- 6 leading manufacturers
- 23 additional suppliers
- 16 states and provinces
- 23 related categories
- 5 guide sections
55 Gallon Drum Manufacturers and Suppliers
IQS Directory provides a comprehensive list of 55 gallon drum manufacturers and suppliers. Use our website to review and source top 55 gallon drum manufacturers with roll over ads and detailed product descriptions. Find 55 gallon drum companies that can design, engineer, and manufacture 55 gallon drums to your companies specifications. Then contact the 55 gallon drum companies through our quick and easy request for quote form. Website links, company profile, locations, phone, product videos and product information is provided for each company. Whether you are looking for manufacturers of oil drums, shipping drums, plastic drums, or customized 55 gallon drums of every type, this is the resource for you.
Suppliers located in IL, OH, PA +13 more states
Contents (6 sections)
Leading 55 Gallon Drum Manufacturers
Showing all 6
| Placement No. | Manufacturer | Location | Contact | Actions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Container Distributors, Inc.Container Distributors, Inc. is your one source for 55 gallon drums. With specializing in containers for environmental hazardous waste and material disposal for over 65 years, we pride ourselves on our knowledgeable customer service staff, timely deliveries, and wide range of in-stock items. We at Container Distributors, Inc look forward to hearing from you. | Venice, IL | |||
| 2 | Jakacki Bag & Barrel, Inc.Jakacki Bag & Barrel is the largest nationwide dealer for 55 gallon drums. Since 1942, we have sold 55 gallon drums of all assortments. We emphasize high quality customer service & are dedicated to our drums. In addition to our drums, Jakacki Bag & Barrel offers an environmentally friendly drum disposal service. Contact us for more information on how we can help you with your barrel & drum needs. | Chicago, IL | |||
| 3 | U.S. Plastic Corp.At U.S. Plastic Corp., we provide high-quality 55-gallon drums designed to meet the rigorous demands of various industries. Our selection includes a variety of plastics, offering durability, chemical resistance, and compliance with industry standards for safe storage and transportation of liquids, solids, and hazardous materials. With a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, we deliver reliable solutions that help businesses maintain efficiency and safety in their operations. | Lima, OH | |||
| 4 | Skolnik Industries, Inc.At Skolnik Industries, we manufacture high-quality 55 gallon drums designed to provide dependable storage and transportation solutions for a wide variety of industrial materials. Our company produces steel drums that meet demanding performance requirements for handling liquids, chemicals, petroleum products, food ingredients, coatings, and other commercial materials. | Chicago, IL | |||
| 5 | Mitchell Container Services, Inc.At Mitchell Container Services, our company specializes in providing high-quality 55 gallon drums designed to meet the storage, handling, and transportation needs of a wide range of industries. We offer durable drum solutions suitable for liquids, chemicals, oils, food products, industrial materials, and other commercial applications requiring dependable containment. | Saraland, AL | |||
| 6 | General Container Corp.At General Container Corp., our company manufactures high-quality 55 gallon drums designed to provide dependable storage, handling, and transportation solutions for a wide range of industrial materials. We produce durable steel drums that meet the demanding requirements of manufacturers, processors, chemical companies, food producers, and other industrial operations. | Somerset, NJ |
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Leading 55 gallon drum manufacturers are listed first on this page, each with a website preview and a Request a Quote button on its row.
Additional 55 Gallon Drum Companies
The category’s other 55 gallon drum companies are listed on their own page, with location, phone and website where each supplier provides them.
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55 Gallon Drum Industrial Manufacturing Guides
Hazardous Waste Drums & Containers
A definition of a hazardous waste containers using United Nations certification criteria with a list of hazardous waste container distributors You will learn:…
7 chapters, the longest in this category
Quick Answers
- How many 55 gallon drum manufacturers are listed on IQS Directory?
- 6 leading manufacturers and 23 additional suppliers.
- Where are 55 gallon drum manufacturers located?
- The listed suppliers are in 16 states: Illinois (6), Ohio (3), Pennsylvania (3), California (2), Georgia (2), New Jersey (2), Texas (2), Alabama (1), and 8 more.
- How do I get quotes from 55 gallon drum suppliers?
- Select suppliers in the table and choose Request Quotes. IQS reviews your request and forwards it to every supplier you select.
55 Gallon Drums
55-gallon drums are large, cylindrical industrial containers engineered for bulk storage, material handling, and transportation across a wide range of industries. With a standardized capacity of 55 gallons, these drums serve as a universal packaging solution for liquids, powders, semi-solids, and hazardous materials. Their consistent sizing simplifies logistics, improves palletization efficiency, and supports global shipping standards used in manufacturing, chemical processing, food production, and waste management.
When evaluating industrial storage containers, many buyers search for durable, cost-effective, and compliant solutions. 55-gallon drums meet these expectations by offering strong structural integrity, compatibility with forklifts and drum handling equipment, and compliance with safety and transportation regulations. Whether you are sourcing containers for chemical storage, food-grade applications, or industrial packaging, understanding drum specifications and material options helps ensure the right selection for your operational needs.
