Buying totes by the full truckload — typically around 40 units — lowers the per-tote delivered price by spreading freight across the whole load and unlocking volume pricing. It pays off when you have steady demand, space to store the tanks, and a use for a consistent grade.
Read on for the full breakdown.
Freight is the lever
A big chunk of a tote’s delivered cost is the trucking. Whether a trailer carries 6 totes or 40, much of the freight bill is the same. Filling the truck spreads that cost across far more units, dropping the per-tote price substantially.
Volume pricing
On top of freight efficiency, buying a full load usually earns better unit pricing. For businesses that go through totes steadily, committing to a truckload is one of the simplest ways to lower cost per gallon of capacity.
When it makes sense
Truckload buying rewards predictability:
- Steady, ongoing demand for the same grade
- Storage space to stage 40 tanks safely
- A forklift and crew to unload efficiently
- Cash flow that suits buying ahead of need
When to stay flexible
If your demand is lumpy or your grades vary, smaller orders may serve you better despite the higher unit price. Do not tie up cash and floor space in tanks you will not use for months just to chase a per-unit discount.
Plan the load
If a truckload fits, plan it: confirm the grade mix, schedule the unload, and line up storage. We will help spec a full load to your spec so the savings do not come with surprises.
Published May 6, 2025 · By IBC Solutions Illinois