--- title: "The 101 on IBCs: Everything You Need To Know" description: Stainless steel tote tanks or poly tanks? The IBC shipping pros at Metano can help determine the right container in the correct size for your application. image: https://metanousa.com/hubfs/Poly%20and%20SS.jpg --- Call Us: [800-544-7069](tel:800-634-4128) - [Tracking login](http://www.precisionibctracking.com/MAMS/Login) - [Request A Quote](https://metanousa.com/request-a-quote) - [Resources](https://www.metanousa.com/ibc-resources) - [Blog](https://metanousa.com/blog) [![MetanoLogo_withTagline_original](https://metanousa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MetanoLogo_withTagline_original.png?width=220&height=69&name=MetanoLogo_withTagline_original.png "MetanoLogo_withTagline_original")](https://www.metanousa.com/) - [IBC Products](https://metanousa.com/ibc-container-products) - [Stainless Steel IBCs](https://www.metanousa.com/stainless-steel-ibc-tote-tanks) - [Metal IBCs](https://www.metanousa.com/metal-ibc-containers) - [Composite IBCs](https://www.metanousa.com/composite-tanks-ibcs) - [Poly Tote Tank IBCs](https://www.metanousa.com/poly-tote-tank-ibcs) - [Reconditioned IBCs](https://metanousa.com/used-ibc-totes-reconditioned-ibc-tanks-metano-ibc-services) - [Shop Stainless Steel IBCs](https://metanousa.com/shop-stainless-steel) - [IBC Rentals](https://metanousa.com/ibc-rentals) - [IBC Rental Benefits](https://metanousa.com/ibc-rental-benefits) - [Go Green with IBC Rentals](https://metanousa.com/go-green-with-ibc-rentals) - [Shop Rental IBCs](https://metanousa.com/shop-rental) - [IBC Parts](https://www.metanousa.com/shop-parts) - [Drum Covers](https://www.metanousa.com/shop-parts#!/Drum-Covers/c/31991784/offset=0&sort=normal) - [Clamp Rings](https://www.metanousa.com/shop-parts#!/Clamp-Rings/c/31991789/offset=0&sort=normal) - [Lid Gaskets](https://www.metanousa.com/shop-parts#!/Gaskets/c/31991786/offset=0&sort=normal) - [Ball Valves](https://www.metanousa.com/shop-parts#!/Ball-Valves/c/31991792/offset=0&sort=normal) - [Bung Plugs](https://www.metanousa.com/shop-parts#!/Bung-Plugs/c/31991791/offset=0&sort=normal) - [Quick Connect Fittings](https://www.metanousa.com/shop-parts#!/Quick-Connect-Fittings/c/31991794/offset=0&sort=normal) - [Fusible Vents](https://www.metanousa.com/shop-parts#!/Vents/c/31991790/offset=0&sort=normal) - [Pressure/Vacuum Relief Vents](https://www.metanousa.com/shop-parts#!/Vents/c/31991790/offset=0&sort=normal) - [Outlet Plumbing](https://www.metanousa.com/shop-parts#!/Outlet-Plumbing/c/31991793/offset=0&sort=normal) - [Decals](https://www.metanousa.com/shop-parts#!/Decals/c/31991795/offset=0&sort=normal) - [IBC Services](https://www.metanousa.com/ibc-services) - [IBC Accessories](https://www.metanousa.com/intermediate-bulk-container-ibc-accessories) - [Mixer Systems](https://www.metanousa.com/mixer-systems) - [Heating/Cooling](https://www.metanousa.com/heating-cooling-transfer-jackets) - [Level Gauges](https://www.metanousa.com/shop-parts#!/Accessories/c/31991796/offset=0&sort=normal) - [Containment Basins](https://metanousa.com/containment-basins) - [Other Accessories](https://www.metanousa.com/other-accessories) - [About Metano](https://www.metanousa.com/about-metano) - [Stainless Steel IBC FAQ](https://www.metanousa.com/ssibc-faq) - [Poly Composite IBC FAQ](https://www.metanousa.com/en/polycompositeibc-faq) - [Tote Talk Blog](https://www.metanousa.com/blog) - [Press Release](https://metanousa.com/pressrelease) - [Industries Served](https://www.metanousa.com/industries-served) - [Flavor and Fragrance](https://www.metanousa.com/flavor-and-fragrance-industries) - [Personal Care](https://metanousa.com/personal-care-industries) - [Food and Beverage](https://www.metanousa.com/food-and-beverage-industries) - [Industrial Chemicals](https://www.metanousa.com/industrial-chemicals-tote-tanks) - [Petrochemical](https://www.metanousa.com/petrochemical-industries) - [Pharmaceutical Intermediates](https://metanousa.com/pharmaceutical-intermediates-industries) - [Paints and Coatings](https://metanousa.com/paints-and-coatings-industries) - [Water Treatment](https://metanousa.com/water-treatment-industries) - [Shop Parts](https://www.metanousa.com/shop-parts) ![blog-Hero.jpg](https://metanousa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Metano-2016/Image/blog-Hero.jpg?width=1599&name=blog-Hero.jpg "blog-Hero.jpg") # Tote Talk Blog # The 101 on IBCs: Everything You Need To Know About Intermediate Bulk Containers - Posted: July 27, 2020 - By: [Tom Wilkins](https://metanousa.com/blog/author/tom-wilkins) #### Stainless steel totes or poly tanks? 