Used Metal Storage Containers for Sale
Used Metal Storage Containers: Bin & Steel Tub Sizes and Specs
Rigid metal bins and steel tubs are the go-to bulk container for heavy, sharp-edged, or hot-process loads that would tear through plastic or cardboard. This page covers the sizes, steel gauges, and load capacities you'll see most often on the used market, plus what to expect on price whether you're buying or selling.
Looking for wire mesh instead? See our wire mesh container dimensions guide for collapsible wire baskets — this page is for rigid corrugated steel bins and tubs only.
Common Metal Bin & Steel Tub Sizes, Gauges & Capacities
Dimensions below are given as Length x Width x Height. Outside dimensions (OD) are what you need for floor footprint and truck loading; inside dimensions (ID) are what you need for fill volume — corrugated wall profile and gauge typically take 2"-4" off each inside dimension versus OD. Gauge and capacity vary by manufacturer (Buckhorn, ROC, PalletTote, and regional fabricators all build to slightly different specs), so treat the ranges below as "commonly X-Y," confirm the tag or ask us for the spec sheet on any specific used unit.
|
SIZE (OD, L x W x H) |
TYPICAL ID (L x W x H) |
STEEL GAUGE |
STATIC CAPACITY (LBS) |
DROP GATE AVAILABLE |
| 41" x 38" x 29" | ~37" x 34" x 27" | 14–12 ga | commonly 1,500–2,500 lbs | Yes (single drop gate common) |
| 48" x 40" x 34"–36" | ~44" x 36" x 31" | 14–12 ga | commonly 1,500–2,000 lbs | Yes |
| 64" x 48" x 34" | ~58" x 44" x 31" | 12–11 ga | commonly 2,500–3,500 lbs | Yes (double or 4-door on some models) |
| 96" x 48" x 24" | ~90" x 44" x 22" | 12–11 ga | commonly 3,000–4,000 lbs | Yes (single or full drop gate) |
Notes on the table:
- Gauge: 14-gauge steel runs about 0.075" thick, 12-gauge about 0.105", and 11-gauge about 0.120". Heavier-gauge (lower number) walls show up more on the larger 64x48 and 96x48 sizes, which is why static capacity climbs even though wall height doesn't grow proportionally.
- Capacity: figures above reflect static stacking/load capacity as commonly published by industrial container suppliers for corrugated steel bulk containers in this size class — always confirm the capacity tag on a specific used unit before loading to the max.
- Drop gate: a hinged or removable panel on one end that lets you unload by tipping or sliding contents out rather than dumping from above. Very common on 41x38, 48x40, 64x48 and 96x48 corrugated steel containers; rare on smaller welded steel tubs under 30 cu ft.
Rigid vs. Collapsible vs. Wire Mesh
Not every metal bulk container is built the same way. Here's how the three main types compare for durability, storage footprint, and typical use case.
| TYPE | WALL CONSTRUCTION | COLLAPSES FOR STORAGE | BEST FOR |
| Rigid corrugated steel bin/tub | Welded corrugated steel panels, fixed frame | No | Heavy metal parts, castings, scrap, abrasive or sharp-edged loads |
| Collapsible steel bulk container | Steel frame with folding side panels | Yes, folds flat when empty | Loads that need occasional stacking density on return trips |
| Wire mesh container/basket | Welded wire mesh panels, often folding | Usually, yes | Lighter loads needing ventilation/visibility — see our wire mesh container dimensions post for basket-specific sizing |
Rigid metal bins and steel tubs don't fold down, so they take up floor space empty — but that same fixed-frame construction is what gives them the highest static capacity and the longest service life under repeated heavy loading. If your primary need is ventilated, lighter-duty storage that nests or folds, our wire mesh guide (linked above) is the better starting point; this page focuses on rigid bins and tubs.
Stacking & Forklift Handling Specs
- Stack height: most 41x38 through 96x48 rigid steel bins are rated for 3-4 high stacking empty, and 2-3 high loaded, depending on gauge and condition — used units with visible frame stress or rust-through should be stacked lower or inspected before loading.
- Forklift entry: standard fork pockets on the two long sides (and often all four sides on the 48x40 and 64x48 sizes) sized for standard 4"-6" fork tine clearance. Confirm fork pocket orientation matches your fleet before purchase — some older used units only have two-way entry.
- Base runners: heavier steel runners or skid rails on the underside protect the floor of the bin and let a pallet jack or forklift square up the load without shifting the container.
- Nesting/interlock: many corrugated steel bins have a lipped top edge and recessed base so units stack and interlock without sliding — useful in yard storage and over-the-road transport alike.
New vs. Used Pricing Bands
Pricing on rigid metal bins and steel tubs depends heavily on size, gauge, drop gate configuration, and condition (rust, dents, gate function). As a general guide across the sizes above:
| CONDITION |
SMALLER (41x38, 48x40) |
LARGER (64x48, 96x48) |
| New | commonly $600–$1,200 | commonly $1,200–$2,500+ |
| Used, good condition | commonly $250–$600 | commonly $500–$1,300 |
| Used, as-is / project condition | commonly under $250 | commonly $30–$700 |
Drop-gate models typically run higher than solid-wall units at both new and used price points because of the added hardware and fabrication. Heavier gauge (11-12 ga vs. 14 ga) also pushes price up, especially on 64x48 and 96x48 sizes carrying 3,000+ lb capacity ratings.
Buy Used Metal Bins or Sell Yours
Container Exchanger lists used rigid metal bins and steel tubs by size, gauge, and drop-gate configuration so you can filter to the exact spec your operation needs — and if you've got surplus bins sitting in a yard, we'll help you turn them into cash instead of scrap value.
FAQ
What's the difference between a metal bin and a steel tub?
In practice the terms are used interchangeably for rigid, welded corrugated steel bulk containers. "Tub" sometimes refers specifically to smaller or deeper units without a drop gate, while "bin" often implies drop-gate or hopper-front configurations, but there's no universal industry standard — always check the spec sheet rather than relying on the name alone.
What size metal bin do I need?
Start with your heaviest single load and your forklift/dock clearance. The 41x38x29 and 48x40 sizes cover most parts-handling and scrap applications; 64x48x34 and 96x48x24 are sized for higher-volume or bulkier material where fewer, larger containers reduce handling trips.
Do all metal bins have drop gates?
No. Drop gates are common on the 41x38 through 96x48 corrugated steel sizes covered here, but plenty of solid-wall (no gate) units are sold for applications where contents are lifted or dumped out rather than unloaded from the side.
How much weight can a used steel bin hold?
It depends on gauge and size — see the capacity column in the size table above. Always confirm the capacity rating on the specific used unit's tag rather than assuming full new-condition capacity, since rust and frame wear reduce safe load limits over time.
Are rigid metal bins better than wire mesh containers?
For heavy, sharp, or abrasive loads, yes — rigid steel holds up better under repeated impact. For lighter loads where you want to see contents or need ventilation, a wire mesh container (see our wire mesh dimensions guide) is usually the lighter and less expensive option.
Can I get a custom size metal bin?
Some suppliers offer custom corrugated steel fabrication, but for used inventory you're generally choosing from standard sizes like the ones in the table above. Contact us if you need a specific size and we'll check current used stock.