Industries

Who buys what,
and why.

Seventeen years of order books, summarised. Find your sector, see which grade it usually lands on, and read the mistakes that sector makes most often.

Request line

Tell us your sector and your liquid

We will recommend the lowest grade that is honest for your application — and say so when a cheaper one would do.

First name *

Last name *

Email *Business or personal — disposable addresses are rejected

Phone *US or Canada only — 10 digits including area code

Company

City

State / ProvinceTwo letters — must match the postal code

Postal code *US ZIP (17406 or 17406-1234) or Canadian (K1A 0B1)

Quantity *Whole units, 1 – 100,000

Grade

Product type *

Select service *

Message

Required fields are marked *. We reply by email only — this company runs no phone line, which keeps every quote written down and traceable. Your details are never sold or shared.

Start a request

Short answer

Industry is a useful shorthand but the real variables are two: what the liquid is and whether anyone downstream will audit the container's provenance. Food, beverage and potable work goes to rebottled or documented food-grade. General industrial chemistry goes to Grade B. Water, storage and site use goes to Grade C. Solvents, flavourings and hot fill go to stainless.

Deep dive

Agriculture & growers

Liquid fertiliser, crop protection, irrigation buffer, maple sap, honey, livestock water. Our largest single customer group by unit count.

Open Deep dive

Food & beverage

Syrups, brines, concentrates, cider and wine transfer, spent grain slurry. The sector with the strictest provenance requirements.

Open Deep dive

Chemical & industrial

Surfactants, coolants, plating chemistry, de-icer, adhesives, waste streams. Our biggest source of inbound empties.

Open

Sector → typical grade → usual format
Sector	Typical purchase	Format	Watch out for
Agriculture & growers	Grade B and C reconditioned	275 gal	Fertiliser-prior totes can never be food-grade again
Food & beverage	Rebottled or food-grade	275 & 330 gal	Provenance paperwork, not just a clean bottle
Chemical blending	Grade B reconditioned	275 & 330 gal	Elastomer compatibility on valves and seals
Metal finishing & plating	Grade B, Viton seals	275 gal	Chloride attack on cages
Printing & packaging	Grade B and C	275 gal	Pigment ghosting is permanent
Car wash & detailing	Grade B reconditioned	275 & 330 gal	Surfactant foaming on transfer
Municipal & public works	Grade B, de-icer service	330 gal	Brine density pushes weight limits
Construction & remediation	Grade C	275 gal	Secondary containment requirements
Breweries & distilleries	Food-grade, stainless	265–330 gal	Hot fill and CIP needs
Cannabis & extraction	Stainless 316L	265–330 gal	Solvents craze polyethylene
Fire & emergency water	Grade C, upcycled	275 gal	Freeze protection, UV cover
Homestead & community gardens	Grade C, upcycled	275 gal	Prior contents matter for edibles

Common to all of them

The four mistakes every sector makes

We see these weekly, across completely unrelated industries.

Buying on grade name, not on liquid

“Send me food grade” without naming the product. Food-grade is a provenance and handling status, not a performance spec; the product decides the bottle, the valve and the elastomer. Name the liquid and the right answer usually becomes obvious — and is often cheaper.

Ignoring specific gravity

A 275-gallon tote of 50% caustic weighs 3,500 lb. Rack beams, pallet jacks and lift gates are rated in bands that this blows straight through. Density causes more handling incidents than container condition ever has. Run the numbers.

Specifying the wrong seal

EPDM into aromatic solvents, or into fats. It does not fail on day one — it swells quietly and lets go at three in the morning six weeks later. The compatibility table takes two minutes to read.

Treating empties as waste

Paying someone to remove containers that are worth money. If liquid arrives at your plant in bulk and leaves in smaller packages, the empties behind your building are an asset. Get a written offer.

Questions

Industry FAQ

Does my industry affect which grade of tote I should buy?

Less than you think — the liquid affects it, and the audit exposure affects it. Two food companies can need completely different containers: a syrup blender shipping to a retailer with a supplier audit needs rebottled or documented food-grade, while the same company's floor-cleaning concentrate is perfectly served by Grade B. Start from the product and from who will ask questions about it.

Do you sell to individuals and small farms, not just companies?

Yes, constantly. A single Grade C tote collected from the yard is a completely normal order, and small farms, homesteaders, community gardens and contractors are a real part of the business. Delivered orders get expensive below four units because freight dominates, so collection is usually the sensible route for one or two.

Which industries sell you the most empties?

Chemical blending, food and beverage manufacturing, printing, metal finishing and agricultural distribution — anywhere liquid arrives in bulk and leaves in smaller packages. If your plant receives totes and ships drums or pails, you have an empties problem that is actually an asset.