350-gallons or 550-gallons? What are the DOT restrictions? ![Poly and SS tote tanks](https://metanousa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Poly%20and%20SS.jpg?width=300&name=Poly%20and%20SS.jpg)Ultimately, your container selection will depend on the type (and quantity) of liquid you need to move and how often you plan to move it. Need to move paint resins to a long-term client?  [Stainless steel tote tanks](https://www.metanousa.com/stainless-steel-ibc-tote-tanks) are the way to go. But for a one-time transport of agricultural pesticides, [poly tanks](https://www.metanousa.com/poly-tanks-ibcs) might be the better fit. [The IBC shipping pros at Metano](https://metanousa.com/contact-us#_ga=2.170071136.1115974919.1595266035-683341904.1595266034) can help you find the right container in the correct size for your application.  ## **Certification** According to federal regulations, all IBC liquid totes must be tested and certified, with testing date clearly marked on the unit.  Per 49 CFR 180.352, IBCs should be tested as least once every 30 months.  All stainless steel IBCs manufactured with UN markings also need a thickness test every 60 months. And dates of the retest must be clearly visible on the tank. ## **Closure Requirements** ![Stainless Steel IBC opening](https://metanousa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/_DSF7104.jpg?width=125&name=_DSF7104.jpg)Achieving a tight seal is imperative to ensuring the integrity of your product. [Check this list of lid closings procedures](https://metanousa.com/hs-fs/file-18239960-pdf/docs/lid_installation_stainless_steel_totes.pdf?t=1433424259223) to be certain of proper lid installation.     ## **Parts and Accessories** While IBCs are built to withstand the rigors of shipping, occasionally a valve, pump or lid may need replacement. A reputable IBC shipping partner should have these [parts in stock and ready for quick delivery ](https://www.metanousa.com/intermediate-bulk-container-ibc-accessories)to ensure you can maintain your production and transportation deadlines.![IBC Parts](https://metanousa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Parts%20E%20Blast.jpg?width=350&name=Parts%20E%20Blast.jpg)   ## **Moving and Storage** ![Totes moved with Forklift](https://metanousa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Totes%20moved%20with%20Forklift.jpg?width=150&name=Totes%20moved%20with%20Forklift.jpg) Stainless steel IBCs have a [uniform base size](https://metanousa.com/stainless-steel-ibc-tote-tanks) to allow stacking during transport and for more-efficient usage of warehouse space (stackable up to three high). A forklift (or pallet jack) is recommended for moving. ## **IBC Rental** Maybe you already own a fleet of IBCs and need to supplement with a stainless steel rental program.  Perhaps you just need a liquid shipping and storage solution with no capital commitment and low daily rates. Renting IBC totes allows you to expand your inventory and production, but without a large investment or long commitment. [Check out the IBC Rental Guide for details](https://www.metanousa.com/benefits-of-renting-stainless-steel-ibc-containers-free-guide?__). [![ibc rental](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/163881/834e3e28-653d-4b76-8d25-97f27aa98987.