Inspection services
Detailed inspections with structural grading, residue checks, and compliance marks for each IBC tote.
Every IBC that enters our facility undergoes comprehensive inspection using our standardized 47-point checklist. This thorough assessment ensures accurate grading, identifies repair needs, and provides the documentation required for compliance and quality assurance.
What we inspect
Our trained technicians evaluate every component of the IBC using standardized criteria that ensure consistent grading across all containers.
Structural scoring
Frame, valve, pallet, and bottle inspections are documented with photos for every batch. We assess structural integrity to ensure safe handling, stacking, and transportation.
Structural assessment includes:
- Cage frame alignment and integrity
- Weld condition and stress points
- Top frame condition for stacking
- Lifting point integrity
- Corner post alignment
- Cross-bar condition
Bottle condition
The HDPE bottle is carefully evaluated for clarity, damage, and any signs of degradation that could affect product containment.
Bottle inspection covers:
- Clarity and light transmission
- Staining and discoloration
- Surface scratches and wear
- Wall thickness (sampling)
- UV degradation signs
- Interior residue or buildup
Valve and fittings
Valves are tested for proper function and leak-free operation. Gaskets are assessed for wear and seal integrity.
Valve assessment includes:
- Valve operation (open/close function)
- Handle condition and security
- Gasket condition and sealing
- Thread integrity
- Cap condition and seal
- Vent operation where applicable
Pallet evaluation
Pallet condition affects safe forklift handling and stacking stability. We assess structural soundness and identify damage.
Pallet inspection covers:
- Overall structural integrity
- Fork pocket condition
- Runner/skid condition
- Deck board condition (composite)
- Fastener integrity
- Cage-to-pallet attachment
Residue history
We track previous contents and maintain wash lineage for regulatory confidence. Understanding residue history supports proper cleaning and reuse decisions.
Residue documentation:
- Previous product identification
- Label reading and recording
- MSDS/SDS reference where available
- Residue type categorization
- Cleaning requirement determination
- Cross-contamination risk assessment
UN marking verification
For containers requiring UN certification, we verify and document all marking requirements for regulatory compliance.
UN verification includes:
- UN symbol presence and legibility
- Packing group designation
- Gross mass rating
- Manufacture date
- Test pressure rating
- Manufacturer identification
Our 47-point inspection checklist
Every container is evaluated against our comprehensive checklist covering all critical components and conditions.
Cage inspection (14 points)
- Overall cage condition
- Top frame alignment
- Corner posts integrity
- Horizontal bars condition
- Vertical bars condition
- Weld integrity (all joints)
- Rust assessment
- Lifting points
- Cage-to-bottle fit
- Cage-to-pallet attachment
- Fork guides condition
- Label plate condition
- Stacking capability
- Overall cage grade
Bottle inspection (12 points)
- Overall bottle condition
- Clarity assessment
- Staining level
- Surface scratches
- Interior cleanliness
- Outlet fitting condition
- Top opening condition
- Thread integrity
- Wall condition (visible)
- Odor assessment
- UV degradation signs
- Overall bottle grade
Valve & fittings (9 points)
- Valve type identification
- Operation function
- Handle condition
- Gasket condition
- Leak test result
- Cap condition
- Cap seal integrity
- Thread condition
- Overall valve grade
Pallet & documentation (12 points)
- Pallet type
- Overall pallet condition
- Fork pocket condition
- Runner/deck condition
- Fastener integrity
- Overall pallet grade
- UN marking presence
- UN marking legibility
- Manufacture date
- Previous content ID
- Label condition
- Overall container grade
Our grading system
Based on inspection results, each IBC is assigned a grade that reflects its overall condition and suitability for various applications.
Grade A
Like-new condition. Clear bottles, straight cages, functional valves with fresh gaskets, sound pallets. Suitable for food-grade, pharmaceutical, and customer-facing applications.
Grade A criteria:
- Bottle clarity: Clear to light tint
- Cage: No bends, minimal scratches
- Valve: New or like-new
- Pallet: Structurally perfect
- UN marking: Clearly legible
Grade B
Good functional condition with cosmetic wear. Suitable for industrial applications where appearance is less critical than performance.
Grade B criteria:
- Bottle: Light staining acceptable
- Cage: Minor cosmetic issues, no structural
- Valve: Functional with serviceable gaskets
- Pallet: Sound with normal wear
- UN marking: Present, may be faded
Grade C / Repair Candidate
Containers requiring repair before service or suitable only for economy applications. May need valve replacement, gasket work, or minor cage repair.
Grade C indicators:
- Bottle: Moderate staining
- Cage: Repairable damage
- Valve: Needs service/replacement
- Pallet: Repairable condition
- UN marking: May be compromised
Recycle
Containers not economically viable for repair. Damage too extensive or fundamental issues with bottle or structure. Materials recovered through recycling.
Recycle indicators:
- Bottle: Cracked, severe damage
- Cage: Structural failure
- Multiple major issues
- Repair cost exceeds value
Our inspection process
Intake logging
Container receives unique ID and is logged into tracking system with source information and any known history.
Visual assessment
Trained technician performs initial visual review using 47-point checklist, noting all conditions observed.
Functional testing
Valves are operated and tested. Structural components are assessed for integrity under handling conditions.
Photo documentation
Key features and any issues are photographed. Photos attached to container record for reference.
Grade assignment
Based on all criteria, container is assigned overall grade and disposition (clean, repair, recycle).
Report generation
Inspection report is generated with all findings, grade assignment, and recommendations.
Inspection services for your containers
Pre-purchase inspection
Buying containers from another source? We can inspect them before you commit. Get an independent assessment of condition and value.
What you receive:
- Full 47-point inspection
- Photo documentation
- Grade assignment
- Value assessment
- Repair recommendations
Inventory assessment
Have a yard full of IBCs and need to know what you have? We can assess your inventory and provide detailed reporting on condition and value.
Assessment includes:
- On-site or facility inspection
- Full inventory count
- Condition grading
- Value estimation
- Disposition recommendations
Inspection documentation
Inspection report
Comprehensive report detailing all 47 inspection points, condition notes, and final grade assignment. Available digitally for your records.
Photo documentation
Photos of key features and any issues found. Provides visual record of condition at time of inspection for reference and verification.
Grade certificate
Formal certification of assigned grade with inspector identification and date. Supports quality verification for your records.
Repair recommendations
For containers needing work, detailed recommendations for repairs with estimated costs. Helps you make informed decisions.
Frequently asked questions
How long does inspection take?
Individual containers take 10-15 minutes. Bulk lots are typically completed within 24 hours. Rush inspection available for urgent needs.
Can you inspect containers at my facility?
Yes, for larger quantities we can arrange on-site inspection. Contact us to discuss your needs and scheduling options.
What if I disagree with a grade assignment?
We welcome discussion about any grade assignment. Our criteria are documented and consistently applied, but we can review specific concerns and explain our assessment.
Do you inspect containers from other suppliers?
Yes, we offer independent inspection services for containers regardless of source. This is valuable for verifying condition before purchase.
Need inspection services?
Whether you need containers inspected before purchase, want to assess your existing inventory, or need documentation for compliance, our inspection services provide the detailed evaluation you need.