Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about IBC tanks, our services, pricing, and ordering process. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us directly.
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General Questions
What is an IBC tank?
An IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) is a reusable industrial container designed for the transport and storage of bulk liquid and granulated substances. Standard IBCs hold 275-350 gallons and feature a plastic inner bottle (HDPE) protected by a steel cage mounted on a pallet base. They're used across industries from food and beverage to chemicals and agriculture.
What are the different grades of used IBC tanks?
We offer three grades of used tanks: Grade A (premium, like-new condition suitable for food-grade applications), Grade B (good condition with some cosmetic wear, best value for most industrial uses), and Grade C (economy grade, functional with visible wear, ideal for non-critical storage). We also sell brand new tanks for those requiring pristine containers.
Are used IBC tanks safe to use?
Yes, when properly inspected and graded. Every tank undergoes our rigorous 10-point inspection process. We clearly indicate what each grade is suitable for. Grade A tanks can be used for food-grade applications, while Grade B and C are better suited for industrial use. All tanks are cleaned and tested before sale.
What is the lifespan of an IBC tank?
A well-maintained IBC tank can last 5-10 years or more with proper care. The HDPE bottle typically has a longer lifespan than valves and gaskets, which may need periodic replacement. Tanks can often go through 3-5 use cycles before reaching end of life.
How should I store IBC tanks?
Store IBC tanks on flat, level surfaces away from direct sunlight when possible (UV degrades HDPE over time). Empty tanks should have valves closed and caps secured. For outdoor storage, consider UV-protective covers. Avoid stacking more than 2 tanks high, and only stack filled 275-gallon tanks.
Buying Questions
What is the minimum order quantity?
We have no minimum order requirement—you can order as few as one tank. However, we offer significant bulk discounts: 5% off for 10-49 units, 10% off for 50-99 units, and 15%+ off for 100+ units. Larger orders also benefit from more economical shipping.
How do I know which grade to choose?
Consider your application: Grade A for food-grade, pharmaceutical, or sensitive materials requiring pristine condition and full documentation. Grade B for general industrial use, chemicals, agriculture—the best value for most applications. Grade C for non-critical storage, irrigation, waste collection when budget is the priority. Our team can help recommend the right grade.
Do you offer delivery?
Yes, we deliver across all 50 US states, Canada, Mexico, and European countries. Delivery costs are calculated based on your location, order quantity, and service level (LTL, FTL, or express). Contact us for a quote including delivery. For orders of 50+ tanks, we often offer free or discounted shipping.
How long does delivery take?
Most orders ship same or next business day. Delivery time depends on your location and service level: Local (under 100 miles): 1-2 days. Regional: 2-4 days. Cross-country: 4-7 days. Express delivery available for urgent needs (24-48 hours to most locations).
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), wire transfers, ACH payments, and company checks. Qualified businesses may apply for Net 30 payment terms. For large orders, we can discuss custom payment arrangements.
Can I inspect tanks before buying?
Yes! You're welcome to visit our Seattle facility to inspect tanks in person. For remote customers, we can provide photos of specific tanks before purchase. All tanks are sold according to our grading standards with a satisfaction guarantee.
Do you offer returns or exchanges?
Yes, we stand behind our grading system. If tanks don't match their stated grade upon delivery, contact us within 30 days for an exchange or refund. We'll arrange return shipping at our expense for valid claims.
Selling Questions
Do you buy used IBC tanks?
Yes! We purchase used IBC tanks in any condition across North America and Europe. Even damaged tanks have recycling value. We offer fair market prices, free pickup for qualifying quantities (25+ tanks), and quick payment within 48 hours of pickup.
How do I get a quote for selling my tanks?
Contact us with information about your tanks: quantity, approximate condition, what they previously held, and your location. Photos are helpful but not required. We provide quotes typically within 2-4 hours during business hours, often same day.
What affects the price you pay for tanks?
Several factors determine pricing: Physical condition (cleaner is better), Previous contents (food-grade and non-hazardous preferred), Quantity (larger quantities get better per-unit rates), Location (affects pickup costs), and Current market conditions. Excellent condition tanks can fetch $60-80, good condition $40-60, fair/damaged $20-40.
Do you offer pickup service?
Yes, we provide free pickup for 25+ tanks in most areas. For smaller quantities, we can arrange pickup at a reasonable cost or you can deliver to our facility. Pickup is typically scheduled within 3-7 business days of quote acceptance.
What if my tanks held hazardous materials?
We accept tanks that held most hazardous materials with proper documentation. Special handling fees may apply depending on the substance. Please disclose all previous contents when requesting a quote—this is important for proper handling and affects pricing.
