Written by: Timur Lesov

May 03, 2025

Updated on April 29, 2025

IBC totes are useful for storing and transporting goods in various industries. It explains how high they can stack and the amounts allowed in different situations.

Are IBC Totes Designed to be Stackable?

Yes, IBC totes are specifically engineered to be stackable. This design feature is integral to their functionality and value in industrial settings:

• All IBCs are designed to stack easily. This helps with handling, storage, and transport.
• The stackable design features built-in pallet platforms, feet, and stacking lugs. These elements help align and enable easy stacking in place.
• Most IBCs have a UN/DOT label. This label shows the maximum stacking load rating from the manufacturer.

The ability to stack IBC totes creates significant space efficiency advantages. For example, a 1600 sq. A 4,000 ft warehouse can fit about 96 vertical above-ground containers. It can also hold around 380 stackable IBC totes of the same size when stacked correctly.

Can IBC Totes Be Stacked When Full?

Yes, full IBC totes can be stacked, but with important qualifications and considerations. General Guidelines for Stacking Full Totes:

You can stack full IBC tanks if they have their pallet base. Just make sure the total weight doesn’t go over the IBC’s maximum load rating.

Different materials have varying load-bearing capacities when stacked:

Important Safety Considerations:

• Each IBC should be inspected for damage or leaks before stacking.
• Weight distribution matters. Place heavier totes at the bottom and lighter ones on top.
• Totes should be placed evenly without overhang, tilt, or unlevel positioning.
• For transportation: “You can stack full IBCs for storage. But guidelines differ on whether you can transport them stacked and full.” We cannot and do not recommend shipping stacked, full IBC totes”.

Material-Specific Restrictions:

• Flammable liquids: According to Australian Standard AS 1940, you can stack them two-high. This rule does not apply if they are in special racking and not connected to piping systems.
• Other hazardous chemicals: Usually limited to 2-high. An official risk assessment must confirm it’s safe to stack higher.

How High Can You Stack IBC Totes?

The recommended stacking height varies based on several factors:

For Non-Hazardous Materials:

• Experts say to stack IBC totes no more than two or three high.
• For totes in good shape and stable stacks, some say to limit full IBC stacks to 4 to 6 high.
• Most IBCs can stack 2 to 3 high. Some models even support stacking 4 high in certain controlled situations.

For Hazardous Materials:

• Flammable liquids: Limited to two-high according to AS 1940 clause 4.7.
• Other hazardous chemicals: Limit to 2-high. If a risk assessment finds it safe, you can stack higher.
• US Hazmat Storage says not to stack IBC totes higher than two or three units for hazardous materials.

For Empty Totes:

• Empty IBC totes can generally be stacked higher than full ones due to reduced weight.
• Empty caged poly IBC totes, holding 275 and 330 gallons, can stack four high in storage.

Factors Affecting IBC Tote Stacking Capacity

Several critical factors determine safe stacking limits:

Structural Integrity and Design:

• IBC design including the stacking test load in kilograms must be marked on each IBC per 49 CFR 173.703(a)(1)(vii).
• IBCs made after January 1, 2011, must show a symbol. This symbol indicates whether they can be stacked or not.
• Some equipment, like the IBC Spill Pallet®, can stack totes two high. Each tote holds up to 400 gallons, so that makes 800 gallons total.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

• Environmental conditions (high wind, heavy storms, uneven surfaces) can affect stacking safety.
• Temperature variations significantly impact material properties and structural integrity of stacked totes.

Regulatory Requirements:

• OSHA has established guidelines for stacking materials in warehouses to protect workers.
• The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides standards for IBC tote systems.
• The Department of Transportation sees “empty” IBCs as full for hazardous materials rules. This is true unless the IBCs have been cleaned of all vapors.

IBC Tote Stacking Reference Table

Did you know?

A standard 275-gallon IBC tote can supply drinking water for a family of four for nearly three months!

IBC totes are popular for many reasons. They are popular in industries. Preppers and off-grid fans also favor them for storing emergency water. Their large capacity, portability, and food-safe HDPE construction make them ideal.

Timur Lesov

Eco-freak, nerd, and green technology fanatic. I’m in favor of making eco-friendly living simple as well. I graduated from Berkeley in 2017. Studied environmental science and all things sustainability related. I create content and share simple tips for greening your everyday life. I think even small changes can make a huge difference and we can build a cleaner and more sustainable future.