To say that the world’s economy depends on fast, efficient shipping is by no means an overstatement. Nearly two billion metric tons of cargo were shipped around the globe in 2021 alone. Each year, billions of pounds of flowable products are transported across the world, for a variety of industries, in strong, versatile bulk bags like those available at Southern Packaging, LP.
With the largest bulk packaging inventory in North America, we are a proud part of the global supply chain. We buy, sell, and deliver more than 1,100 different industrial packaging products across the United States and Canada. We supply bags in a range of sizes and styles. Visit our bulk bag design guide to learn more about the on-demand inventory available at Southern Packaging.
With so many items to choose from, selecting the right bulk bag for your needs can be a challenge. Our guide to bulk bag sizes, found below, will help you choose the best size and type of bulk bag, ensuring your product arrives safely, no matter its destination.
Bulk Bag Basics
Flexible intermediate bulk bags (FIBCs) are strong, flexible containers used to transport dry materials across the U.S. and the world. They can be used for everything from agricultural products to hazardous materials, and there are many sizes and styles to choose from, including bags that are large enough to line a shipping container!
Two of the most commonly used FIBC bulk bags are 4-loop and U-panel bags. Four-loop bulk bags, as the name implies, have a loop on each corner for easy lifting. U-panel bags are made with three body panels and internal baffles to ensure the bag maintains its square shape when filled. Both of these types of bags can be tailored to meet your specific needs with liners, and various top filling and discharging options.
Key Factors in Choosing Bulk Bag Sizes
One of the advantages of choosing FIBCs for shipping is their efficiency. The right bulk bag sizes save time and money. There are several factors to consider when selecting bulk bag dimensions, including how the bag will be moved and the product itself.
Factors to Consider when choosing the proper bulk bag:
- Material Type: Is your product a fine powder or granulated? Bulk bags can be equipped with coated fabric and sift proof seams for packing fine powder. In addition, bulk bags can be equipped with polyethylene liners to prevent ultra-fine powders from sifting. Is your product dense or light? Do you need a small bag or a large bag? Bulk bag capacities typically range from 10 cubic feet to over 80 cubic feet.
- Material Weight To Be Transported: How much weight are you wanting to pack? This could depend on shipping requirements, storage limits, or specific customer needs. The Safe Working Load (SWL) of a bulk bag refers to the maximum weight that the bag is designed to safely carry during normal handling and use. This is a critical safety parameter for bulk bags.
- Bag Volume Required: Use the relationship between weight, bulk density, and volume to calculate the required volume of the material. Ensure that the bulk bag has sufficient capacity to hold the required material volume. Bags come in various sizes, so choose one that can accommodate the volume needed without exceeding its Safe Working Load or capacity.
- Pallet Size: Filled bags need to fit within the pallet dimensions to prevent damage in transit. Improperly sized bags can belly over the pallet exposing the bag’s base. In addition, bags need to be small enough to easily fit within dry van trailers or containers.
- Material Density: High-density materials weigh more per unit volume, requiring smaller bags to accommodate the desired weight, while low-density materials allow for larger bag sizes to achieve the same weight.
- Filling Equipment Limitations: Bags must easily fit onto your filling equipment for fast, efficient filling.
- Available Space & Space Restrictions: Considering the dimensions of the bag when full, you must ensure it can be safely stored, transported, and handled within your existing facilities. Oversized bags can create inefficiencies and safety hazards.
Your loading method also matters when choosing FIBC bulk bags. Not only must the bags fit on the pallet, but the total load cannot exceed the bag’s Safe Working Load. Smaller bulk bags with less product may be needed to meet the weight requirements. And since they are lighter and more manageable, they may be preferable for domestic shipping or other circumstances in which storage space is limited.
Bulk Bag Dimensions & Volume
The volume a bulk bag will hold, in cubic feet, is equal to its length x width x height (in inches) divided by 1,728. However, due to its construction, a bulk bag expands when filled, stretching into a somewhat cylindrical shape. This expected bulging effect may increase a bag’s capacity by as much as 10%, depending on fabric, construction, filling method, and material density.
It’s also important to consider the weight of a cubic foot of your materials and the safe working load of your bag, plus pallet size and available space, to determine the optimal bag size for your needs. The experienced professionals at Southern Packaging can work with you to determine the appropriate size bulk bags for your application.
Advantages of Using Properly Sized Bulk Bags
Ensuring you select the right sizes for your FIBC bulk bags may take some thought and research, but the benefits are well worth any effort.
Advantages of selecting the correct bulk bag sizes include
- Cost savings, as there are no expensive infill materials to buy.
- Storage and space optimization.
- Safety of materials.
- Reduced environmental impact.
- Efficient handling, loading, and unloading.
With less waste and enhanced product protection, you can rely on properly sized FIBC bulk bags to meet your storage and shipping needs, which, in turn, will also protect your profit margins.
Applications and Industry Use Cases
Bulk bags help professionals across many industries store and deliver their materials easily.
Agriculture
Farmers, breeders, suppliers, processors and other businesses in the agricultural industry use bulk bags in a variety of sizes. Large bags are appropriate for storing animal feed, while smaller bags are suitable for fertilizers and other dense materials.
Construction
Construction materials are heavy, and bulk bag weight limitations vary by style. Smaller bulk bags are used to transport heavy, dense materials such as gravel, bricks, and rock. Larger bags are useful for lighter, less dense materials such as mortar, sand, and cement.
Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals
Chemical and pharmaceutical companies extensively utilize bulk bags (FIBC) due to their efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Smaller sized bags are ideal for transporting large quantities of raw materials like powders, granules, and liquids used in chemical and pharmaceutical production. Larger bags can be used to store finished products before packaging, reducing the risk of contamination and optimizing space.
Food Processing
Food processors rely heavily on bulk bags for efficient handling and storage of various food products. Small and medium sized bags are used to transport large quantities of dense raw materials like dry ingredients to processing facilities or to store finished products before packaging. Larger FIBCs can be used to store lighter materials.
Which Bulk Bag Sizes are Right for Your Application?
Bulk bags are convenient, environmentally friendly, versatile, and capable of saving time and money. Choosing the right size and style of bags for your product will help you make the most of storage space and reduce shipping costs.
With over one million bags in stock and the ability to customize your FIBC bag’s specifications, Southern Packaging has what you need. Our customer service representatives are happy to help you select the right bulk bag for your products and can answer any questions you may have.
Explore our website to see the wide range of FIBCs we offer, and to get a free quote, contact us today!
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