The 55 Gallon Drum has long been one of the most common industrial containers in the world. Whether referred to as a fifty five gallon drum, a 55 Gallon Drum Container, or simply gallon barrels, these containers are designed to store and transport a wide variety of liquids and solids. But when it comes to regulatory and logistical definitions, many businesses ask the same question: are 55 gallon drums considered bulk? Understanding how these containers are classified is important for shipping, safety compliance, and making informed purchasing decisions.
How bulk is defined in shipping and storage
In logistics and transportation, the term “bulk” generally refers to large quantities of goods shipped without individual packaging. For example, bulk materials might be shipped in tankers, large hoppers, or massive containers that hold thousands of gallons or pounds. By comparison, a single 55 Gallon Barrel Metal container or a Plastic 55 Gallon Drum is smaller and more manageable.
However, regulatory agencies sometimes classify 55 Gallon Steel Drums and similar containers as bulk depending on their contents and intended use. Because a 55 Gallon Barrel has a capacity above certain thresholds, it often falls into bulk packaging categories for hazardous materials. This means businesses using or storing these containers must comply with specific Department of Transportation and Environmental Protection Agency requirements.
Why businesses rely on 55 gallon drums
The fifty five gallon drum became an industry standard because it balances size with convenience. It is large enough to hold significant quantities of liquids or solids, but not so large that it requires specialized infrastructure to move. Many industries use 55 Gallon Drum Containers for chemicals, oils, fuels, and food-grade products. For those looking to buy 55 gallon drums, availability in both steel and plastic forms makes them versatile across many applications.
Still, when purchased in large numbers, gallon barrels occupy substantial storage space. Warehouses filled with rigid drums quickly run into logistical challenges. Even when empty, a 55 Gallon Steel Drum or Plastic 55 Gallon Drum takes up the same amount of room as when full. This is where businesses begin to consider alternatives.
The challenges of bulk classification
From a compliance perspective, treating a 55 Gallon Drum as bulk packaging means additional documentation, labeling, and handling requirements. For hazardous materials, this can include UN and DOT certifications, stack testing, and weight restrictions. While the 55 Gallon Barrel remains useful, companies must navigate the complexities of bulk storage and transport regulations.
This raises the question of whether it makes sense to continue relying on rigid steel or plastic gallon barrels when newer options are available that reduce costs and simplify compliance.
Innovative alternatives to gallon barrels
In recent years, companies have developed advanced alternatives to the traditional 55 Gallon Barrel Metal container. Instead of rigid designs, collapsible containers made from recyclable polypropylene offer greater efficiency. One of the most prominent examples is Gorilla Drum™, a patent-pending collapsible solution that reimagines how gallon barrels can be stored and transported.
Gorilla Drum weighs only about 7.5 pounds when empty, yet it maintains the same 55-gallon capacity as a standard drum. Its collapsible design allows up to 80 units per pallet and over 4,000 units per truckload. That represents significant savings in storage and transportation compared to the traditional steel or plastic 55 Gallon Drum.
Why Gorilla Drum outperforms standard drums
For organizations wondering whether they should continue to buy 55 gallon drums or consider an alternative, the advantages of Gorilla Drum are clear. Its lightweight, collapsible construction drastically reduces shipping costs and environmental impact. At the same time, it meets UN/DOT “X” certification requirements for hazardous materials across Packing Groups I–III. This ensures businesses remain compliant without sacrificing efficiency.
For a deeper look into its performance benefits, read Why Gorilla Drum Outperforms Standard 55 Gallon Barrels. This resource highlights the specific areas where Gorilla Drum leads over traditional gallon barrels.
Industries adopting new solutions
Companies across logistics, healthcare, laboratories, and hazardous waste management are rethinking their reliance on 55 Gallon Steel Drums and Plastic 55 Gallon Drums. Many find that collapsible designs reduce their need for warehouse space while providing safer, more sustainable options for handling hazardous and non-hazardous materials.
This shift reflects a broader industry trend toward efficiency and environmental responsibility. While the fifty five gallon drum still plays an important role, the growing popularity of alternatives shows how businesses are adapting to modern challenges.
Guidance for choosing the right container
Whether your organization is considering a 55 gallon drum for sale or looking at alternative solutions, it’s important to evaluate not just the upfront cost but also the long-term logistical and regulatory implications. Collapsible containers like Gorilla Drum not only reduce storage and transportation costs but also simplify compliance with bulk packaging regulations.
If you want to explore this topic in more detail, the Complete Guide To Choosing The Right 55 Gallon Drum Alternative is an excellent resource. It breaks down the key factors to consider so you can select the best option for your operations.
Final thoughts
So, are 55 gallon drums considered bulk? In many regulatory contexts, yes—they meet the criteria for bulk packaging, especially when storing or transporting hazardous materials. But the bigger question businesses should be asking is whether sticking with traditional gallon barrels is still the most practical choice.
With innovative alternatives like Gorilla Drum, companies can achieve the same capacity as a 55 Gallon Drum Container while enjoying lighter weight, collapsible storage, and reduced shipping costs. Instead of filling warehouses with rigid containers, businesses can embrace a solution that saves space, reduces emissions, and meets compliance standards.
To learn more about how Gorilla Drum can transform your operations and provide a smarter alternative to the traditional fifty five gallon drum, call +1 800-758-8079 today.