--- title: Tote Tank FAQ - SS IBC Tank Frequently Asked Questions | Metano IBC Services description: Choose the IBC tote tank experts to answer all your frequently asked questions about Stainless Steel Intermediate Bulk Containers. Call 800-634-4128 --- 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/?hsLang=en) - [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) ![inner-hero-bg.jpg](https://metanousa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Metano-2016/Image/inner-hero-bg.jpg?width=1600&name=inner-hero-bg.jpg "inner-hero-bg.jpg") # Stainless Steel IBCs: Frequently Asked Questions 1. How often should IBCs be re-tested? Per 49 CFR 180.352, federal regulations state all IBCs should be tested as least once every 30 months. All stainless steel IBCs manufactured with UN marking also need a thickness test every 60 months. 2. How do I tell if an IBC has a current test date? The date of the most recent periodic retest must be marked on the tank on or near the metal manufacturer’s plate, 49 CFR 180.352. 3. Can stainless steel IBCs be pressurized? Stainless steel IBCs are atmospheric tanks. They are not designed to be pressurized. 4. What is the tare weight of a stainless steel IBC? Each IBC has the tare weight marked on the manufacturer’s plate located on the front corner of the IBC. 5. How many empty stainless steel IBCs will fit on a trailer? 350-gallon IBCs --- 48 in a 48’ trailer; 52 in a 53’ trailer. 550-gallon IBCs --- 24 in a 48’ trailer; 26 in a 53’ trailer. 6. How high can I stack stainless steel IBCs? Be sure not to exceed the maximum stacking load listed on the manufacturer’s plate located on the front upper corner of the IBC. 7. What are the closure requirements for stainless steel IBCs? Per 49 CFR, all openings, including filling and vent holes, must be tightly closed prior to shipment. [Click here to view the lid tightening procedures.](https://metanousa.com/hubfs/docs/Metano%20Lid%20Installation%20Procedures.pdf?hsLang=en) The 2” bung plug and the 3” fill cap both require a gasket to seal and 30 foot pounds of torque for proper sealing. 8. Do I need a Secondary Closure? Yes, it is a DOT/UN requirement to fit a secondary closure to the discharge valve. The secondary closure may be a cam lock adaptor and dust cap or a threaded shipping plug. 9. How do I know if my product is compatible with a stainless steel IBC? Compatibility should be checked with the chemical supplier. There are a number of websites that provide basic compatibility information. One of the more extensive sites can be found [here](https://www.coleparmer.com/chemical-resistance?searchterm=chemical+resistance). 10. How do I know if my product is compatible with the gasket material on a stainless steel IBC? Compatibility should be checked with the chemical supplier. There are a number of websites that provide basic compatibility information. A helpful guide can be found [here](https://www.coleparmer.com/chemical-resistance?searchterm=chemical+resistance). 11. What is the maximum weight capacity for stainless steel IBCs? The max weight capacity, including tank tare weight, for: 350-gal: 6000 lbs / 2722 kg 550-gal: 9398 lbs / 4263 kg 12. What is the maximum specific gravity on stainless steel IBCs? The maximum specific gravity for: 350-gal: 1.9 550-gal : 1.9 13. What are the specs for sea containers? Dry: | Equipment | Interior Dimensions | Door Opening | Estimated Tare | Cubic Capacity | Number of IBCs Payload | Maximum Payload | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 20' Standard | L: 5.90 m (19’4”) W: 2.35 m (7’9”) H: 2.39 m (7”10”) | W: 2.34 m (7’8”) H: 2.28 m (7’6”) | 2,280 kg 5,090 lbs | 33 m³ 1170 ft³ | 8 – 350’s 8 – 550’s | 22,100 kg 48,721 lbs | | 40' Standard | L: 12.02 m (39’5”) W: 2.34 m (7’8”) H: 2.36 m (7’8”) | W: 2.33 m (7’7”) H: 2.27 m (7’5”) | 3,830 kg 8,450 lbs | 67 m³ 2390 ft³ | 18 – 350’s 18 – 550’s | 26,650 kg 58,630 lbs | | 40' High Cube | L: 12.03 m (39’6”) W: 2.35 m (7’8”) H: 2.69 m (8’10”) | W: 2.34 m (7’8”) H: 2.58 m (8’6”) | 3,980 kg 8,755 lbs | 76 m³ 2714 ft³ | 36 – 350’s 18 – 550’s | 26,500 kg 58,425 lbs |     [Contact us now to put our IBC expertise to work for your company](https://metanousa.com/contact-us/?hsLang=en).   ![IBC Services](https://metanousa.com/hs-fs/images/body_bg_bottom.jpg?width=521&height=119&name=body_bg_bottom.jpg) ### Ask a Question. We have the answer. [![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/?hsLang=en) Fairhope, AL 36532 Broussard, LA 70518 (800) 544-7069 [info@metanoUSA.com](mailto:info@metanoUSA.com) [CONTACT US](https://www.metanousa.com/contact-us?hsLang=en) 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) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{ "@type": "Question", "name": "How often should IBCs be re-tested?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Per 49 CFR 180.352, federal regulations state all IBCs should be tested as least once every 30 months. All stainless steel IBCs manufactured with UN marking also need a thickness test every 60 months." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "How do I tell if an IBC has a current test date?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The date of the most recent periodic retest must be marked on the tank on or near the metal manufacturer’s plate, 49 CFR 180.352." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "Can stainless steel IBCs be pressurized?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Stainless steel IBCs are atmospheric tanks. They are not designed to be pressurized." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the tare weight of a stainless steel IBC?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Each IBC has the tare weight marked on the manufacturer’s plate located on the front corner of the IBC." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "How many empty stainless steel IBCs will fit on a trailer?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "350-gallon IBCs --- 48 in a 48’ trailer; 52 in a 53’ trailer. 550-gallon IBCs --- 24 in a 48’ trailer; 26 in a 53’ trailer." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "How high can I stack stainless steel IBCs?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Be sure not to exceed the maximum stacking load listed on the manufacturer’s plate located on the front upper corner of the IBC." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the closure requirements for stainless steel IBCs?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Per 49 CFR, all openings, including filling and vent holes, must be tightly closed prior to shipment. Click here to view the lid tightening procedures. The 2” bung plug and the 3” fill cap both require a gasket to seal and 30 foot pounds of torque for proper sealing." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "Do I need a Secondary Closure?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, it is a DOT/UN requirement to fit a secondary closure to the discharge valve. The secondary closure may be a cam lock adaptor and dust cap or a threaded shipping plug." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "How do I know if my product is compatible with a stainless steel IBC?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Compatibility should be checked with the chemical supplier. There are a number of websites that provide basic compatibility information. One of the more extensive sites can be found here." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "How do I know if my product is compatible with the gasket material on a stainless steel IBC?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Compatibility should be checked with the chemical supplier. There are a number of websites that provide basic compatibility information. A helpful guide can be found here." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the maximum weight capacity for stainless steel IBCs?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The max weight capacity, including tank tare weight, for: 350-gal: 6000 lbs / 2722 kg 550-gal: 9398 lbs / 4263 kg" } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the maximum specific gravity on stainless steel IBCs?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The maximum specific gravity for: 350-gal: 1.9 550-gal : 1.9" } }] } ```