3 Ways of Ensuring Your 55 Gallon Steel Drum Makes It from Point A to Point B

oil drums loaded on truck
 

While intermediate bulk containers are quickly becoming the container of choice for shipping liquids and granulated product, 55-gallon steel drums are still widely used in the shipping industry. These drums are affordable and can be used to transport a wide variety of materials. Ensuring that your drums make it from point A to point B safely, however, requires a bit of care. Though durable, they can be damaged while in transit if they are not prepared properly. In addition to damaging the drum itself, the materials contained within could also be damaged. Major damage to drums can also result in leaks. This, of course, is a huge problem when you are shipping dangerous goods.

There is little you can do to control what happens to your steel drums once they are in transit. However, there are several things you can do to ensure that your shipments arrive safely, even if they are subjected to some light damage during shipment.

Start with the Right Drum


Steel drums are widely available. They can be purchased brand-new from numerous suppliers—like us—or they can be purchased secondhand from a wide variety of sources. Ensuring that your shipments arrive safely starts with choosing the right drum. If you are purchasing or using a used drum, make sure that it is in good condition and free from major damage that could lead to leaking.

Whether you are shopping for a new drum or reusing one you already have, make sure it has been tested to meet the regulations set forth by ICAO, IMO and IATA guidelines. If you are sending hazardous materials, the drum must also comply with DOT CFR-49 protocols.

Steel drums have two options for tops – open head or tight head (sometimes referred to as closed head). Open head drums have covers that can be completely removed. These tops are typically secured with either a lever lock ring closure or a bolt. This type of drum makes it easier when working with solids and thick liquids (e.g. syrup, oil, glue, etc.) and when contents need to be added or removed frequently.

Tight head drums have non-removable, secured tips. They are most often used with thinner liquids and typically have 2” and ¾” bung openings in the top.

metal drums on wooden pallets

Prepare the Drums Appropriately


Once you have filled the drums, you need to appropriately prepare them for shipment. In most situations, drums are not shipped individually. Rather, several are sent at one time. The drums need to be placed on pallets for shipping, and it is important to choose pallets that can withstand the weight of the filled drums. When placing them on the pallets, the drums should not overhang the edges. They should fit on the surface completely.

When shipping hazardous materials, you may want to consider using spill control pallets rather than regular ones. These pallets are designed to contain spills if a drum is damaged or fails during transit.

Once you’ve loaded the drums on the appropriate pallets, they must be shrink-wrapped together and to the pallet. Use high-quality wrap, and don’t be afraid to use several layers to ensure maximum security. Using shrink-wrap that isn’t strong enough or failing to wrap the cargo enough times could result in the drums falling off the pallets during transit or while loading and unloading.

Choose the Right Shipping Company


Whether you are shipping 55-gallon steel drums domestically or internationally, there are several options for carriers. You can choose to use a private shipping company or send them via a major carrier like UPS or FedEx. If you are shipping large quantities, it is typically best to use a private carrier. You can send entire truckloads, or you can look for companies that offer less-than-truckload shipping. UPS and FedEx generally only ship up to 10 55-gallon drums per shipment, so they are not the ideal choice when you need to send large quantities of drums.

industrial barrels prepared for disposal

When looking for a trucking company or another type of shipping company, it’s always smart to do a bit of homework. Look for companies with good reputations for safety as well as successful deliveries; don’t solely look for the lowest price. When it comes to getting your 55-gallon steel drums from point A to point B, you need a company that cares about customer service and understands the importance of ensuring that all shipments arrive safely.

Choosing the right drums, preparing your drums and finding the right carrier are the most important things you can do to ensure that your shipment reaches its destination intact, without loss or harm.

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