Keep reading

The tables every sector ends up needing

Industry is a useful shorthand. The liquid and the audit exposure are what actually decide the container.

100named prior products across seven familieswith grade and food eligibility

21media in the seal compatibility matrixfour elastomers

70products with filled weights calculatedthree formats

12formats with full dimensional datacomposite and stainless

18regulations, with who each binds49 / 40 / 21 CFR

4mistakes every sector makeslisted below

Food & beverage prior products

Our internal prior-product list, published — 29 named products
Prior product	Family	SG	Programme	Best grade	Food?	Seal	What to watch
Apple juice concentrate (70 Bx)	Food & beverage	1.35	PF	A	Yes	FDA EPDM	Best inbound stock we see; sugars rinse clean
Orange juice concentrate	Food & beverage	1.33	PF	A	Yes	FDA Viton	Citrus oil fraction can scent the bottle
Grape juice concentrate	Food & beverage	1.34	PF	A	Yes	FDA EPDM	Watch for tartrate scale at the outlet
Liquid sugar / sucrose syrup	Food & beverage	1.33	PF	A	Yes	FDA EPDM	Hot rinse only, no caustic needed
High-fructose corn syrup	Food & beverage	1.38	PF	A	Yes	FDA EPDM	Viscous; 3" outlet helps decanting
Molasses	Food & beverage	1.42	PF	A	Yes	FDA EPDM	Heated rinse; heavy heel
Honey	Food & beverage	1.42	PF	A	Yes	FDA EPDM	Crystallises; heater jacket recommended
Maple sap	Food & beverage	1.02	PF	A	Yes	FDA EPDM	Benign but sugars feed biofilm fast
Maple syrup	Food & beverage	1.33	PF	A	Yes	FDA EPDM	Hot rinse; inspect lid seat
Apple cider	Food & beverage	1.05	PF	A	Yes	FDA EPDM	Vented lid essential — ferments
Wine / must	Food & beverage	1.08	PF	A	Yes	FDA EPDM	Tartrate scale; usually leased
Beer / wort	Food & beverage	1.05	PF	A	Yes	FDA EPDM	Stainless preferred for repeat service
Brine (pickling liquor)	Food & beverage	1.20	PF	A	Yes	FDA Viton	Check cage for chloride attack
Vinegar, 10%	Food & beverage	1.01	PF	A	Yes	FDA EPDM	Easy; acid-resistant seal needed
Soy sauce	Food & beverage	1.20	PF	A	Yes	FDA Viton	Salt plus colour; monitor ghosting
Edible soybean oil	Food & beverage	0.92	P2	A	Yes	FDA Viton	140°F minimum or fat re-deposits
Edible canola oil	Food & beverage	0.91	P2	A	Yes	FDA Viton	As above
Olive oil	Food & beverage	0.92	P2	A	Yes	FDA Viton	Polyphenols can tint the wall
Glycerine, USP	Food & beverage	1.26	PF	A	Yes	FDA EPDM	Often effectively first-use stock
Propylene glycol, food grade	Food & beverage	1.04	PF	A	Yes	FDA EPDM	Frequently single-product filler stock
Liquid egg	Food & beverage	1.04	PF	A	Case by case	FDA EPDM	Protein film needs verification
Milk / dairy intermediate	Food & beverage	1.03	PF	A	Case by case	FDA EPDM	Allergen changeover record required
Whey concentrate	Food & beverage	1.06	PF	A	Case by case	FDA EPDM	Protein scale; hot detergent
Tomato paste	Food & beverage	1.10	PF	A	Yes	FDA Viton	Acidic; stains but rinses
Fruit purée	Food & beverage	1.12	PF	A	Yes	FDA EPDM	Pulp load; coarse settling matters
Flavour concentrate / essence	Food & beverage	0.95	Refused	Rebottle	No	PTFE	Permeates HDPE permanently — use stainless
Citrus terpene oil	Food & beverage	0.84	Refused	Recycle	Never	PTFE	One batch ends a poly bottle's usefulness
Spent grain slurry	Food & beverage	1.05	P2	B	No	EPDM	By-product duty; 3" outlet strongly advised
Yeast slurry	Food & beverage	1.08	P2	B	Case by case	EPDM	Vent — active fermentation

