Shipping IBC Containers — safely packed, transported insured
IBC containers (Intermediate Bulk Containers) are transported by Logisticoo empty, filled or as used reconditioning stock — with a fixed price in 30 minutes and, where required, fully ADR-compliant. The standard IBC holds 1,000 litres on a footprint of 120 × 100 cm; when filled it weighs 1,000 to 1,400 kg depending on the medium, which calls for a forklift or pallet truck with the right load capacity at both loading ramps. For water-polluting or flammable contents, dangerous-goods law applies: UN-approved containers, a valid 2.5-year inspection, correct marking and an ADR-trained driver — all of which your personal dispatcher checks before the order is placed, so that nothing fails at the ramp. Liquid loads also place particular demands on load securing, because sloshing media amplify the centrifugal forces; partial fills between 20 and 80 percent are therefore secured especially conservatively. Empty, cleaned IBCs we bundle stacked into economical consolidated consignments for reconditioners and filling plants — Germany-wide from 147 cities and to 55 countries, and for urgent production needs also as a direct transport without transhipment.
Packaging & load securing
Filled IBCs travel individually, stowed in a tight positive fit against the front wall or a load bar and lashed down over the cage frame — never over the plastic bladder. The discharge tap and lid are checked for leak-tightness and secured against opening; empty IBCs we stack a maximum of two layers high and connect the layers with straps and edge protection per VDI 2700.
What matters
- Name the contents precisely (substance name, UN number if dangerous goods) — this decides whether ADR applies
- Check the inspection date on the rating plate: UN-IBCs require the 2.5-year recurring inspection
- State partial fills; a sloshing load needs adapted securing
- Check the tap and closure for leak-tightness; drip leaks stop every acceptance
- Used IBCs: declare the last contents, even for cleaned containers
Or call us directly: +49 30 346 467 850
Empty or filled — weight and the right vehicle
The standard IBC holds 1,000 litres on a footprint of 120 × 100 cm. Empty it weighs 50 to 65 kg, filled 1,000 to 1,400 kg depending on the medium — which calls for a forklift or pallet truck with the right load capacity at both ramps. A filled IBC travels as a single slot on the 7.5 t or 12 t truck, with a loading crane if needed; empty, cleaned containers we stack two layers high into economical consolidated consignments for reconditioners. Whole batches run as a full load: a curtain-side semi-trailer holds 26 standard IBCs in one layer, up to 52 in two. The vehicle class depends on the total weight, the quantity and the unloading situation.
Leak protection and liquid securing per VDI 2700
Filled IBCs travel individually, stowed in a tight positive fit against the front wall or a load bar and lashed down over the cage frame — never over the plastic bladder, which cannot bear the lashing force. The discharge tap and lid are checked for leak-tightness and secured against opening; a drip leak stops every acceptance. Liquid loads place particular demands: sloshing media amplify the centrifugal forces, which is why we secure partial fills between 20 and 80 percent especially conservatively. Empty IBCs we stack a maximum of two layers high, connect the layers with straps and edge protection and stow them in a tight positive fit per VDI 2700. For dangerous goods, UN-approved containers with a valid inspection and correct marking are used.
How to ship IBC containers with Logisticoo
- You tell us the contents (substance name, UN number if dangerous goods), the quantity, the fill level and the lifting-gear situation.
- We check the ADR classification and the inspection date on the rating plate and give you the fixed-price quote in 30 minutes.
- The containers stand ready leak-tight, marked and stackable.
- Loading by forklift at both ramps, with a loading crane if needed.
- Secured transport per VDI 2700, and for dangerous goods fully ADR-compliant with a trained driver.
- Unloading at the agreed point. For urgent production needs we run a direct transport without transhipment; Germany-wide from 147 cities and to 55 countries.
What does transporting IBC containers cost?
The price comes up front as a fixed price; the rule-of-thumb figures give you a guide (±15%): 7.5 t truck around €1.45/km (from €169), 12 t truck around €1.65/km (from €219), semi-trailer (FTL) around €1.95/km (from €379). A single filled IBC is calculated like a heavy pallet and, as a part load, is cheaper than a direct transport. A consolidated run with around 26 empty IBCs from Frankfurt to Hamburg (around 495 km) works out as an FTL at about €1.95/km, so roughly €965. Cost drivers are ADR requirements for dangerous goods and a lack of lifting gear at the ramp.
IBC container, vehicle and loading
| Condition / weight | Example | Vehicle | Loading without a ramp |
|---|---|---|---|
| empty / 50–65 kg | cleaned IBC | stacked, part load/FTL | Forklift |
| filled / 1,000–1,400 kg | Water, concentrate | 7.5 t/12 t truck + forklift | Forklift/loading crane |
| filled dangerous goods | Chemicals with UN number | ADR vehicle | Forklift |
| Consolidated run empty | 26 single layer / 52 double layer | Semi-trailer (FTL) | Forklift/ramp |
Shipping methods compared
| Shipping method | When it makes sense | Transit time | Cost level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part load | one filled IBC, flexible | a few days (consolidated run) | cheapest option |
| Part load (LTL) | a few IBCs, medium urgency | 1–2 days | medium |
| Direct transport (FTL) | full batch or production need | same/next day, no transhipment | km-based, from €379 |
| ADR transport | dangerous goods with UN number | as planned | higher, with requirements |
Frequently asked questions
Is transporting a full 1,000-litre IBC automatically a dangerous-goods transport?
No — the contents are what matter. Water, food concentrates or non-critical cleaners travel freely; flammable, corrosive or water-polluting substances with a UN number trigger ADR obligations (approved container, marking, trained driver). Tell us the medium and we check the classification together with the fixed-price quote in 30 minutes.
How many empty IBCs fit on a truck?
A curtain-side semi-trailer holds 26 standard IBCs in a single layer, up to 52 units stacked in two layers — provided the containers are cleaned, dimensionally stable and stackable. For reconditioners we calculate such consolidated runs as a full load from ~€1.95/km.
What does it cost to transport an IBC container?
A single filled IBC is calculated like a heavy pallet and, as a part load, is cheaper than a direct transport. Consolidated runs of empty IBCs we calculate as an FTL from around €1.95/km (±15%); 26 empty IBCs Frankfurt–Hamburg work out at about €965. The contents, quantity and postcodes are enough for the fixed-price quote in 30 minutes.
Does the IBC's inspection date have to be valid?
For dangerous goods, yes: UN-approved IBCs require the recurring inspection on a 2.5-year cycle, readable on the rating plate. For non-hazardous media the inspection date is not critical, but the container must be leak-tight and dimensionally stable. Your dispatcher checks this together with the fixed price.
Do you also take used, cleaned IBCs for reconditioning?
Yes. Empty, cleaned IBCs we bundle stacked into economical consolidated consignments for reconditioners and filling plants. What matters is declaring the last contents even for cleaned containers, so that the classification is correct.