What goes into a new tote quote

The tote itself

Build. A caged composite tote, a carbon steel IBC and a stainless IBC are different products; steel IBCs cost several times a caged tote.

Size. 275 and 330 gallon caged totes are the most common sizes (IBCTanks.com). The 135 and the 550 are less common builds.

Rating. A UN-rated tote at Y1.9 is a different specification from a Y1.6 or an unrated one on some makes.

Bottle grade. Food-contact resin, a UV-blocking or black bottle, or a bottle with a moulded gallon scale may be options rather than standard.

Fittings. A 3 in valve, a ball valve, Viton gaskets, a vented cap or a specific camlock or NPT outlet each change the parts.

Pallet. Composite, plastic, steel or wood pallets suit different racking, conveyors and export rules.

The order

Quantity. Larger orders spread setup and freight over more totes.

How often. A plant that takes a load every month is a different customer from one that takes one load a year. Say which you are, so the quote can reflect it.

Timing. A date you must have them by narrows the options; a flexible date widens them.

The freight

Freight is the part a price list hides. A 53 ft trailer carries 28 to 56 totes of 250 to 350 gallons (IBCTanks.com). On a full load, freight per tote is modest. On one or two totes sent as a partial (LTL) shipment, the freight is a much larger share of the total. Distance, the delivery site and the equipment there all count:

• A loading dock lets the trailer be unloaded by your forklift.
• No dock means a liftgate truck, which costs more and handles a few totes at a time.
• Residential, farm and limited-access sites cost more to reach.

Why we quote instead of listing prices

A price without freight is a number nobody pays. We'd rather send one delivered figure for the tote you need, at the quantity you need, to your ZIP, so you can compare it with any other offer line for line. The quote form asks exactly the questions above. See also how we price.

A request that gets an exact quote

The quickest quotes come from requests that answer every question the first time. Name the tote: build and size, such as a 330 gallon caged composite tote. Name the rating, or send the SDS so we can work it out: the UN code, the packing group and the specific gravity. Say whether the bottle must be food-contact. Give the valve type and size, the outlet and the gasket, or send a photo of the one you use now. Then the order: how many totes, whether this is a one-off or a repeat, and when you need them.

Finally the delivery: the ZIP, whether the site has a dock or needs a liftgate, the hours you receive, and anything a driver needs to know, such as a gate code, a booking system or a site safety induction. With all of that, we can quote without coming back to you with questions.

Comparing quotes

When you compare quotes, check that each one is for the same thing. A low price may be for a rebottled tote, an unrated bottle, a different valve, or ex-works with the freight added later. Line them up by the tote's grade and rating, the fittings, the quantity, and the delivered total to your ZIP. Ask each seller what the plate on the delivered tote will show, and when the bottle was made.

Short answers

How much does a new IBC tote cost?

It depends on the build, size, rating, fittings, quantity and freight to your ZIP. We quote a delivered price for your order.

Why is freight so much on one tote?

A truck and driver cost much the same for one tote as for several. On a full load the cost is shared across 28 to 56 totes.

What do I need to get a quote?

The tote, its rating and fittings, the product, how many, how often and the delivery ZIP, with any dock or liftgate needs.

Do you charge for delivery separately?

We quote the totes delivered to your ZIP, so the price includes getting them to you and can be compared with other delivered quotes.

Do you need my SDS?

Not always, but it is the fastest way to get the rating, gasket and bottle right first time.

Can I get a quote for just one tote?

Yes. A single tote costs more per unit to deliver than a full load, and the quote shows it.

What if my totes arrive damaged?

Note the damage on the driver’s receipt before signing, photograph it, and tell us right away; a claim is far easier with that record.

Is sales tax included?

Tax depends on the delivery state and whether you hold an exemption certificate, such as one for resale. Send any certificate with your order.

What makes a rush order cost more?

Mostly freight: an expedited or dedicated truck costs more than a scheduled one, and short notice narrows the choice of where the totes ship from.

Why might two ZIPs a few miles apart differ?

Carriers price by lanes and by how easy a site is to serve. A rural route, a residential street or a missing dock can change the delivery cost.