Stack and Nest Totes, Tubs & Distribution Containers
Reusable industrial totes that stack loaded and nest empty — nine-size stack-and-nest totes, cross-stack tubs and QuanTub nesting totes, straight-wall Stackers, attached-top distribution containers, lids and 1,000 lb polymer dollies. Sized for route delivery, plant transfers and work-in-process, and supplied as one package.
9
sizes in the stack-and-nest tote line
175 lb
stack capacity on straight-wall Stackers
1,000 lb
load capacity on polymer dollies
100 lb
per-tub capacity on cross-stack tubs
Returnable containers: pay for the cube you actually use
The question that decides a tote program is not how much it holds, it is what the container costs you when it is empty. A straight-wall container that holds 1.4 cubic feet loaded still holds 1.4 cubic feet of air on the return leg, and that air travels on your truck, sits in your yard and takes up your racking. A stack-and-nest tote turns 180° and nests inside itself when empty, so the same loop runs on a fraction of the return volume. That single design decision is usually worth more than any price difference between families.
Material Handling USA supplies the full Quantum Storage Systems tote and container range as a supplier and project partner — stack-and-nest totes, cross-stack tubs, QuanTub nesting totes, straight-wall Stackers, attached-top distribution containers, lids, label holders and the dollies and shelving they ride on. If your parts never leave the shelf, shelf bins or stacking bins are the cheaper answer. If containers travel — between plants, out on a route, through a conveyor, into an automated system — this is the page you want.
What’s on this page
Published dimensions and capacities for every returnable container family we stock, how nesting, cross-stacking and straight-wall stacking differ in practice, lids and label options, polymer dollies and mobility, and a selection table. No pricing — container pricing moves with resin cost and quantity, so we quote it live against your actual loop.
- Stack loaded, nest empty. Stack-and-nest totes turn 180° to nest when empty, saving return volume.
- Cross-stack when you need access. Bottom grooves let tubs stack rotated 90°, keeping the top open.
- Straight walls when cube is king. Stackers give the most usable volume per footprint and stack modularly on a pallet.
- Textured bottoms for safe, non-slip travel on conveyors.
- Optional lids that snap on, can be tied, and in some ranges can be padlocked.
- Drill-hole patterns moulded into tub bases so you can add drainage and airflow.
Four ways to build a returnable container loop
The families are not interchangeable. Pick by what happens to the container after it is emptied.
Stack-and-Nest Totes (SNT)9 sizes, 4 colors. Stack with or without lids when loaded, then turn 180° to nest when empty. Textured bottoms for conveyor travel and an optional snap-on lid that can be tied or locked.
Cross-Stack Tubs (TUB)5 sizes, 5 colors, up to 100 lb per tub. Bottom grooves allow cross-stacking so a loaded column keeps the top tub accessible, plus a 1/4" drill-hole pattern for drainage and airflow.
QuanTub Nesting TotesRolled top rim for a comfortable grip, rounded corners for strength, up to 100 lb per tote. Nests when empty with a rib top that prevents jamming — general product handling and food service.
Straight-Wall Stackers (RSO)7 sizes in gray, up to 175 lb stack capacity. Smooth straight-wall interior maximises usable space; reinforced corners and stacking rims allow modular stacking of all sizes on a standard pallet.
Lids & Label HoldersSnap-on lids keep contents dust free and still allow stacking and cross-stacking. Clear 3" × 5" adhesive label holders attach with or without the lid in place.
Polymer DolliesDLY-2415 and DLY-3018 dollies, each up to 1,000 lb on four 4" × 1-1/4" non-marking swivel poly casters, with an attached pull ring and an optional 32" pull rod.Genuine stack-and-nest totes — nine sizes
These are the reusable containers built for a loop: heavy-duty injection-moulded high-density polypropylene, available in nine sizes and four colors (blue, gray, red and clear). They stack with or without lids for storage and shipping, and they have the unique ability to be turned 180° to nest when empty, which is what saves the space on the return trip. Textured bottoms ensure a safe, non-slip grip in transit on conveyors, they will not corrode or bend out of shape, they are unaffected by chemicals and they are waterproof. Optional lids snap on tightly, can be secured with nylon ties and, as pictured in the manufacturer’s literature, can be fastened and locked for added security. All nine sizes accept the optional 3" × 5" clear label holder, which attaches securely with or without a lid.
