,750 lbs (1,250 kg) | 3,300 lbs (1,500 kg) | 5,070 lbs (2,300 kg) |
| Bottle Wall Thickness | 3.5-5.0 mm | 3.5-5.0 mm | 4.0-6.0 mm |
| Bottle Material | Virgin HDPE (density 0.941-0.965 g/cm3) | Virgin HDPE (density 0.941-0.965 g/cm3) | Virgin HDPE (density 0.941-0.965 g/cm3) |
| Cage Wire Diameter | 4.0-5.0 mm galvanized steel | 4.0-5.0 mm galvanized steel | 5.0-6.0 mm galvanized steel |
| Fill Opening | 6" (150mm) threaded | 6" (150mm) threaded | 6" (150mm) or 9" (225mm) |
| Discharge Valve | 2" (50mm) butterfly standard | 2" (50mm) butterfly standard | 2" or 3" butterfly standard |
| Stacking (filled, on racking) | Up to 4 high | Up to 3 high | Up to 2 high |
| Stacking (filled, floor) | 2 high maximum | 2 high maximum | Not recommended |
| Operating Temperature | -40F to 140F (-40C to 60C) | -40F to 140F (-40C to 60C) | -40F to 140F (-40C to 60C) |
| UN Packaging Code | 31HA1 | 31HA1 | 31HA1 |
| Performance Level (standard) | Y (Packing Group II) | Y (Packing Group II) | Y (Packing Group II) |
| Hydrostatic Test Pressure | 100 kPa (14.5 PSI) | 100 kPa (14.5 PSI) | 100 kPa (14.5 PSI) |
Specifications may vary slightly between manufacturers. The values above represent the typical range for standard composite IBCs from major manufacturers including Schutz, Mauser, and Greif. If your procurement specification requires exact values for a particular manufacturer, contact us with the brand and model and we will provide manufacturer-specific data sheets.
Customization Options
New IBC totes can be customized at the factory to match your exact application requirements. From bottle color and cage coating to valve type and pallet material, every component can be specified. Custom orders typically require 2-6 weeks lead time and minimum quantities may apply.
Bottle Color Options
Natural (translucent white) is the default and allows visual inspection of contents and fill level. White offers similar visibility with a slightly more opaque appearance. Black bottles contain UV stabilizers and are ideal for outdoor storage -- they resist sun degradation 2-3 times longer than natural bottles. Blue is commonly used for water and food-grade applications as a visual differentiator. Custom colors (red, yellow, green) are available for minimum orders of 50 units and are useful for color-coding different product lines in your warehouse.
Cage Coating
Standard hot-dip galvanized coating provides excellent corrosion resistance for most environments. Powder-coated cages are available in white, blue, green, or custom colors for a cleaner appearance and additional corrosion protection. Epoxy-coated cages offer the highest level of chemical resistance for aggressive environments such as marine, coastal, or chemical processing facilities. Stainless steel cages are available for pharmaceutical and ultra-clean applications where galvanized steel is not permitted.
Valve Type Selection
Standard 2-inch polypropylene butterfly valve is included at no extra charge. Upgrade to a 2-inch ball valve for viscous liquids and full-bore flow requirements. Cam-lock quick-connect fittings are available in polypropylene, aluminum, or 304/316 stainless steel. Threaded NPT connections can be specified for permanent plumbing installations. Multi-port manifold configurations allow inline mixing or simultaneous filling and dispensing.
Pallet Material
HDPE plastic pallets are the standard offering -- lightweight, chemical-resistant, and ideal for clean environments. Steel pallets add approximately 30 pounds but provide superior durability for heavy-use operations, outdoor storage, and racking systems. Wood composite pallets are the most economical option and are heat-treated to ISPM 15 standards for international shipping. All pallets feature standard 48x40-inch footprint with four-way forklift entry (550-gallon uses 48x48).
Custom Labeling and Branding
Factory-applied labels include your company logo, product name, safety information, batch tracking fields, and barcode or QR code. Labels are printed on weather-resistant polyester stock with UV-stable inks. Minimum order 25 totes per label design. For larger volumes (100+), we can arrange hot-stamp branding directly onto the HDPE bottle for a permanent mark that will not peel or fade.
Specialty Certifications
Beyond standard UN/DOT and FDA certifications, we can source totes with NSF/ANSI 61 certification for potable water systems, Kosher certification for food-grade applications, REACH and RoHS compliance for EU export, and USDA Organic-compatible materials. Specify your certification requirements at the time of order and we will source from the appropriate certified manufacturer.
Bulk Order Process: Step by Step
Ordering new IBC totes in bulk involves more steps than purchasing from stock. Custom specifications, factory lead times, and logistics coordination all need to be planned carefully. Here is the complete process from initial inquiry through delivery.
Submit Your Specification
Contact us with the size, quantity, bottle color, valve type, pallet material, and any certifications required. Include your delivery location and target delivery date. The more detail you provide upfront, the faster we can generate an accurate quote.
Receive a Detailed Quote
We respond within one business day with a line-item quote including unit pricing, customization surcharges (if any), estimated freight cost, and projected delivery date. Pricing is firm for 30 days from the quote date. Volume discounts are automatically applied based on quantity.
Confirm Order and Deposit
Approve the quote and submit a 50% deposit to lock in your order. For established accounts with net-30 terms, the deposit may be waived. We issue a formal purchase order confirmation with all specifications documented.
