IBC Tote Stacking Test Load Rating
The intermediate bulk container (commonly IBC tote) is a widely recognized and known storage and transport product. IBC totes are particularly noted for its versatility, strength, space saving design, and ability to be stacked. When stacking IBC totes, it is important to understand their weight load limits to ensure overall safety and prevent damaging the container. By not over-stacking or overloading IBC totes, you can prevent the risk of toppling or compromising structural integrity. Also noteworthy, proper weight distribution is essential to maintaining stability and preventing any potential hazards.
In this comprehensive blog post, we will delve deeper into this critical aspect of stacking IBC totes. Here, we will provide valuable insights, guidelines, and the information needed so you can handle and stack your IBCs with confidence. Whether you are involved in logistics, manufacturing, agriculture, a DIY hobbyist, or any industry that relies on IBC totes, our knowledge base articles are designed to equip you with the know-how to make the best decisions and use industry best practices.
Stacking IBC Tote Containers
Typically, most IBC totes can be stacked two-high at minimum for storage. For transit, we cannot recommend stacking IBCs if they are cargo bearing due to safety concerns. However, this is often done as the US DOT/CFR seems to allow it depending on the cargo type. Empty IBCs can be stacked two high during transport.
For storing IBC totes when cargo bearing, the total weight an IBC can handle will depend on the specific gravity rating of the material used in its construction and the design of the tote. Thankfully, all of this is understood by the manufacturer and the governmental authorities behind UN and DOT standards. The results of product tests and engineering know-how has resulted in understanding the capability of IBC containers. This information is clearly presented on the IBC tote UN/DOT permit label that is often included on the front of the tote.
The UN/DOT label information will depend on the IBC tote product type. For example, carbon steel IBCs have different ratings than those of all-polyethylene IBCs which have different ratings than caged IBC totes. The label provides information for IBC stacking by indicating how much total weight the IBC is engineered to handle.
The UN/DOT label will include various information about the IBC container, including manufacture date, hazardous material handling approval, manufacture date, stacking load limit, weight load limit, the IBC’s tare weight, and the IBC volume. Note that weight and volume measurements are in the metric units of kilograms (kg) and liters (L).
The UN/DOT permit label will look as follows and provide the following information:
Example IBC Tote Stacking Test Load Ratings
The following examples report the stacking test load rating for common IBC totes:
- 275 Gallon Poly Caged IBC Tote: 3,538 lbs (1,605 kg)
- 330 Gallon Poly Caged IBC Tote: 8,500 lbs (3,855 kg)
- 120 Gallon Premium Stacking IBC Tote: 3,003 lbs (4,462 kg)
- 220 Gallon Premium Stacking IBC Tote: 3,003 lbs (4,462 kg)
- 330 Gallon Ultratainer IBC Tote: 9,960 lbs (4,518 kg)
The IBC stacking test load rating is the maximum approved weight the IBC has been tested and approved to handle. For example, the 330 gallon Ultratainer is rated to handle up to 9,960 lbs max of weight in stacking additional IBCs on top of the Ultratainer. Many times it is not recommended to stack an IBC to its max rating for longer than 24 hours. For example, the 330 gallon poly caged IBC is rate tested to 8,500 lbs but is recommended for stacking with weight no more than 4,250 lbs.
To repeat, most IBC totes are suitable for stacking two high when fully weighted with cargo. Stacking more than two high is best when the IBC totes are less than full or carrying cargo that is lighter in weight per volume.
Takeaway
IBC tote containers have a maximum weight load known as the stacking test load rating. This value will always be included in the UN/DOT permit label markings on the front of the IBC tote. The numeric value after the IBC’s country of authorization and after manufacturer identification will be the stacking test load rating. The kilogram value that follows is the gross mass rating. The IBC’s stacking rating will always be larger than the IBC’s gross mass rating. Understanding the weight limit for the individual IBC totes and types being used is critical to safety and tote integrity to prevent overloading a stack of IBC products.