Agricultural prior products

Our internal prior-product list, published — 14 named products
Prior product	Family	SG	Programme	Best grade	Food?	Seal	What to watch
UAN 32 liquid nitrogen	Agricultural	1.32	P1	B	Never	EPDM	Rinses readily; dense — check ratings
UAN 28	Agricultural	1.28	P1	B	Never	EPDM	As above
Liquid starter 10-34-0	Agricultural	1.38	P1	B	Never	EPDM	Polyphosphate scale at the outlet
Ammonium thiosulphate	Agricultural	1.33	P1	B	Never	EPDM	Sulphur odour persists faintly
Potassium thiosulphate	Agricultural	1.47	P1	B	Never	EPDM	Very dense; 275 format only
Calcium nitrate solution	Agricultural	1.43	P1	B	Never	EPDM	Crystallises when cold
Humic / fulvic acid	Agricultural	1.10	P2	B	Never	EPDM	Dark staining, usually washes out
Fish hydrolysate fertiliser	Agricultural	1.12	P3	C	Never	Viton	Odour frequently permanent
Foliar micronutrient blend	Agricultural	1.25	P1	B	Never	EPDM	Metal salts can tint the wall
Glyphosate concentrate	Agricultural	1.17	P3	C	Never	Viton	Labelled rinse programme governs
2,4-D amine concentrate	Agricultural	1.19	Refused	Per label	Never	Viton	Label prescribes rinse-and-destroy
Crop oil adjuvant	Agricultural	0.88	P3	C	Never	Viton	Attacks EPDM; permeates slowly
Surfactant adjuvant (NIS)	Agricultural	1.03	P1	B	Never	EPDM	Foams heavily on transfer
Molluscicide suspension	Agricultural	1.22	Refused	Per label	Never	Viton	Refused — labelled destruction

Industrial chemistry prior products

Our internal prior-product list, published — 26 named products
Prior product	Family	SG	Programme	Best grade	Food?	Seal	What to watch
Sodium hydroxide 50%	Industrial chemistry	1.52	P1	B	Never	EPDM	3,497 lb filled — check every rating
Sodium hydroxide 25%	Industrial chemistry	1.27	P1	B	Never	EPDM	Easy wash; dilute and drain
Potassium hydroxide 45%	Industrial chemistry	1.46	P1	B	Never	EPDM	As NaOH; dense
Sulphuric acid 93%	Industrial chemistry	1.83	Refused	Dedicated	Never	PTFE	4,182 lb filled; dedicated service only
Sulphuric acid 35%	Industrial chemistry	1.26	P1	C	Never	PTFE	Fume attack on cage galvanising
Hydrochloric acid 31%	Industrial chemistry	1.16	P1	C	Never	PTFE	Cage usually the limiting factor
Phosphoric acid 75%	Industrial chemistry	1.58	P1	B	Never	PTFE	Dense; viscous at low temperature
Nitric acid 42%	Industrial chemistry	1.26	Refused	Dedicated	Never	PTFE	Oxidiser — embrittles HDPE
Hydrogen peroxide 35%	Industrial chemistry	1.13	P1	B	Case by case	PTFE	Vent; absolutely no contaminants
Sodium hypochlorite 12%	Industrial chemistry	1.21	P1	B	Never	EPDM	Degasses; vent and shield from UV
Ferric chloride 40%	Industrial chemistry	1.42	P2	C	Never	Viton	Heavy orange staining is permanent
Aluminium sulphate	Industrial chemistry	1.33	P1	B	Never	EPDM	Scale at the outlet boss
Polyaluminium chloride	Industrial chemistry	1.35	P1	B	Never	EPDM	Gels if allowed to dry out
Propylene glycol coolant	Industrial chemistry	1.04	P1	B	Never	EPDM	Ideal duty; nothing to watch
Ethylene glycol	Industrial chemistry	1.11	P1	B	Never	EPDM	Toxic — never re-grade for potable
Calcium chloride brine 32%	Industrial chemistry	1.38	P1	B	Never	Viton	Chloride attack on lower cage
Magnesium chloride de-icer	Industrial chemistry	1.32	P1	B	Never	Viton	As above; rinse frames each spring
Potassium acetate de-icer	Industrial chemistry	1.28	P1	B	Never	EPDM	Benign; airport runway chemistry
Urea solution (DEF)	Industrial chemistry	1.09	P1	B	Never	EPDM	Purity-critical next fill; usually dedicated
Nickel plating solution	Industrial chemistry	1.25	Refused	Recycle	Never	Viton	Metal-bearing; never re-used
Phosphate conversion coating	Industrial chemistry	1.22	P2	C	Never	Viton	Scale and staining
Amine corrosion inhibitor	Industrial chemistry	0.98	P2	B	Never	Viton	Fish-like odour can persist
Sodium silicate	Industrial chemistry	1.39	P3	C	Never	EPDM	Sets hard if dried; wash promptly
Polymer flocculant emulsion	Industrial chemistry	1.02	P3	C	Never	EPDM	Extremely slippery; gels with water
Sodium bisulphite	Industrial chemistry	1.33	P1	B	Never	EPDM	Sulphur odour; vent
Antifoam silicone emulsion	Industrial chemistry	1.00	P3	C	Never	Viton	Film is very hard to remove