Factory Production
Your order enters the manufacturer's production queue. Standard configurations typically ship within 2-3 weeks. Custom colors, specialty valves, or non-standard certifications may require 4-6 weeks. We provide weekly production status updates for orders over 50 units.
Quality Inspection at Factory
Every production run undergoes factory QA testing: blow-mold integrity check, cage weld inspection, pressure testing at 100 kPa, and UN marking verification. Test certificates are generated for the batch and included with shipment documentation.
Freight Coordination
We arrange freight from the factory to your facility using our vetted carrier network. Full truckloads (56-60 totes per 53-foot trailer) receive the best per-unit freight rate. Partial loads are consolidated when possible to reduce shipping costs. Liftgate delivery is available for sites without a loading dock.
Delivery and Final Payment
Totes arrive palletized and shrink-wrapped for protection during transit. Count and inspect on receipt, then sign the bill of lading. Final payment (remaining 50%) is due net-30 from delivery date. Any transit damage is documented and resolved within 48 hours.
New vs Reconditioned: The Complete Decision Guide
The choice between new and reconditioned totes is not always obvious. This detailed guide walks you through every factor that should influence your decision, from regulatory requirements and chemical compatibility to total cost of ownership and environmental impact.
Choose New When...
- Your product is FDA-regulated and requires virgin food-contact packaging with full 21 CFR 177.1520 compliance documentation.
- You are filling pharmaceutical intermediates, APIs, or excipient solutions where any trace contamination could affect product quality or patient safety.
- Your customer contract explicitly specifies new packaging and will not accept reconditioned alternatives, regardless of certification.
- The product is chemically aggressive (strong oxidizers, aromatic solvents, concentrated acids) and may react with trace residues from prior HDPE exposure.
- You need UN/DOT-certified packaging for hazmat transport and the tote must be within its initial 5-year service life with unbroken test markings.
- You are exporting to countries or customers that require virgin packaging with current-year manufacture dates.
- Long-term static storage (12+ months) is planned, and you want maximum gasket and seal longevity from factory-fresh components.
Choose Reconditioned When...
- Your application involves non-FDA-regulated liquids such as agricultural chemicals, cleaning solutions, automotive fluids, or water treatment chemicals.
- Your budget is a primary constraint and the 40-55% cost savings of reconditioned totes would meaningfully impact your bottom line.
- You need totes quickly -- reconditioned inventory is typically available for same-week shipment, while custom new totes require 2-6 weeks.
- Environmental sustainability is a corporate priority and you want to maximize container reuse rather than contribute to new manufacturing demand.
- Your application can use a food-grade liner to create a virgin barrier inside a reconditioned tote, giving you food-safe contact at reconditioned pricing.
- You are building or replenishing a large fleet (50+ units) and the cumulative cost difference between new and reconditioned would free up significant capital.
- The totes will be used for short- to medium-term applications (under 3 years) where the slightly shorter remaining service life of reconditioned units is not a limiting factor.
Manufacturer Partners
We source new IBC totes from the world's leading composite IBC manufacturers. Each manufacturer brings specific strengths in design, certification, and availability. Here is an overview of our primary manufacturing partners and what makes each one well-suited for particular applications.
Schutz (Ecobulk Series)
The world's largest IBC manufacturer, headquartered in Germany with production facilities across the Americas. The Ecobulk series features a patented inner bottle design with integrated pallet cradle. Known for exceptional consistency, full FDA and UN compliance, and the broadest range of size and configuration options. Preferred for food-grade, pharmaceutical, and chemical applications requiring maximum traceability.
Mauser Packaging Solutions (MX Series)
A leading industrial packaging manufacturer with North American production facilities. The MX series offers robust cage construction with reinforced corner posts and a wide range of valve and pallet options. Excellent availability for standard configurations and competitive pricing for bulk orders. Strong presence in chemical, agricultural, and industrial markets.
Greif (IBC Series)
A global industrial packaging company with production capabilities throughout North America. Greif's IBC series is known for heavy-duty cage construction and premium galvanizing. Offers specialized configurations for hazardous materials, aggressive chemicals, and high-temperature applications. Competitive for large-volume orders with extended production runs.
Werit
A European manufacturer with growing North American distribution. Werit IBCs feature a distinctive modular cage design that allows individual panel replacement without disassembling the entire cage. This modularity reduces long-term maintenance costs for large fleets. Available in standard and custom configurations with competitive lead times.
Time Technoplast
An Asia-Pacific manufacturer with competitive pricing for standard configurations. Well-suited for operations that need large quantities of basic 275- and 330-gallon totes without specialty certifications. Lead times may be longer than domestic manufacturers but per-unit costs are often 10-15% lower for high-volume orders.
Custom / Private-Label
For very large orders (500+ units), we can arrange private-label manufacturing with your company branding molded into the bottle or stamped onto the cage. Private-label totes are produced by one of the manufacturers listed above, with your branding applied during the manufacturing process rather than as an aftermarket label.
Not sure which manufacturer is best for your application? Tell us your requirements and we will recommend the best match based on your specification, timeline, and budget. We maintain relationships with all major IBC manufacturers and can source from any of them depending on your needs.
Order New IBC Totes
We stock standard 275- and 330-gallon new totes for quick ship. Custom sizes, colors, and valve configurations typically ship in 2-6 weeks. Request a quote to get started.