Transportation & Delivery

IBC Transportation & Delivery Across the Midwest

Pickup and delivery across Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, and surrounding states. Full truckload, LTL, and rush delivery available.

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IBC totes loaded for Midwest delivery and transportation

Getting IBC totes from point A to point B should be the easiest part of the process — and with IBC Cincinnati, it is. Our in-house transportation fleet operates out of 1405 Worldwide Blvd, Hebron, KY 41048, strategically located near the intersection of I-71, I-75, and I-275, giving us rapid access to every major corridor in the Midwest. Whether you are purchasing totes from our inventory, selling us your surplus, or sending containers to our facility for cleaning, we handle the logistics so you do not have to.

We offer full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping, on-site pickup with our own equipment, and flexible scheduling that accommodates your production timelines. Our drivers are trained in IBC handling and arrive equipped with forklifts, pallet jacks, and strapping gear to ensure safe loading and secure transit.

Equipment Specs

Trucking Specifications

Our fleet is purpose-built for IBC transportation. Here are the detailed specifications of each vehicle type we operate.

48-ft Flatbed Truck

Capacity48 standard 275-gal IBCs (empty)
Max Payload45,000 lbs
Deck Height60 inches
SecurementRatchet straps, edge protectors, corner guards
Weather ProtectionFull tarping available on request

Best for: Full truckload orders, long-haul delivery, open-access sites

26-ft Box Truck

Capacity12–16 IBCs depending on configuration
Max Payload10,000 lbs
Interior Height102 inches (8.5 ft)
LiftgateHydraulic liftgate (2,500 lb capacity)
Weather ProtectionFully enclosed

Best for: Small-to-medium orders, weather-sensitive loads, urban delivery

Forklift-Equipped Trailer

Forklift TypePiggyback (trailer-mounted) 5,000 lb
Fork Length48 inches (standard pallet)
Lift Height15 feet
TerrainRated for gravel, dirt, and uneven surfaces
DeploymentSelf-contained — no dock or on-site equipment needed

Best for: Sites without loading docks, farms, construction sites, remote locations

Coverage Map

Our Service Area

Our core service area spans Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Michigan. We also make regular runs to surrounding states and can arrange nationwide freight for larger orders.

Ohio

Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Cleveland, Toledo, Akron — statewide coverage

Kentucky

Northern KY, Lexington, Louisville, Bowling Green, and beyond

Indiana

Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, and all points between

Michigan

Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Ann Arbor, and southern MI

West Virginia

Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Parkersburg

Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh, Erie, and western PA corridors

Tennessee

Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis, Chattanooga

Illinois

Chicago, Springfield, Champaign, and eastern IL

Do not see your state listed? We partner with national freight carriers for coast-to-coast delivery. Contact us for a shipping quote.

Shipping Options

Flexible Delivery Solutions

Up to 48 totes per load

Full Truckload (FTL)

Our flatbed trucks carry up to 48 standard 275-gallon IBC totes per load. FTL is the most cost-effective option for large orders, with per-unit freight rates that decrease significantly at scale. Ideal for production facilities, distributors, and recycling pickups.

1–20 totes per shipment

Less-Than-Truckload (LTL)

Need fewer than a full truckload? We consolidate smaller shipments on scheduled routes throughout our service area. LTL is perfect for businesses that need 1 to 20 totes delivered without paying for an entire truck. We coordinate routing to keep costs down.

Same-day available

Rush & Same-Day Delivery

For urgent needs, we offer expedited delivery within our core Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana service area. Same-day delivery is available for in-stock items when ordered before noon. Next-day service is available for most Midwest destinations.

Equipment

Loading & Unloading Equipment

We bring everything we need to handle the job. You do not need a loading dock, forklift, or any special equipment on your end. Here is what our crews arrive with.

Trailer-Mounted Forklift

Our piggyback forklifts travel with the truck and can be deployed at any location — no dock required. Rated for 5,000 lbs with 48-inch forks and 15-foot lift height.

Electric Pallet Jacks

For indoor loading in tight spaces, our powered pallet jacks can maneuver loaded IBCs (2,300+ lbs) through standard doorways and narrow aisles.