Coatings, inks, oils and fuels

Our internal prior-product list, published — 17 named products
Prior product	Family	SG	Programme	Best grade	Food?	Seal	What to watch
Latex paint, white	Coatings & inks	1.30	P3	C	Never	EPDM	Heavy ghosting; often rebottle
Latex paint, tinted	Coatings & inks	1.32	P3	C	Never	EPDM	Pigment ghosting permanent
Water-based pigment dispersion	Coatings & inks	1.25	P3	C	Never	EPDM	Strong colour transfer into the wall
Flexographic ink	Coatings & inks	1.08	P3	Rebottle	Never	Viton	Resin binder plasticises the surface
UV-curable coating	Coatings & inks	1.10	Refused	Recycle	Never	PTFE	Cures in the bottle; not washable
Acrylic adhesive emulsion	Coatings & inks	1.08	P3	Rebottle	Never	EPDM	Caustic at 180°F, often still ghosts
PVA wood adhesive	Coatings & inks	1.09	P3	C	Never	EPDM	Wash before it skins over
Polyurethane resin, 2-part	Coatings & inks	1.12	Refused	Recycle	Never	PTFE	Cross-linked; nothing shifts it
Asphalt emulsion	Coatings & inks	1.01	P3	C	Never	Viton	Hot caustic plus long dwell
Concrete release agent	Coatings & inks	0.89	P2	C	Never	Viton	Oily film; 140°F detergent
Mineral oil, hydraulic	Oils & fuels	0.88	P3	B	Never	Viton	Permeation; faint odour often remains
Cutting fluid, soluble	Oils & fuels	0.92	P3	B	Never	Viton	Bacterial odour is the real problem
Gear oil	Oils & fuels	0.90	P3	C	Never	Viton	Heavy film; two cycles common
Diesel fuel	Oils & fuels	0.85	Refused	Recycle	Never	Viton	Permanent odour; bottle compromised
Kerosene	Oils & fuels	0.81	Refused	Recycle	Never	Viton	As diesel
Biodiesel B100	Oils & fuels	0.88	P3	C	Never	Viton	Solvency attacks some HDPE grades
Vegetable-based lubricant	Oils & fuels	0.92	P2	B	Never	Viton	Oxidises to a varnish if left

Cleaning, sanitation, water and inert

Our internal prior-product list, published — 17 named products
Prior product	Family	SG	Programme	Best grade	Food?	Seal	What to watch
Livestock drinking water	Water & inert	1.00	P1	A	Yes	EPDM	Effectively first-use
Irrigation water	Water & inert	1.00	P1	A	Yes	EPDM	May carry silt; coarse settling
Anionic surfactant concentrate	Cleaning & sanitation	1.05	P1	B	Never	EPDM	It is soap — rinses, but foams
Non-ionic surfactant	Cleaning & sanitation	1.03	P1	B	Never	EPDM	Easy wash
Alkaline degreaser	Cleaning & sanitation	1.10	P1	B	Never	EPDM	Compatible with our own loop
Acid descaler	Cleaning & sanitation	1.14	P1	B	Never	PTFE	Segregate heel from caustic tanks
Quaternary ammonium sanitiser	Cleaning & sanitation	1.01	P1	B	Case by case	EPDM	Residual actives need verification
Peracetic acid sanitiser	Cleaning & sanitation	1.12	P1	B	Case by case	PTFE	Oxidiser; vent and shield
Hand sanitiser (ethanol 70%)	Cleaning & sanitation	0.87	P1	B	Case by case	Viton	Alcohol flashes off; little residue
Laundry detergent, liquid	Cleaning & sanitation	1.06	P1	B	Never	EPDM	Optical brighteners can tint
Car wash soap concentrate	Cleaning & sanitation	1.04	P1	B	Never	EPDM	Very common inbound stock
Floor finish / wax emulsion	Cleaning & sanitation	1.02	P3	C	Never	EPDM	Films hard; wash before it dries
Potable water	Water & inert	1.00	P1	A	Yes	FDA EPDM	Frequently first-use stock
Deionised water	Water & inert	1.00	P1	A	Yes	FDA EPDM	Best-value first-use source
Distilled water	Water & inert	1.00	P1	A	Yes	FDA EPDM	As above
Glycerine, technical	Water & inert	1.26	P1	B	No	EPDM	Technical grade is not food grade
Saline solution, industrial	Water & inert	1.07	P1	B	Never	Viton	Chloride; inspect cage

What we refuse outright

Our internal prior-product list, published — 7 named products
Prior product	Family	SG	Programme	Best grade	Food?	Seal	What to watch
Chromic acid solution	Refused	1.30	Refused	Refused	Never	PTFE	Not accepted at the gate
Cyanide plating bath	Refused	1.15	Refused	Refused	Never	PTFE	Acutely hazardous — licensed facility only
Used motor oil	Refused	0.89	Refused	Recycle	Never	Viton	Waste stream — not accepted for reuse
Unknown or mixed residue	Refused	—	Refused	Refused	Never	—	Safety assessment, not a grading question
RCRA P-listed residue	Refused	—	Refused	Refused	Never	—	Licensed treatment facility only
Radiological material	Refused	—	Refused	Refused	Never	—	No testing, no discussion
Pesticide, labelled destruction	Refused	—	Refused	Refused	Never	—	Service life ended by regulation

Cross-reference

Formats, grades, seals and weights

The four decisions that come after the sector question.