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/163881/834e3e28-653d-4b76-8d25-97f27aa98987) #### Check out Metano's FAQ or [contact us](mailto:info@metanousa.com) for all of your IBC needs! [Stainless Steel FAQ](https://metanousa.com/ssibc-faq) [Poly Composite FAQ](https://metanousa.com/en/polycompositeibc-faq)   Topics: [stainless steel totes](https://metanousa.com/blog/topic/stainless-steel-totes), [tote tank](https://metanousa.com/blog/topic/tote-tank), [intermediate bulk container](https://metanousa.com/blog/topic/intermediate-bulk-container), [IBC rental](https://metanousa.com/blog/topic/ibc-rental), [stainless steel IBCs](https://metanousa.com/blog/topic/stainless-steel-ibcs), [ibc tanks](https://metanousa.com/blog/topic/ibc-tanks), [IBC Supplier,](https://metanousa.com/blog/topic/ibc-supplier), [storage](https://metanousa.com/blog/topic/storage), [transportation](https://metanousa.com/blog/topic/transportation) ## We welcome your comments ### Search ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Share [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmetanousa.com%2Fblog%2F101-on-ibcs%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmetanousa.com%2Fblog%2F101-on-ibcs%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fmetanousa.com%2Fblog%2F101-on-ibcs%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmetanousa.com%2Fblog%2F101-on-ibcs%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=The%20101%20on%20IBCs%3A%20Everything%20You%20Need%20To%20Know) [![MetanoLogo_withTagline_original-1](https://metanousa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MetanoLogo_withTagline_original-1.png?width=172&name=MetanoLogo_withTagline_original-1.png "MetanoLogo_withTagline_original-1")](https://www.metanousa.com/) Fairhope, AL 36532 Broussard, LA 70518 (800) 544-7069 [info@metanoUSA.com](mailto:info@metanoUSA.com) [CONTACT US](https://www.metanousa.com/contact-us) Follow Us:                                                        | [![](https://metanousa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Metano-2016/Image/twitter-32.png?width=32&height=32&name=twitter-32.png "twitter-32.png")](https://twitter.com/MetanoIBC) | [![](https://metanousa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Metano-2016/Image/facebook-32.png?width=32&height=32&name=facebook-32.png "facebook-32.png")](https://www.facebook.com/MetanoIbcServicesInc/) | [![](https://metanousa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Metano-2016/Image/linkedin-32.png?width=32&height=32&name=linkedin-32.png "linkedin-32.png")](https://www.linkedin.com/company/metano-ibc-services-inc-) |   | | --- | --- | --- | --- | #### Products - [Stainless Steel IBCs](https://metanousa.com/stainless-steel-ibc-tote-tanks) - [Metal IBCs](https://metanousa.com/metal-ibc-containers) - [Poly IBCs](https://metanousa.com/poly-ibc-tote-tank) - [Composite IBCs](https://www.metanousa.com/composite-tanks-ibcs) - [Reconditioned IBCs](https://metanousa.com/used-ibc-totes-reconditioned-ibc-tanks-metano-ibc-services) - [Shop for Parts](https://www.metanousa.com/shop-parts) #### Services - [Services](https://metanousa.com/ibc-services) #### About - [Blog](https://metanousa.com/blog) - [FAQ](https://www.metanousa.com/ssibc-faq) #### Rentals - [IBC Rentals](https://metanousa.com/ibc-rentals) - [IBC Rental Benefits](https://metanousa.com/advantages-of-ibc-rentals) - [Go Green with IBC Rentals](https://metanousa.com/benefits-of-ibc-rental) #### Industries Served - [Flavor and Fragrance](https://www.metanousa.com/flavor-and-fragrance-industries) - [Food and Beverage](https://www.metanousa.com/food-and-beverage-industries) - [Industrial Chemicals](https://metanousa.com/industrial-chemicals-tote-tanks) - [Petrochemical](https://metanousa.com/petrochemical-industries) - [Personal Care](https://metanousa.com/personal-care-industries) - [Pharmaceutical Intermediates](https://metanousa.com/pharmaceutical-intermediates-industries) - [Paints and Coatings](https://metanousa.com/paints-and-coatings-industries) - [Water Treatment](https://metanousa.com/water-treatment-industries) © 2024 Metano IBC Services, Inc. - [Privacy Policy](http://#) - [Terms Of Use](http://#) - [Terms and Conditions of Sale](https://metanousa.com/hubfs/Metano%20terms%20%20conditions%20of%20sale.pdf)