Services Questions
What repair services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive repair services including: Valve replacement (all sizes), Cap and gasket replacement, Bottle crack and hole repair (HDPE welding), Cage straightening and welding, Pallet repair or replacement, Deep cleaning and sanitization, and Full reconditioning with certification. Repairs typically cost 50-70% less than replacement.
How long do repairs take?
Most repairs are completed within 24-48 hours: Simple repairs (valve, cap): 1-2 hours. Bottle repairs: 2-4 hours. Cage repairs: 2-3 hours. Full reconditioning: 4-6 hours. For bulk quantities, we can provide estimated completion times based on your specific needs.
Do you provide recycling documentation?
Yes, we provide comprehensive documentation including: Certificate of Recycling with weight records, Chain of custody documentation, EPA compliance records, Material recovery reports, and Sustainability metrics for ESG reporting. All documentation is suitable for audits and compliance verification.
What areas do you serve?
We serve all 50 US states from our Seattle headquarters, with partner facilities in Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, and Los Angeles. We also serve Canada (all provinces), Mexico (major industrial areas), and European Union countries through our Rotterdam partner hub. Contact us to confirm service in your area.
Do you offer rental programs?
While we primarily focus on sales, we can arrange rental-type programs for customers with temporary needs. Contact us to discuss your requirements—we may be able to set up a buy-back arrangement where you purchase tanks and we repurchase them after use.
Technical Questions
What is the standard IBC tank size?
The most common size is 275 gallons (1,000 liters) with dimensions of 48" × 40" × 46" (L×W×H). This represents about 85% of all IBC tanks. Larger sizes of 330 gallons (53" tall) and 350 gallons (57" tall) are also available but less common. All sizes share the same 48" × 40" pallet footprint.
What materials are IBC tanks made of?
Standard composite IBCs have: Inner bottle: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), 2-3mm thick, UV-stabilized. Outer cage: Galvanized steel tube, hot-dip coated for corrosion resistance. Pallet base: Steel (most durable), plastic (FDA compliant), or wood (economical). Valve: Typically 2" NPT butterfly valve. Cap: 6" screw cap with gasket.
What temperature range can IBC tanks handle?
Standard HDPE IBC tanks can handle temperatures from -40°F to 140°F (-40°C to 60°C). Maximum fill temperature is 140°F (60°C). For contents above this temperature, the tank must be allowed to cool before sealing. For extreme temperature applications, specialized tanks may be required.
What is the weight capacity of an IBC tank?
A 275-gallon IBC has a maximum gross weight of approximately 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) including the tank itself (~145 lbs empty). This allows for contents with specific gravity up to about 1.9. For heavier liquids, consult our team for appropriate solutions.
Can IBC tanks be stacked?
Only 275-gallon tanks are designed for stacking, and only 2 high when properly filled. The liquid inside provides structural support—never stack empty tanks or partially filled tanks. 330 and 350 gallon tanks should not be stacked due to their height and weight distribution.
What chemicals are compatible with HDPE?
HDPE is compatible with most acids, bases, alcohols, water-based solutions, and many chemicals. It's NOT compatible with: strong oxidizers, some solvents (toluene, xylene), some essential oils, and concentrated hydrogen peroxide. Always verify chemical compatibility before use—we can provide compatibility charts.
What certifications do your tanks have?
Depending on grade and use case, our tanks can include: UN/DOT certification for hazardous materials transport, FDA compliance for food-grade applications, ISO 9001 quality management certification, and State agricultural department approvals. Certification documentation is provided upon request.
Pricing Questions
How much do used IBC tanks cost?
Pricing varies by grade: Grade A (premium): $150-175 per tank. Grade B (standard): $100-120 per tank. Grade C (economy): $50-80 per tank. New tanks: $250+ per tank. Bulk discounts of 5-15% are available for larger orders. Prices may vary based on current market conditions.
Do you offer bulk discounts?
Yes! Our tiered pricing rewards volume: 1-9 units: List price. 10-49 units: 5% discount. 50-99 units: 10% discount. 100+ units: 15%+ discount (custom pricing). For orders over 500 units, contact our sales team for special arrangements.
Are there any hidden fees?
No hidden fees. Your quote includes the tank price and estimated shipping. Optional services (lift gate delivery, inside delivery, specific scheduling) are clearly itemized if requested. The price you're quoted is the price you pay.
Do you price match?
We strive to offer competitive pricing. If you have a lower quote from a comparable supplier for the same grade and quantity, let us know. We'll do our best to match or beat legitimate competitive offers.
Quick Reference
Key information at a glance
Everything You Need to Know
Our comprehensive FAQ covers all aspects of IBC tanks - from grades and pricing to technical specifications and delivery options. Whether you're buying your first tank or managing a large inventory, you'll find the answers you need.
Tank Grades
Bulk Discounts
Tank Sizes
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