Container formats

Container formats — 12 variants, full dimensional data
Format	Nominal	Usable	L × W × H	Tare (steel base)	Gross, water	Outlet	Stack filled	Availability
275 gal standard	275 gal / 1,041 L	265 gal	48 × 40 × 46"	137 lb	2,347 lb	2" S60x6	2 high	Ex-stock
275 gal tall	275 gal / 1,041 L	264 gal	48 × 40 × 53"	141 lb	2,342 lb	2" S60x6	2 high	Regular
330 gal standard	330 gal / 1,249 L	320 gal	48 × 40 × 53"	165 lb	2,834 lb	2" S60x6	2 high	Ex-stock
350 gal	350 gal / 1,325 L	338 gal	48 × 40 × 58"	172 lb	2,991 lb	2" or 3"	2 high	Occasional
400 gal	400 gal / 1,514 L	386 gal	48 × 46 × 60"	198 lb	3,417 lb	3" buttress	1 high	Order
550 gal	550 gal / 2,082 L	532 gal	48 × 48 × 72"	251 lb	4,688 lb	3" buttress	1 high	Occasional
120 gal mini	120 gal / 454 L	115 gal	32 × 32 × 36"	71 lb	1,030 lb	2" S60x6	2 high	Occasional
180 gal	180 gal / 681 L	174 gal	40 × 40 × 42"	98 lb	1,549 lb	2" S60x6	2 high	Order
Stainless 265 gal	265 gal / 1,003 L	258 gal	48 × 40 × 50"	285 lb	2,436 lb	2" tri-clamp	2 high	Occasional
Stainless 330 gal	330 gal / 1,249 L	322 gal	48 × 40 × 56"	330 lb	3,015 lb	2" tri-clamp	2 high	Occasional
Stainless 400 gal	400 gal / 1,514 L	390 gal	48 × 46 × 62"	385 lb	3,637 lb	3" tri-clamp	1 high	Order
Stainless 500 gal	500 gal / 1,893 L	488 gal	48 × 48 × 68"	430 lb	4,600 lb	3" tri-clamp	1 high	Order

Grade matrix

Grades A, B and C against cage-only — what each one permits
	Grade A	Grade B	Grade C	Cage / pallet only
Bottle clarity	Clear / near-clear	Haze & staining permitted	Ghosting permitted	n/a
Prior service	Documented edible, signed at source	Industrial, declared	Industrial, declared	Any declared
Wash programme	Food line, recorded	Programme to residue, recorded	Ambient rinse	Cage rinse only
Hydrostatic test	100% of units	Sampled	Sampled	n/a
New valve & gaskets	Yes, FDA-compliant	Yes	Sound or new	n/a
New lid	Yes	Yes	Sound or new	n/a
Re-marked	Yes	Yes	Where the plate survives	No
Stackable when filled	2 high	2 high	No	n/a
30-day leak warranty	Yes	Yes	No — watertight at loading	No warranty
Food / potable	Yes, with records	No	No	n/a
Cost vs new	≈ 35–45%	≈ 25–32%	≈ 18–24%	≈ 5–10%
Lead time	Ex-stock to 5 days	Ex-stock	Ex-stock	Ex-stock
Loop score (lives left)	5–6	4–5	2–3	3–4 bottles