| Model | Outside L" × W" × H" | Capacity cu ft | Capacity gal | Lid | Carton qty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SNT180 | 18 × 11 × 6 | 0.50 | 3.70 | LID181 | 6 |
| SNT185 | 18 × 11 × 9 | 0.76 | 5.69 | LID181 | 6 |
| SNT190 | 19-1/2 × 15-1/2 × 10 | 1.20 | 9.00 | LID191 | 6 |
| SNT195 | 19-1/2 × 15-1/2 × 13 | 1.70 | 12.93 | LID191 | 6 |
| SNT200 | 19-1/2 × 13-1/2 × 8 | 0.80 | 6.10 | LID201 | 6 |
| SNT225 | 23-1/2 × 19-1/2 × 10 | 2.00 | 14.98 | LID231 | 3 |
| SNT230 | 23-1/2 × 19-1/2 × 13 | 2.60 | 19.40 | LID231 | 3 |
| SNT240 | 23-1/2 × 15-1/2 × 12 | 1.70 | 12.90 | LID241 | 3 |
| SNT300 | 29-1/2 × 19-1/2 × 15 | — | — | — | — |
Nesting is a logistics decision, not a product preference
Work out the empty leg before you choose a family. If containers come back empty on the same truck, nesting saves real freight and yard space every single trip. If containers stay in one building and are refilled where they sit, nesting buys you nothing and a straight-wall Stacker will give you more usable cube for the same footprint. Tell us how the loop runs and we will size it either way.
Cross-stack tubs and QuanTub nesting totes
Cross-stack tubs are the practical middle ground. Built-in handle grips make a loaded tub easy to carry, bottom grooves let a tub sit rotated 90° on the one below so a stack stays accessible, and a 1/4" drill-hole pattern in the base means you can add drainage and air flow where the process needs it. Each tub holds up to 100 lb. Five sizes in five colors, with optional lids that keep stored items dust free while still allowing stacking and cross-stacking.
| Model | Outside L" × W" × H" | Inside bottom L" × W" | Capacity gal | Lid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TUB1711-8 | 17-1/4 × 11 × 8 | 13 × 7-1/2 | 3.85 | LID1711 |
| TUB1711-12 | 17-1/4 × 11 × 12 | 12-5/8 × 7 | 5.51 | LID1711 |
| TUB2417-8 | 23-3/4 × 17-1/4 × 8 | 19-5/8 × 13-3/4 | 9.81 | LID2417 |
| TUB2417-12 | 23-3/4 × 17-1/4 × 12 | 18-7/8 × 13-1/4 | 14.38 | LID2417 |
| TUB2516-8 | 25-1/8 × 16 × 8-1/2 | 20-1/2 × 13-3/8 | 9.75 | LID2516-8 |
| TUB2419-9 (QuanTub) | 24-1/2 × 19 × 9-1/2 | 20-1/4 × 15-1/4 | 14.6 | — |
The QuanTub nesting tote is the food-service and general-handling variant: injection moulded from high-density polypropylene, easy to clean, with a rolled top rim for a comfortable grip and rounded corners that add strength at the stress points. Totes nest when empty and a rib top prevents jamming, and the same 1/4" drill-hole pattern allows optional air flow and drainage. Each tote holds up to 100 lb. We supply it for industrial and food-service handling; clinical and healthcare storage is handled by our sister company at Labs USA.
Stacker straight-wall containers
Stackers are heavy-duty straight-wall stacking containers for shipping, storage and work-in-process. Greater strength and durability comes from reinforced corners, so the container handles the heaviest parts, and it is injection moulded from high-density polyethylene. The straight-wall design allows modular stacking of all sizes on standard pallets — the reason they suit palletised WIP better than any tapered container. Reinforced external ribbing and stacking rims provide maximum stacking strength up to 175 lb, hand grips on two sides make them easy to carry, and a flat exterior surface is ideal for labelling or bar coding, with an optional AL-35 3" × 5" adhesive clear label holder (packs of 24).
