Understanding the variety of bulk containers available, along with their dimensions and cost, is essential for efficient storage, shipping, and handling of goods. This guide consolidates information on collapsible and fixed-wall bins, solid-wall harvest containers, pallet packs, hopper-bottom bins, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), Gaylord boxes, bulk cargo boxes, and air cargo boxes.

Collapsible Bulk Containers

Collapsible bulk containers feature plastic walls that fold down for compact storage and return shipping. They are prized for stackability and ease of handling in automotive, manufacturing, and distribution environments.

Typical Specifications

Footprint: 48″ × 45″
Height: 34″
Volume: 28–32 cu ft
Load Capacity: 1,800–2,000 lbs

Pricing Examples

48″ × 45″ × 34″, 2,000 lb capacity (HDPE): $419.01 each
28.96 cu ft structural-foam model: $508.74 each
DuraGreen® 90″ × 48″ × 50″ (96 cu ft, 1,200 lb capacity), HDPE with powder-coated steel:
- 2-unit price: $1,039.00 each
- 5-unit price: $1,029.00 each

Fixed-Wall Bulk Containers

Rigid, one-piece walls provide seamless strength for dense or heavy parts. They cannot collapse but withstand high static and dynamic loads.

Standard Specifications

Dimensions: 48″ L × 40″ W × 29″ H
Static Capacity: 8,818 lbs
Dynamic Capacity: 1,543 lbs

Volume Pricing

1–49 units: $378.59 each
50–99 units: $354.99 each
100–149 units: $346.39 each

Solid-Wall and Harvest Bins

Seamless, heavy-duty bins resist crushing and allow pressure washing for sanitation—ideal for produce, raw materials, and recycling streams.

Example Models

MACXAce 40″ × 48″ × 31″ (30 cu ft): $260.00 each
MacroBin 16 Solid 47″ × 47″ × 21.5″ (24 cu ft): $282.00 each
MACX Solid 48″ × 40″ × 31″ (32 cu ft): $299.99 each
MacroBin 26 Solid 48″ × 48″ × 29″ (≈28 cu ft): $307.00 each
Field Bin Solid 48″ × 40″ × 31″ (≈32 cu ft): $335.00 each

Pallet Packs and Hopper-Bottom Bins

Pallet packs are open-top palletized boxes, while hopper-bottom bins feature sloped floors and gates for gravity unloading of bulk solids.

Pallet Packs (Gaylord Boxes)

Uni-Pak® 40″ × 48″ × 24″ sleeve pack (NSN 8115-01-444-0196): $158.00 each
Uni-Pak® 40″ × 48″ × 30″ sleeve pack (NSN 8115-01-444-0197): $149.00 each
48″ × 40″ × 36″ double-wall corrugated bottom: $55.67 each (75/unit pallet)

Hopper-Bottom Bins

2.9 ton (≈84 bushels) with slide gate: $3,560.00 each
4.4 ton with ladder kit: $3,850.00 each
Poly hopper bin, 2.52 ton capacity: $2,999.00 each

Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs)

IBCs are pallet-based vessels suited for liquids, powders, and granules, designed for forklift handling and multi-use.

Flexible IBCs (FIBCs)

Constructed from woven polypropylene ("bulk bags" or "super sacks") for dry materials, with capacities up to 3 m³ (≈793 gal).

Rigid Plastic IBCs

Molded HDPE tanks in steel cages, stackable and reusable for hazardous or non-hazardous liquids. Volumes range from 120 to 550 gal.

Composite (Caged) IBCs

A polyethylene inner bottle within a steel or aluminum cage, chemically resistant and IMDG certified; common volumes are 275 gal and 330 gal.

Metal IBC Tanks

Stainless-steel or carbon-steel vessels for corrosive or sanitary applications, offering 110–793 gal capacities.

Price Ranges

Composite/Caged IBCs: $200–$450+
HDPE Plastic IBCs: $680–$5,000+
Metal IBC Tanks: $2,100–$9,500+

Examples

New 275 gal poly-caged tote: $350–$400
Used 330 gal reconditioned tote: $70–$250

Gaylord Boxes

Heavy-duty corrugated boxes sold in bundles, often used for large-volume dry goods.

Standard Options

40″ × 30″ × 30″ double-wall (32 ECT), 5/unit bundle: $26.00
48″ × 40″ × 36″ double-wall (48 ECT), 5/unit bundle: $26.00
48″ × 40″ × 48″ triple-wall, 5/unit bundle:
- 1–9 bundles: $135.00
- 10–39 bundles: $125.00
- 40+ bundles: $115.00
- 1,000+ bundles: $135.00
48″ × 40″ × 36″ double-wall with lid (Uline S-4480), 5/unit bundle: $27.45 each

Bulk Cargo Boxes

Designed for palletized shipping of heavy or bulky items, these boxes feature high bursting strengths.

Available Configurations

48″ × 40″ × 36″ HSC bottom, 200 # bursting strength, 5/unit bundle: $94.10
48″ × 40″ × 36″ double-wall (275 #), 5/unit bundle: $142.25
58″ × 41″ × 45″ double-wall (350 #) with pallet, 1/unit bundle: $84.65
36″ × 22″ × 22″ double-wall (350 #), 5/unit bundle: $70.15

Air Cargo Boxes

Corrugated containers engineered for air freight, meeting specific ECT and bursting strength requirements.

Standard Models

58″ × 41″ × 45″ Kraft double-wall 4-piece container (51 ECT), single unit: $118.69
58″ × 41″ × 45″ "D" air-cargo container (350 #), 4-piece with pallet: $60.10–$77.27 each (quantity-based)
30″ × 17″ × 17″ EO-container (350 #, 51 ECT), single unit: $7.67
41″ × 28¾″ × 25½″ E-container (350 #, 51 ECT), single unit: $23.88

This consolidated overview presents the most common bulk container types, their standard dimensions, capacities, and price points to facilitate informed procurement decisions across various industries.

Types of Bulk Containers (Common Sizes & Prices)