Bulk Containers

Bulk containers are used for storing and transporting large quantities of goods, accommodating volumes up to several hundred gallons. They include drums, barrels, totes, pails, and more. These containers come in various sizes and styles, making them suitable for storing different types of materials such as solids, liquids, and powders. Bulk containers are often reusable, which helps lower costs over time. The durable design of bulk containers allows them to withstand rough transportation and storage while keeping contents safe. Bulk containers often dispense products into smaller retail-sized containers through pumps or spouts for easy consumer use.

Common types of bulk containers include pails & buckets, drums & barrels, and IBC totes.

Pails & buckets are commonly used for transporting and storing liquids, powders, and bulk materials within industries such as construction, food processing, healthcare, agriculture, and hazardous material handling. Pails and buckets are available in both plastic and steel, with open-head and tight-head options to suit different needs. They come in a variety of colors for easy identification and branding, and can be lined for enhanced durability. Offered in multiple sizes ranging from 1/2 gallon to 13 gallons, with 5 gallons being the most popular choice.

Drums & barrels are used to store liquids or solids within various industries including chemical, pharmaceutical, and food & beverage. They come in numerous styles including plastic, steel, salvage, and food-grade options to meet different storage needs. Drums & barrels are available in various sizes ranging from 5 gallons to 180 gallons, with 55 gallons being the most popular.

IBC totes are ideal for storing and transporting a variety of products such as liquids, solvents, or granular substances in large quantities. Their stackable design and bulk capacity make them a cost-effective choice for shipping products efficiently. IBC totes are available in plastic, carbon steel, and stainless steel options. The capacity of an IBC tank ranges depending on its type, with the most popular size being 275 gallons and 330 gallons.

Bulk containers are available in various material types. Common materials include plastic, metal, and fiber.

Plastic is lightweight, often resistant to corrosion, and can be used for food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. It is also flexible, available in various shapes and sizes, and easy to clean for hygienic applications. The Cary Company offers buckets, drums, and totes in plastic.

Metal, such as steel and stainless steel, is highly durable and ideal for heavy-duty applications in construction and manufacturing. These containers provide excellent protection against impact and harsh applications, ensuring long-term reliability for storing and transporting bulk materials. Cary offers buckets, drums, and totes in metal.

Fiberboard is lightweight and cost-effective, commonly used for shipping and storing powdered or dry granular products. The Cary Company offers drums in fiberboard materials.

Bulk containers can be used across various industries such as agriculture, construction, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and manufacturing, among others. These industries commonly require bulk storage and transit containers.

Yes, bulk containers can be customized! Contact The Cary Design Team for help in designing and applying your ideal label. We will work with you every step of the way from brainstorming design ideas to applying the labels and shipping your unique containers.

When choosing a bulk container, consider a few key factors: the material of the container, capacity requirements, and safety regulations.

Different materials, such as plastic, steel, or food-grade options, may be best suited for storing specific contents. Plastic is lightweight, cost-effective, and can be resistant to chemicals, making it ideal for industries such as agriculture and food processing. Steel containers provide excellent strength and longevity, often used for heavy-duty applications such as shipping or industrial storage. Food-grade bulk containers have superior sanitation to keep consumables free of bacteria and leaching materials.

Choosing the right container also depends on the capacity requirements of your application. For smaller tasks, pails & buckets are a great choice, as they are easy to handle and ideal for lighter volumes. For projects that require more capacity, drums & barrels work well, providing ample storage while still being manageable via drum trucks and other manual equipment. For larger applications, IBC totes are ideal, offering significant capacity designed for heavy-duty use.

When storing chemicals and hazardous materials in bulk, it is important to recognize how the container will interact with the product stored. Hazardous chemicals need to be transported in containers approved for the correct UN Rating. Chemicals may also require specific lining, venting, flame-resistance, and other properties. UN Rated containers are designed and tested to withstand different substances, including flammable, corrosive, or toxic materials.

Extensive Selection: If you’re looking for where to buy new or used bulk containers, The Cary Company offers a wide selection of pails, drums, and IBC totes to ensure you will find the perfect solution for your business.

Quality Assurance: Safety and reliability are top priorities for us. We ensure that our products and services meet strict quality standards.

Competitive Pricing: Enjoy the savings of wholesale pricing on containers in bulk.

Expert Support: Our knowledgeable customer service team is always ready to assist you in choosing the right product and answering any questions you may have. Call us now at 630.629.6600!