Hydraulic Liftgate

Our box trucks feature 2,500-lb liftgates for ground-level loading and unloading at locations without raised docks. Ideal for small-to-medium deliveries.

Securing & Strapping Gear

Ratchet straps, edge protectors, corner guards, and anti-slip mats ensure IBCs are immobilized during transit per DOT securement regulations.

Protection

Insurance & Liability Coverage

Your cargo is fully protected from the moment we load it to the moment we deliver it. Here is a summary of our insurance and liability coverage.

Cargo Insurance

All shipments are covered by our commercial cargo insurance policy. Coverage begins at the point of loading and extends through delivery. In the unlikely event of damage during transit, we file the claim and handle the replacement — you are made whole without hassle.

  • Up to $100,000 per shipment cargo coverage
  • Covers damage from accident, tip-over, weather, and theft
  • Claims processed within 10 business days
  • Additional coverage available for high-value loads

General & Auto Liability

Our fleet carries comprehensive commercial auto and general liability insurance that protects both our crew and your property during loading, transit, and unloading operations.

  • $1,000,000 general liability per occurrence
  • $1,000,000 commercial auto liability
  • Workers compensation for all crew members
  • Certificate of Insurance (COI) available upon request
  • Additional insured endorsement available for your company

Need a Certificate of Insurance before scheduling? We can provide a COI within 24 hours. Request one here.

Visibility

Tracking & Scheduling

Shipment Tracking

For full truckload shipments, we provide GPS-based tracking so you know exactly where your containers are during transit. Tracking updates are available by phone, email, or text.

  • Real-time GPS tracking for FTL shipments
  • Estimated arrival time updates via text or email
  • Driver contact number for day-of coordination
  • Delivery confirmation with signed proof of delivery (POD)
  • Bill of lading provided for every shipment
  • Photo documentation of loaded cargo available on request

Scheduling Options

We schedule deliveries and pickups around your operations. Whether you need an early-morning dock delivery before your first shift or a weekend pickup during a plant shutdown, we accommodate your timeline.

Standard Scheduling

48 hours advance notice. Available Monday through Saturday, 6am–6pm.

Rush Scheduling

24-hour or same-day turnaround within core service area. Additional fee applies.

Appointment Windows

2-hour delivery windows available for dock-scheduled facilities.

After-Hours Delivery

Evening and early-morning delivery for facilities with specific receiving windows.

Recurring Routes

Weekly or biweekly scheduled pickups/deliveries for regular customers.

Freight Details

Freight Class & Shipping Information

For customers arranging their own freight or comparing shipping options, here are the key specifications for IBC tote transportation.

SpecificationEmpty IBC (275-gal)Loaded IBC (275-gal water)
Dimensions (L x W x H)48" x 40" x 46"48" x 40" x 46"
Weight~130 lbs~2,300 lbs
NMFC Freight Class (empty)Class 125–150Class 60–85
Units per 48-ft Flatbed48 (double-stacked)18–20 (single layer)
Units per 26-ft Box Truck12–164–6
Stackable (empty)Yes — up to 2 high on truckNot recommended when full
Hazmat ClassificationNon-regulated (clean)Depends on contents

Freight Cost Factors

Distance

Mileage from our Hebron, KY facility (or between pickup and delivery points) is the primary cost driver.

Quantity

Per-unit freight decreases as quantity increases. Full truckloads offer the lowest cost per tote.

Vehicle Type

Flatbed transport is most cost-effective for large loads. Box trucks cost more per unit but are ideal for small orders.

Urgency

Rush and same-day delivery carry a premium (typically 25–50% surcharge over standard rates).

Access Difficulty

Sites requiring special equipment (forklift, narrow access) or extended load/unload times may incur additional fees.

Fuel Surcharge

A variable fuel surcharge based on the DOE national diesel average is applied to all shipments.

Pickup Services

Selling your IBCs or sending containers for reconditioning? We come to you. Our pickup service covers warehouses, factories, farms, construction sites, and any commercial location. Here is what to expect:

  • We bring our own forklift — no equipment needed on your end
  • Pallet jacks for tight spaces and indoor loading
  • Strapping and securing per DOT regulations
  • Driver performs a count and condition check on site
  • Signed bill of lading provided at pickup
  • GPS tracking available for full-load shipments

Our Fleet

Our dedicated fleet includes flatbed trucks, box trucks, and a trailer-mounted forklift for maximum flexibility. All vehicles are DOT-inspected, properly insured, and operated by experienced commercial drivers who understand IBC handling best practices.

