Plastic Jerricans Vs. Metal Jerricans for Shipping Liquids?

We've all heard the debate when it comes to shipping liquids for transportation, whether for personal use or for business purposes. Should we use plastic jerricans or the metal jerricans?

Both have their strengths and weaknesses. While trying to choose the most cost-effective can for our shipping needs, we also must take into account durability, size and use of the can

What Are Jerricans?


Before we get into the debate about which jerricans to use, let's rehash some background information about them. Jerricans, also spelled Jerry cans, were first developed by the Germans in the 1930s for military use in World War II. Commonly seen in war movies as large metal cans with an indented "X" symbol on the surface as the can was tied on the back of jeeps, these metal containers carried extra fuel for vehicles during the war. After the war, other countries began using the cans to store all types of liquids, as they coined the cans "Jerry" as a derogatory name for a German WWII soldier.

Metal Jerricans: Metal cans are extremely popular for military use as they can withstand the extreme rigors of combat. These cans are used to mainly carry fuel over long distances. Steel jerricans could weigh close to 10 pounds when empty. Adding in the extra weight of fuel, they can be difficult to carry as this weight can raise the shipping costs when transporting liquids across the country. While these jerricans are durable, it is possible that the cans will rust in time, which could contaminate liquids such as drinking water.

Plastic Jerricans: Plastic jerricans became introduced in the 1970s as an alternative to the heavy metal cans. Plastic is light-weight and easy to manufacture, which cuts down significantly on costs. Becoming popular for individuals and companies due to its weight, plastic jerricans are used throughout the world to store all types of liquids such as gasoline and water. Jerricans do offer portability and durability, although the plastic can become punctured or melt in extreme conditions. In addition, the plastic of these containers can become brittle in cold weather and break down when exposed to sunlight for long durations of time.

Plastic Jerricans Versus Metal Jerricans


"So which should we use for our business? Plastic or metal?"

Before asking these questions, first ask yourself what you are planning to put into the cans: water, gas, chemicals, cooking oils or some other type of liquid. Now, figure out how you plan to transport the liquid. Do you need large containers, or smaller individual containers?

Once you decide on the type of liquid and the size of the container, you now have a better idea on what type of container can handle the transportation of that liquid. While people will swear that businesses should use strictly plastic jerricans due to the weight, you can purchase smaller 1-quart or 1-gallon metal jerricans that are perfect for transporting liquids where a plastic jerrican may slowly disintegrate from the chemicals in the liquid.

This isn't to say that plastic jerricans can't be used for industrial purposes, as you can purchase plastic jerricans with the appropriate UN certified rating to transport hazardous materials. UN (United Nations) ratings is an international standard used to inform companies that the jerricans have gone through testing to ensure its maximum performance to hold a certain hazardous liquid. These containers are bombarded through extensive testing conditions of extreme heat and freezing liquids during drops to test strength and durability.

It can be difficult to choose between plastic or metal, because both containers have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to holding liquids. Base your choice strictly on your company's needs and transportation costs. Both types of containers, when properly shipped, will get your liquids to their destination safely for use or disposal. The choice is yours.

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