Seal compatibility

Elastomer compatibility for outlet gaskets and lid seals — 21 media
Medium	EPDM	Viton (FKM)	Silicone	PTFE	We would fit
Water, potable & process	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	EPDM
Dilute acids (<10%)	Good	Excellent	Fair	Excellent	EPDM
Concentrated acids	Poor	Good	Poor	Excellent	PTFE
Caustic soda, alkalis	Excellent	Fair	Fair	Excellent	EPDM
Liquid fertiliser, UAN	Excellent	Good	Fair	Excellent	EPDM
Glycols, coolants, de-icer	Excellent	Good	Good	Excellent	EPDM
Surfactants, detergents	Excellent	Good	Good	Excellent	EPDM
Edible oils, fats	Poor	Excellent	Poor	Excellent	Viton
Mineral oils	Poor	Excellent	Poor	Excellent	Viton
Aromatic solvents	Poor	Excellent	Poor	Excellent	Viton
Chlorinated solvents	Poor	Good	Poor	Excellent	Viton / PTFE
Ketones (acetone, MEK)	Fair	Poor	Poor	Excellent	PTFE
Alcohols	Good	Good	Good	Excellent	EPDM
Fuels, diesel, kerosene	Poor	Excellent	Poor	Excellent	Viton
Juice & syrup concentrate	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	FDA EPDM
Brine, pickling liquor	Good	Excellent	Fair	Excellent	Viton
Hot fill 140–180°F	Fair	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Viton / silicone
Hydrogen peroxide (dilute)	Good	Fair	Fair	Excellent	EPDM / PTFE
Sodium hypochlorite	Good	Good	Fair	Excellent	EPDM
Steam / CIP chemistry	Excellent	Fair	Good	Excellent	EPDM
Outdoor weathering & ozone	Excellent	Good	Excellent	Excellent	EPDM

Filled weights and rack planning

Specific gravity and filled weight — 71 products
Product	SG	275 gal filled	330 gal filled	550 gal filled
Acetone	0.79	1,883 lb	2,273 lb	3,756 lb
Ethanol	0.79	1,883 lb	2,273 lb	3,756 lb
Kerosene	0.81	1,927 lb	2,327 lb	3,845 lb
Citrus terpene oil	0.84	1,993 lb	2,407 lb	3,978 lb
Diesel fuel	0.85	2,016 lb	2,433 lb	4,022 lb
Mineral oil, hydraulic	0.88	2,082 lb	2,514 lb	4,155 lb
Biodiesel B100	0.88	2,082 lb	2,514 lb	4,155 lb
Concrete release agent	0.89	2,104 lb	2,540 lb	4,200 lb
Gear oil	0.90	2,126 lb	2,567 lb	4,244 lb
Canola oil	0.91	2,148 lb	2,594 lb	4,289 lb
Soybean / olive oil	0.92	2,170 lb	2,620 lb	4,333 lb
Flavour concentrate	0.95	2,237 lb	2,700 lb	4,466 lb
Amine corrosion inhibitor	0.98	2,303 lb	2,780 lb	4,599 lb
Water	1.00	2,347 lb	2,834 lb	4,688 lb
Antifoam emulsion	1.00	2,347 lb	2,834 lb	4,688 lb
Quaternary sanitiser	1.01	2,369 lb	2,860 lb	4,732 lb
Asphalt emulsion	1.01	2,369 lb	2,860 lb	4,732 lb
Maple sap	1.02	2,391 lb	2,887 lb	4,777 lb
Non-ionic surfactant	1.03	2,413 lb	2,914 lb	4,821 lb
Milk / dairy intermediate	1.03	2,413 lb	2,914 lb	4,821 lb
Car wash soap concentrate	1.04	2,436 lb	2,941 lb	4,865 lb
Propylene glycol	1.04	2,436 lb	2,941 lb	4,865 lb
Anionic surfactant	1.05	2,458 lb	2,967 lb	4,910 lb
Apple cider	1.05	2,458 lb	2,967 lb	4,910 lb
Spent grain slurry	1.05	2,458 lb	2,967 lb	4,910 lb
Laundry detergent	1.06	2,480 lb	2,994 lb	4,954 lb
Flexographic ink	1.08	2,524 lb	3,047 lb	5,043 lb
Wine / must	1.08	2,524 lb	3,047 lb	5,043 lb
Acrylic adhesive emulsion	1.08	2,524 lb	3,047 lb	5,043 lb
Urea solution (DEF)	1.09	2,546 lb	3,074 lb	5,087 lb
Alkaline degreaser	1.10	2,568 lb	3,101 lb	5,132 lb
Humic acid	1.10	2,568 lb	3,101 lb	5,132 lb
Tomato paste	1.10	2,568 lb	3,101 lb	5,132 lb
Ethylene glycol	1.11	2,590 lb	3,127 lb	5,176 lb
Peracetic acid sanitiser	1.12	2,612 lb	3,154 lb	5,220 lb
Fruit purée	1.12	2,612 lb	3,154 lb	5,220 lb
Hydrogen peroxide 35%	1.13	2,634 lb	3,181 lb	5,265 lb
Acid descaler	1.14	2,657 lb	3,207 lb	5,309 lb
Hydrochloric acid 31%	1.16	2,701 lb	3,261 lb	5,398 lb
Glyphosate concentrate	1.17	2,723 lb	3,287 lb	5,442 lb
Brine 23% / soy sauce	1.20	2,789 lb	3,368 lb	5,575 lb
Sodium hypochlorite 12%	1.21	2,811 lb	3,394 lb	5,620 lb
Phosphate coating	1.22	2,833 lb	3,421 lb	5,664 lb
Pigment dispersion	1.25	2,900 lb	3,501 lb	5,797 lb
Nickel plating solution	1.25	2,900 lb	3,501 lb	5,797 lb
Foliar micronutrient	1.25	2,900 lb	3,501 lb	5,797 lb
Glycerine	1.26	2,922 lb	3,528 lb	5,841 lb
Sulphuric acid 35%	1.26	2,922 lb	3,528 lb	5,841 lb
Sodium hydroxide 25%	1.27	2,944 lb	3,554 lb	5,886 lb
UAN 28	1.28	2,966 lb	3,581 lb	5,930 lb
Potassium acetate de-icer	1.28	2,966 lb	3,581 lb	5,930 lb
Latex paint	1.30	3,010 lb	3,634 lb	6,019 lb
UAN 32 fertiliser	1.32	3,054 lb	3,688 lb	6,108 lb
Magnesium chloride de-icer	1.32	3,054 lb	3,688 lb	6,108 lb
Liquid sugar / maple syrup	1.33	3,076 lb	3,715 lb	6,152 lb
Ammonium thiosulphate	1.33	3,076 lb	3,715 lb	6,152 lb
Aluminium sulphate	1.33	3,076 lb	3,715 lb	6,152 lb
Juice concentrate (70 Bx)	1.35	3,121 lb	3,768 lb	6,241 lb
Polyaluminium chloride	1.35	3,121 lb	3,768 lb	6,241 lb
Liquid starter 10-34-0	1.38	3,187 lb	3,848 lb	6,374 lb
High-fructose corn syrup	1.38	3,187 lb	3,848 lb	6,374 lb
Calcium chloride brine	1.38	3,187 lb	3,848 lb	6,374 lb
Sodium silicate	1.39	3,209 lb	3,875 lb	6,418 lb
Molasses / honey	1.42	3,275 lb	3,955 lb	6,551 lb
Ferric chloride 40%	1.42	3,275 lb	3,955 lb	6,551 lb
Calcium nitrate solution	1.43	3,297 lb	3,981 lb	6,596 lb
Potassium hydroxide 45%	1.46	3,364 lb	4,061 lb	6,729 lb
Potassium thiosulphate	1.47	3,386 lb	4,088 lb	6,773 lb
Sodium hydroxide 50%	1.52	3,496 lb	4,222 lb	6,995 lb
Phosphoric acid 75%	1.58	3,629 lb	4,382 lb	7,261 lb
Sulphuric acid 93%	1.83	4,181 lb	5,049 lb	8,370 lb