The terms “drum” and “barrel” are often used interchangeably in industrial contexts, and both refer to cylindrical storage containers made from materials such as plastic, fiberglass, or metal. While the terminology overlaps, users frequently search phrases like “industrial barrels,” “bulk storage drums,” or “55 gallon containers” when comparing options. Regardless of wording, these containers serve the same purpose—efficient storage and transport of bulk materials in standardized sizes.
In certain industries, however, terminology differs slightly. The petroleum sector defines a barrel as 42 gallons, while 55-gallon drums are used for broader industrial storage. In the beverage industry, “barrel” traditionally refers to wooden or stainless steel containers used for aging. Despite these distinctions, modern supply chains rely heavily on 55-gallon drums due to their versatility, durability, and compatibility with automated handling systems.
The History of 55 Gallon Drums
From wooden casks used in early trade routes to modern industrial containers, drums have evolved alongside global commerce. By the 18th century, barrels became standard shipping containers for exports, enabling efficient transport of goods across continents. As industries expanded, the need for stronger, leak-resistant containers led to the development of metal drums in the early 20th century.
The modern 55-gallon drum emerged through innovation in steel manufacturing, addressing issues such as leakage and durability. During wartime, these drums played a major role in transporting fuel and chemicals, proving their reliability under demanding conditions. Over time, improvements in sealing methods, structural reinforcements, and coatings enhanced performance and safety.
The introduction of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) in the 1960s marked another advancement. Plastic drums offered corrosion resistance, reduced weight, and compatibility with food-grade storage requirements. Today, industries can choose from steel, plastic, or fiber drums depending on regulatory compliance, environmental conditions, and material compatibility.
Applications of 55 Gallon Drums
55-gallon drums are used across a wide range of industrial and commercial applications, making them one of the most versatile bulk containers available. Businesses frequently search for solutions like “bulk liquid storage containers,” “chemical drums,” or “industrial shipping barrels” when evaluating options. These drums are commonly used to store fuels, lubricants, cleaning agents, adhesives, food ingredients, and agricultural products.
Industries such as chemical manufacturing, wastewater treatment, pharmaceuticals, and food processing rely on drums for safe containment and transport. Their standardized size supports efficient stacking, shipping, and storage, while compatibility with pumps, dispensing systems, and automation equipment enhances operational efficiency.
Advantages of 55 Gallon Drums
One of the main advantages of 55-gallon drums is their balance between capacity and manageability. They are large enough to handle bulk materials while remaining compatible with standard handling equipment. Their stackable design improves warehouse organization and reduces shipping costs.
In addition to efficiency, these drums support sustainability initiatives. Many drums can be reused, reconditioned, or recycled, helping reduce waste and environmental impact. Businesses looking to optimize cost and environmental performance often consider reconditioned drums or reusable plastic containers as part of their supply chain strategy.
55 Gallon Drum Manufacturing and Customization
Manufacturers produce drums using materials such as steel, plastic, and fiberboard, each offering unique advantages. Steel drums provide strength and durability, plastic drums offer corrosion resistance and lightweight handling, and fiber drums deliver cost-effective solutions for dry materials.
Customization options allow businesses to tailor drums to specific applications. Features such as reinforced ribs, specialized coatings, additional openings, and branding labels enhance performance and usability. Selecting the right configuration often depends on storage requirements, material compatibility, and regulatory standards.
Features of 55 Gallon Drums
55-gallon drums are designed for ease of use, safety, and efficiency. Closed-head drums provide secure containment for liquids, while open-head drums allow easy access for filling and dispensing solids. Bung openings enable controlled pouring and compatibility with pumps and dispensing systems.
Drums are typically transported on pallets and can be moved using forklifts or drum handling equipment. Their cylindrical design also allows for rolling, making short-distance movement manageable. These features contribute to their widespread adoption across industries that require reliable storage and transport solutions.
As a global standard, the 55-gallon drum plays a central role in industrial logistics, offering consistency, reliability, and compatibility with international shipping practices.
Common Questions
7 questions
What Is a 55-gallon Drum Used For?
A 55-gallon drum is used for storing and transporting liquids, powders, chemicals, food ingredients, and hazardous materials. It is widely used in industrial packaging, bulk shipping, and regulated material handling.
Are Drums and Barrels the Same Thing?
Yes, drums and barrels are generally interchangeable terms. However, industries like oil and beverage production use specific definitions based on volume or traditional storage methods.
What Materials Are 55-gallon Drums Made From?
They are made from steel, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or fiberboard. Each material offers different advantages such as chemical resistance, lightweight handling, or cost efficiency.
What Is the Difference between Open-Head and Closed-Head Drums?
Open-head drums have removable lids for easy access, while closed-head drums are sealed with small openings for controlled pouring and secure liquid containment.
Why Are Plastic Drums Often Blue?
Blue plastic drums are commonly used for food-grade or water storage applications and are easily identifiable in industrial environments.
How Are Plastic Drums Manufactured?
Plastic drums are typically manufactured using blow molding, a process that forms seamless, durable containers from molten plastic expanded within a mold.
What Industries Use 55-gallon Drums?
Industries such as chemical manufacturing, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and hazardous waste management rely on 55-gallon drums for bulk storage and transport.