Drum Plastic Pallets

Plastic pallet designed for four 55 US gallon drums

A plastic drum pallet is different from a standard industrial pallet. The HDSC4B-BK features four rings molded directly into its deck to position and stabilize four 55 US gallon drums during handling, movement and storage.

This design prevents the drums from simply resting on a flat surface without a defined position. Each drum has its own positioning area, which helps organize the load and limit container movement on the pallet.

The pallet measures exactly 48.8" x 48.8" x 5.5", weighs 72 lb and has a perimeter runner base with a centre cross. It provides four-way forklift access and can support up to 4,000 lb on forks and 30,000 lb on the floor when the load is evenly distributed.

HDSC4B-BK drum pallet specifications

The capacities shown are based on an evenly distributed load. They may vary depending on actual weight distribution, pallet condition, handling conditions and use. Product specifications should be validated according to the application.

Why use a pallet specifically designed for drums?

Position four drums on a single pallet

Four rings are molded into the deck of the HDSC4B-BK. They create individual positions for four standard 55 US gallon drums and help maintain a consistent load arrangement.

This feature is particularly useful when drums are regularly moved between a receiving area, warehouse, production line or shipping area.

Reduce drum movement on the pallet

A drum has a relatively small base compared with its height. When it is simply placed on a flat pallet, its position can be affected by the pallet surface, forklift movement and the way the load is arranged.

The molded rings on the HDSC4B-BK create a defined position around the base of each drum and help limit lateral movement during normal material handling operations.

They do not, however, replace load-securing methods or transportation requirements that may be necessary depending on the goods, vehicle and transportation conditions.

Four-way forklift handling

The perimeter runner base provides four-way forklift access. This feature makes it easier to position the pallet in a warehouse when access is not always possible from the same direction.

The listed fork capacity is 4,000 lb when the load is evenly distributed.

Drum pallet or spill containment pallet?

These two products serve different purposes and should not be confused.

A drum pallet such as the HDSC4B-BK is primarily designed to support, position and move drums. Its deck features molded rings, but it does not have a sump designed to collect a significant volume of liquid.

A spill containment pallet has an integrated sump designed to collect liquid in the event of a leak or spill. This type of equipment is used when spill prevention and retention are requirements of the application.

If your drums contain products that may require secondary containment, the need for retention must therefore be evaluated separately. A pallet designed to stabilize four drums should not automatically be considered spill containment equipment.

Understanding load capacities

4,000 lb on forks

This value applies when the pallet is lifted with a forklift. In this condition, the pallet is supported only where the forks carry the base.

30,000 lb on the floor

When the pallet rests on a flat surface and its base is fully supported, the load condition is very different. In this configuration, the listed floor capacity reaches 30,000 lb.

A 30,000 lb floor capacity does not mean that the pallet can be moved with a 30,000 lb load on forklift forks. For material handling applications, the 4,000 lb fork capacity must be considered, with an evenly distributed load.

Common applications

This pallet can be used in various industrial environments where 55 US gallon drums need to be grouped and handled:

• Warehouses and distribution centres.
• Manufacturing plants and industrial facilities.
• Industries using chemicals stored in drums.
• Receiving and shipping areas.
• Processing applications using materials or ingredients supplied in drums.

A version intended for food applications is also available upon request according to the product specifications. The appropriate version should be confirmed before ordering rather than automatically considering the black recycled-plastic model to be a food-grade pallet.

Recycled plastic or food-grade version?

The HDSC4B-BK shown in this category is made from 100% recycled plastic and is intended primarily for industrial applications.

If the drums or pallet will be used in an area where specific food-contact or hygiene requirements apply, a food-grade version is available upon request. Selection should then be based on the actual application and the requirements of your process.

For other material handling and storage requirements in plants or warehouses, see our industrial plastic pallets.

Frequently asked questions about drum pallets

How many drums can be placed on this pallet?

The HDSC4B-BK is designed for four standard 55 US gallon drums. Four rings are molded into the deck to position each drum.

Do the rings completely prevent the drums from moving?

The molded rings help keep the base of each drum in a defined position and limit lateral movement. They do not, however, constitute a universal load-securing system for every transportation situation. Required securing methods must be determined according to the application and mode of transport.

Can the pallet be moved with a forklift?

Yes. The HDSC4B-BK provides four-way forklift access and has a published fork capacity of 4,000 lb when the load is evenly distributed.

Can this pallet be used with a pallet jack?

The current specifications confirm forklift access but do not publish a specific pallet-jack capacity or compatibility. Pallet-jack use should therefore not be assumed without validation.

Does this pallet contain spills?

No. It is designed to support and stabilize drums. It does not have the retention sump found on a spill containment pallet. If secondary containment is required, equipment designed with an appropriate retention capacity must be used.

Can this pallet be used for food-grade drums?

A food-grade version is available upon request. The black model shown here is made from recycled plastic. The application should therefore be specified when requesting the product so that the appropriate version can be selected.

Can this pallet be used in pallet racking?

No rack capacity is published for this model. It should therefore not be considered a rackable pallet without specific validation. If the application requires pallet-rack storage, see our industrial plastic pallets for racking.

To better understand the different types of pallets, load capacities and base configurations, see our plastic pallet buying guide.