Rack beam planning for filled containers
Configuration	Load per beam level	Rating needed
One 275 gal, water	2,347 lb	3,000 lb level
One 275 gal, SG 1.3	2,010 lb liquid + tare = 2,872 lb	3,000 lb level, tight
Two 275 gal, water	4,694 lb	5,000 lb level
Two 275 gal, SG 1.3	5,744 lb	6,000 lb level
Two 275 gal, SG 1.5	6,620 lb	7,000 lb level
One 330 gal, water	2,834 lb	3,000 lb level, tight
Two 330 gal, water	5,668 lb	6,000 lb level
Two 330 gal, SG 1.3	6,936 lb	7,000 lb level, tight
One 550 gal, water	4,688 lb	5,000 lb level
One 275 gal stainless, water	2,436 lb	3,000 lb level

Seasonality by sector

Demand and supply through the year — twelve-month pattern
Month	Food-grade demand	Industrial demand	Inbound supply	What it means for you
January	Low	High (de-icer)	Average	Winter emergencies; frozen heels slow the gate
February	High (maple starts)	High	Average	Sugaring floats go out; access often difficult
March	Highest (maple peak)	Moderate	Low	Freeze-damage crop arrives from last autumn
April	High	High (fertiliser)	Average	Maple returns, spring inputs ship
May	Average	Highest (fertiliser)	High	Biggest Grade B volume window
June	Average	High	High	Best month to sell us empties
July	Low	Average	Highest	Deepest stock; cheapest buying
August	Low	Average	Highest	Book autumn food-grade now
September	Highest (cider, crush)	High (de-icer fill)	Low	The squeeze begins
October	Highest	High	Lowest	Food-grade lead times stretch to 2–3 weeks
November	Average	Highest	Low	Winter chemistry fills; order covers and jackets
December	Average (juice runs)	High	Low	Holiday-week bookings close early