Flatbed Trucks

48-ft flatbeds for full-load IBC transport. Tarps and edge protectors available.

Box Trucks

26-ft enclosed trucks for weather-protected delivery of smaller quantities.

Forklift-Equipped Units

Trailer-mounted forklifts for locations without loading docks or on-site equipment.

Client Feedback

What Our Shipping Clients Say

We order a truckload of IBCs every two weeks. IBC Cincinnati delivery is always on time, the driver places the totes exactly where we need them on the dock, and the GPS tracking lets our receiving team plan around the arrival. Seamless logistics.

Denise V.

Warehouse Manager, Industrial Distributor

Our farm is 45 minutes from anywhere without a loading dock. Their trailer-mounted forklift is a game changer. They pull up, unload 20 totes right into our barn, and are gone in under an hour. No other supplier offers that level of service.

Liam P.

Owner, Family Farm

We needed same-day delivery of 12 reconditioned IBCs for an emergency production run. Called at 8am, containers were on our dock by 2pm. The rush service saved us from a production shutdown. Worth every penny.

Marco S.

Production Supervisor, Chemical Company

Scheduling & Loading

We schedule deliveries and pickups around your operations — not the other way around. Whether you need an early-morning dock delivery before your first shift or a weekend pickup during a plant shutdown, we accommodate your timeline. Standard scheduling requires 48 hours notice. Rush scheduling with 24-hour or same-day turnaround is available within our core service area for an additional fee.

Loading and unloading are handled by our crew. For deliveries, we place totes exactly where you need them — on the dock, in the warehouse, or staged at a specific production area. For pickups, we load, count, inspect, and secure the containers ourselves. You just point us to the totes.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a loading dock for delivery?+
No. Our box trucks have hydraulic liftgates for ground-level delivery, and our flatbed trucks carry trailer-mounted forklifts that work on any reasonably flat surface — including gravel, dirt, and grass. We deliver to warehouses, farms, construction sites, and residential properties without any special equipment required on your end.
How many IBCs fit on a truck?+
A 48-ft flatbed carries up to 48 empty IBCs (double-stacked) or 18–20 loaded IBCs (single layer). Our 26-ft box trucks hold 12–16 empty IBCs or 4–6 loaded ones. The exact count depends on the IBC dimensions (standard 275-gallon vs. specialty sizes) and whether containers need to be loaded on pallets or can be nested.
Can you deliver filled IBCs?+
We primarily transport empty IBCs. However, if you need to move filled containers, we can accommodate this with proper documentation of contents, appropriate vehicle selection (weight limits apply), and DOT-compliant securement. Filled hazmat IBCs require additional placarding and documentation. Contact us with the specifics of your load for a quote.
What is the cost of delivery?+
Delivery costs vary by distance, quantity, vehicle type, and urgency. Local delivery within 50 miles starts at approximately $75–$150 for small orders. Full truckload shipments within our core service area typically run $300–$800 depending on distance. Rush delivery carries a 25–50% surcharge. We provide an exact freight quote with every order — no hidden fees. Request a quote for your specific delivery needs.
Do you provide a Certificate of Insurance?+
Yes. We provide Certificates of Insurance (COI) upon request, typically within 24 hours. We can also add your company as an additional insured on our policy if your facility requires it. Our coverage includes $1M general liability, $1M commercial auto, and cargo insurance up to $100,000 per shipment.
Can you combine pickup and delivery on one trip?+
Absolutely — and this is one of the most efficient ways to work with us. We can deliver your new or reconditioned IBCs and pick up your used or empty containers on the same truck, in the same trip. This saves you freight costs and minimizes dock time. It is especially popular with our trade-in program customers who are simultaneously selling old totes and buying replacements.

Need IBCs Picked Up or Delivered?

Get a freight quote or schedule a pickup. We respond to transportation requests within a few hours during business days.