The 55 Gallon Drum is a cornerstone of industrial storage and transportation. Whether used for chemicals, oils, food-grade products, or solid materials, the fifty five gallon drum offers a standardized capacity that businesses across industries rely on. But due to its size, weight, and regulatory requirements, transporting a 55 Gallon Drum Container requires planning and the right approach. From handling techniques to modern alternatives, understanding the best practices for moving gallon barrels ensures safety, efficiency, and compliance.
The basics of drum transportation
A full 55 Gallon Drum can weigh between 400 and 600 pounds depending on the material stored inside. This makes moving it a serious logistical task. Steel versions, such as a 55 Gallon Steel Drum or 55 Gallon Barrel Metal, are particularly heavy and require equipment to avoid injuries. Even a Plastic 55 Gallon Drum, while lighter, is still cumbersome once filled to capacity.
For this reason, businesses rely on tools like drum dollies, forklifts, pallet jacks, and drum lifters to safely transport gallon barrels. Proper training for employees is also essential, as mishandling can lead to spills, damaged containers, or workplace injuries.
Handling a fifty five gallon drum safely
When transporting drums, safety comes first. Best practices include:
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Use mechanical aids: Never attempt to roll or manually lift a full 55 Gallon Barrel without equipment.
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Secure during transit: Whether transporting by truck or within a facility, drums must be strapped or contained to prevent tipping.
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Maintain proper labeling: Clear labels help workers understand the contents and handle accordingly.
These steps reduce risk and ensure that a 55 Gallon Drum Container arrives at its destination safely.
Limitations of traditional gallon barrels
While traditional steel and plastic drums are reliable, they are also bulky and inflexible. Once manufactured, their rigid design means they take up the same amount of space whether full or empty. For companies that buy 55 gallon drums in bulk, this leads to warehouses packed with containers that cannot be collapsed or stored efficiently. The weight of a 55 Gallon Steel Drum also increases freight costs, making transportation expensive over time.
Businesses looking at a 55 gallon drum for sale often weigh these disadvantages against their immediate needs. For long-term efficiency, however, many are now turning to new alternatives.
Modern solutions for drum transport
One of the biggest innovations in recent years is the development of collapsible polypropylene drums like Gorilla Drum™. Offering the same 55-gallon capacity as a standard barrel, Gorilla Drum weighs only about 7.5 pounds when empty. Its collapsible design allows it to be stored flat, drastically reducing the space required during return trips or while awaiting use.
For companies seeking better ways to move materials, Gorilla Drum represents a leap forward. Not only does it eliminate the bulk of traditional gallon barrels, but it also maintains full UN/DOT certification, making it compliant for transporting hazardous and non-hazardous materials alike.
You can explore more about these efficiencies in How To Store And Transport Materials Without Heavy Drums.
Space and cost efficiency in logistics
The logistics of transporting gallon barrels extend beyond the act of moving them from point A to point B. Storage, loading, and shipping all factor into the total cost. Traditional 55 Gallon Barrel Metal and plastic versions consume significant warehouse space. In contrast, collapsible alternatives like Gorilla Drum allow up to 80 units per pallet and more than 4,000 units in a truckload. This not only reduces costs but also lowers carbon emissions tied to fuel consumption.
Industries benefiting from alternatives
Industries that once relied exclusively on rigid drums are increasingly adopting collapsible designs. Package delivery companies, laboratories, healthcare facilities, and hazardous waste handlers all benefit from lighter weights and greater transport efficiency. For them, the question isn’t just how to transport a 55 Gallon Drum but whether a new solution can simplify operations altogether.
Choosing the right option for your needs
If you are looking to buy 55 gallon drums, it’s important to consider not just the initial purchase but the long-term implications of transportation and storage. A 55 Gallon Steel Drum may provide durability, while a Plastic 55 Gallon Drum offers corrosion resistance. However, collapsible alternatives provide the same capacity with better efficiency, safety, and cost savings.
For a comprehensive overview of how to evaluate these options, check out the Complete Guide To Choosing The Right 55 Gallon Drum Alternative.
Final thoughts
Transporting a 55 Gallon Drum involves more than just moving a container—it requires equipment, planning, and compliance with safety standards. While traditional gallon barrels like steel and plastic drums remain in use, they come with significant limitations in weight, space, and cost. Gorilla Drum offers the same fifty five gallon drum capacity while providing a collapsible, lightweight, and certified solution for modern logistics.
If your business is looking to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and make transportation easier, Gorilla Drum is the solution you need. To learn more, call +1 800-758-8079 today.