Freight lanes

Transit from York, PA — 25 lanes
Destination	Distance	Transit	Mode	Equipment	Backhaul pricing
Harrisburg / Lancaster, PA	35 mi	Same day	Flatbed / van	Own	Frequent
York / Hanover, PA	12 mi	Same day	Flatbed	Own	Daily
Philadelphia, PA	95 mi	Same day	Flatbed / van	Own	Daily
Allentown / Reading, PA	80 mi	Same day	Flatbed	Own	Frequent
Pittsburgh, PA	200 mi	Next day	Flatbed	Own	Twice weekly
Baltimore, MD	60 mi	Same day	Flatbed / van	Own	Daily
Washington, DC	95 mi	Same day	Van	Own	Frequent
Northern NJ / NYC	175 mi	Next day	Van	Own	Frequent
Wilmington, DE	75 mi	Same day	Flatbed	Own	Weekly
Richmond, VA	230 mi	Next day	Flatbed	Own	Weekly
Norfolk, VA	300 mi	1–2 days	Flatbed	Own	Occasional
Buffalo / Rochester, NY	300 mi	1–2 days	Flatbed	Own	Weekly
Columbus, OH	390 mi	1–2 days	Flatbed	Own	Common
Cleveland, OH	350 mi	1–2 days	Flatbed	Own	Occasional
Charlotte, NC	450 mi	2 days	Flatbed	Partner	Occasional
Atlanta, GA	700 mi	2–3 days	Flatbed	Partner	Rare
Chicago, IL	650 mi	2 days	Flatbed	Partner	Occasional
Detroit, MI	450 mi	2 days	Flatbed	Partner	Occasional
Boston / New England	400 mi	2 days	Van	Partner	Occasional
Nashville, TN	700 mi	2–3 days	Flatbed	Partner	Rare
Dallas / Houston, TX	1,450 mi	3–4 days	Flatbed	Partner	Rare
Denver, CO	1,700 mi	4 days	Flatbed	Partner	No
Phoenix, AZ	2,200 mi	5 days	Flatbed	Partner	No
California	2,700 mi	5–6 days	Flatbed	Partner	No
Pacific Northwest	2,700 mi	5–6 days	Flatbed	Partner	No

Standards by audience

Standards and regulations that govern this trade — 18 references
Reference	Title	What it covers	Who it binds
49 CFR 172.101	Hazardous materials table	Classification and authorised packaging reference	Shippers
49 CFR 172 Subpart H	Training	Who must be trained, in what, how often, with records	Any hazmat employer
49 CFR 173	Shippers — general requirements by class	Whether an IBC is authorised for your entry	Shippers
49 CFR 178 Subpart N	IBC design types, testing and marking	What the plate means and how it was earned	Makers, reconditioners
49 CFR 180.352	Periodic inspection, testing, repair & remanufacture	2.5-year visual, 5-year leakproofness + full inspection	Owners, shippers
40 CFR 261.7	RCRA empty containers	When a container counts as empty; P-list triple rinse	Generators
40 CFR 262	Generator standards	Waste determination, manifesting, accumulation	Generators
21 CFR 177.1520	Olefin polymers	HDPE compliance for food contact	Food users
21 CFR 177.2600	Rubber articles for repeated use	Gasket and seal compliance for food contact	Food users
21 CFR 110 / 117	Good manufacturing practice	Handling, storage, sanitation programmes	Food users
NSF/ANSI 61	Drinking water system components	Potable-contact material evaluation	Water utilities
29 CFR 1910.1200	Hazard communication	Workplace labelling and safety data sheets	Everyone
29 CFR 1910.146	Permit-required confined spaces	Entry into tanks and vessels	Anyone cleaning containers
29 CFR 1910.178	Powered industrial trucks	Forklift operation and certification	Yards and docks
ANSI/ITSDF B56.1	Low-lift and high-lift trucks	Capacity ratings and load centres	Yards and docks
ANSI MH16.1	Steel storage racking	Beam capacity, deflection, inspection	Warehouses
PA Title 25 Ch. 95	Wastewater treatment requirements	Industrial discharge standards in Pennsylvania	Wash lines
ISPM-15	Wood packaging in international trade	Heat treatment and marking of timber pallets	Exporters

Who buys what,
and why.

Tell us your sector and your liquid

Agriculture & growers

Food & beverage

Chemical & industrial

The four mistakes every sector makes

Buying on grade name, not on liquid

Ignoring specific gravity

Specifying the wrong seal

Treating empties as waste

Industry FAQ

Related pages

All tote types

Tote Studio

Full FAQ

The tables every sector ends up needing

Formats, grades, seals and weights

Who buys what,and why.

Tell us your sector and your liquid

Agriculture & growers

Food & beverage

Chemical & industrial

The four mistakes every sector makes

Buying on grade name, not on liquid

Ignoring specific gravity

Specifying the wrong seal

Treating empties as waste

Industry FAQ

Related pages

All tote types

Tote Studio

Full FAQ

The tables every sector ends up needing

Formats, grades, seals and weights

Who buys what,
and why.