WHAT IS BARREL SHIPPING?
Used to ship a wide variety of goods, barrel shipping is a safe and economical way to transport items both domestically and internationally. Known commonly as drums, these cylindrical containers are generally made from plastic, steel, or dense paperboard. Shipped goods using these containers frequently consist of bulk dry goods, liquids, or dangerous goods. Note that the make of the drum must abide by applicable regulations when shipping.
No matter what’s inside them, arranging shipping for large items, like barrels, can be difficult. When your items are too large for the national shipping companies to handle, due to size and weight limits, freight shipping can be a great, affordable alternative. Freight transporters offer several options, like less than truckload freight, full truckload freight, and expedited service.
![](https://www.uship.com/portals/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/freight_floater1.jpg)
SHIPPING BARRELS AND DRUMS INTERNATIONALLY
Using barrels to ship internationally has been the preferred method of transportation for decades. Easy to load, maneuver, and unload from ships, drums are highly waterproof in comparison to commercial shipping boxes. Additionally, each drum that is shipped overseas must adhere to customs regulations pertaining to the country it is being shipped to. The following is a non-exhaustive list of goods that are often prohibited:
- Alcohol
- Cash
- Tobacco
- Animal products
- Batteries containing liquid
- Perfume
BENEFITS OF BARREL SHIPPING
- Protection: Sturdy and durable, shipping barrels provide a level of protection that most shipping containers can’t provide.
- Consolidation: All goods can be placed into a single drum instead of several boxes, saving space and reducing shipment costs.
- Accommodation: Shipping drums accommodate a variety of commodities, from liquids to dry goods.
- Shipment specs: This includes the freight’s weight and dimensions.
- Type of freight:The type of freight determined if special equipment or handling is needed.
PREPARE BARREL SHIPMENT
To make sure you choose the right option and service provider, first measure your barrel shipment. Be sure to include the number of barrels, their weight, contents (especially if they require hazmat), and their box dimensions. If you require a lift gate, non-commercial pick-up/delivery, or need a pallet jack or forklift, be sure to mention that in your shipment details. Being as detailed as possible will help ensure that you get the most accurate freight quotes. If you know your freight class and load density, you should also include that information. Make sure to follow your transporter’s instructions exactly in order to protect your shipment from damage. Be sure to inquire about cargo insurance, and purchase additional insurance if needed.
![](https://www.uship.com/portals/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/freight_floater4.jpg)
HOW TO SHIP BARREL FREIGHT WITH USHIP
1 | CREATE YOUR SHIPMENT LISTING
First, you’ll want to consider your timeframe and the pick-up and delivery locations. Make sure you’re ready with your barrel’s dimensions and weight, as well as information about how it will be packaged during transport. Be as detailed a possible during this step to ensure you get accurate freight quotes.
HOW TO SHIP BARREL FREIGHT WITH USHIP
1 | CREATE YOUR SHIPMENT LISTING
First, you’ll want to consider your timeframe and the pick-up and delivery locations. Make sure you’re ready with your barrel’s dimensions and weight, as well as information about how it will be packaged during transport. Be as detailed a possible during this step to ensure you get accurate freight quotes.
![](https://www.uship.com/portals/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/freight_floater7.jpg)
2 | CHOOSE THE BEST BARREL SHIPPING COMPANY
Once your barrel freight listing is completed, you’ll start receiving quotes from barrel transport companies as they compete for your business. As the quotes come through, you can ask questions and talk directly to the service provider. This will give you a good idea of their response time and professionalism.
Every service provider has their own profile with their transportation history, customer-rated feedback and safety records for your review.
- Check to see how many barrel freight deliveries they have completed like yours
- Review the feedback left from their previous customers
- Look at their profiles and talk to the barrel freight company
- Take quotes from each company into consideration to feel confident you are choosing the best barrel transport at the best rate.
2 | CHOOSE THE BEST BARREL SHIPPING COMPANY
Once your barrel freight listing is completed, you’ll start receiving quotes from barrel transport companies as they compete for your business. As the quotes come through, you can ask questions and talk directly to the service provider. This will give you a good idea of their response time and professionalism.
Every service provider has their own profile with their transportation history, customer-rated feedback and safety records for your review.
- Check to see how many barrel freight deliveries they have completed like yours
- Review the feedback left from their previous customers
- Look at their profiles and talk to the barrel freight company
- Take quotes from each company into consideration to feel confident you are choosing the best barrel transport at the best rate.
![](https://www.uship.com/portals/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/freight_floater6.jpg)
3 | BARREL SHIPPING & DELIVERY
After you have selected your barrel freight service, contact them with any additional details, questions, or concerns you may have about your shipment. Share any third-party contact information that could make the shipment run smoothly. Work with your transporter on a good pick-up and delivery location for your barrel shipment. If you run into any issues, let us know. We’re here to help before, during, and after your drum delivery.
3 | BARREL SHIPPING & DELIVERY
After you have selected your barrel freight service, contact them with any additional details, questions, or concerns you may have about your shipment. Share any third-party contact information that could make the shipment run smoothly. Work with your transporter on a good pick-up and delivery location for your barrel shipment. If you run into any issues, let us know. We’re here to help before, during, and after your drum delivery.
Shipping Barrels: Dimensions and Weight
Shipping Barrels come in many different sizes ranging from 5 to 77 gallons in capacity and typically have a dry weight of 3 to 75 pounds depending on the drum’s construction material.
Average Barrel Capacity, Dry Weight, and Dimensions:
- 5 Gallon: 11.8 inches by 17.43 inches and weighs 5 pounds.
- 15 Gallon: 14 inches by 26.5 inches and weighs 7 pounds.
- 30 Gallon: 18.25 inches by 27.5 inches and weighs 35 pounds.
- 55 Gallon: 22.5 inches by 33.5 inches and weighs 60 pounds
- 77 Gallon: 24 inches by 44 inches and weighs 75 pounds.
READY FOR YOUR BARREL FREIGHT SHIPPING QUOTES?
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