| Model | Outside L" × W" × H" | Inside L" × W" × H" | Volume cu ft | Lid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RSO1207-5 | 12 × 7-3/8 × 5 | 9-1/2 × 5-3/4 × 4-3/4 | 0.10 | — |
| RSO1215-5 | 12 × 15 × 5 | 9-3/8 × 13-3/8 × 4-7/8 | 0.30 | LID1215 |
| RSO1215-7 | 12 × 15 × 7-7/16 | 9-3/8 × 13-3/8 × 7 | 0.50 | LID1215 |
| RSO2415-5 | 24 × 15 × 5 | 21-1/2 × 13 × 4-7/8 | 0.70 | LID2415 |
| RSO2415-7 | 24 × 15 × 7-1/2 | 21-1/2 × 13 × 7 | 1.10 | LID2415 |
| RSO2415-9 | 24 × 15 × 9-1/2 | 21-1/2 × 13 × 9 | 1.40 | LID2415 |
| RSO2422-11* | 24 × 22-1/2 × 10-7/8 | 21-1/2 × 20-1/2 × 10-5/8 | 3.50 | — |
*RSO2422-11 cannot be used on the DLY-2415 dolly — use the DLY-3018.
Attached-top distribution containers
When the lid must never be separated from the container, the attached-top range is the answer. Tops are permanently attached with hinges that interlock for stacking strength and security; the containers stack for maximised storage and nest when empty. Textured, non-slip bottoms ensure smooth conveying, ergonomically designed handles allow easy lifting, and recessed lids keep a stacked load stable. A padlock eye provides a security option so lids can be fastened and locked. They are moulded from high-density polyethylene, in gray, with nine sizes available — plus secure plastic hinges that make containers safer to handle and easier to recycle at end of life, a stronger corner design, additional lid ribbing in critical impact areas, and an enhanced nesting lug for strength when stacking nested containers.
| Model | Outside top L" × W" | Container height | Volume cu ft | Capacity gal | Stack capacity / qty stacked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QDC2012-7 | 19-5/8 × 11-9/16 | 7-1/2" | 0.50 | 8.75 | 45 lb / 7 |
| QDC2115-9 | 21-3/4 × 14-7/8 | 9-5/8" | 1.27 | 9.50 | 65 lb / 5 |
| QDC2115-12 | 21-3/4 × 15 | 12-3/4" | 1.67 | 12.50 | 75 lb / 5 |
| QDC2115-17 | 21-7/8 × 15-1/8 | 17-1/4" | 2.31 | — | — |
Selected sizes shown from the nine-size range. An optional 3" × 5" adhesive clear label holder (packs of 24) attaches securely for part identification, and custom hot stamping and custom colors are available — ask us for details.
- Order picking and supply centres — the recessed lid gives you a stable stack on a cart or conveyor.
- Route delivery with security — padlock eye plus a permanently attached lid means nothing arrives lidless.
- Nesting on the empty leg — containers nest when empty, so the return trip still costs less than straight-wall.
Lids, labels and identification
Identification is what turns a pile of containers into an inventory system, and it is the cheapest part of the order.
Dollies and mobility
A tote program lives or dies on how the stack gets moved. Two polymer dollies cover most of it, and both are rated up to 1,000 lb.
| Model | Deck size | Detail | Casters | Load capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DLY-2415 | 24"L × 15"W (interior); 28"L × 18-1/2"W exterior | 1" ledge, black | Four 4" × 1-1/4" non-marking swivel poly | Up to 1,000 lb |
| DLY-3018 | 30"L × 18"W | Padded rubber trim, blue | Four 4" × 1-1/4" non-marking swivel poly | Up to 1,000 lb |
| HANDLE-DLY | — | 32" dolly pull rod with handle | — | — |
Both dollies carry an attached pull ring so the dolly can be pulled without stooping. Bins and containers are sold separately.
Mobilising a whole shelving unit instead
If the containers live on wire shelving rather than a pallet, the WR-00H mobile kit — four 5" × 1-1/4" swivel thermoplastic resin casters, two braked, rated up to 1,200 lb — mobilises the unit itself. Mobile kits are recommended only for shelves 18" and deeper. See bin shelving for the shelving side, and our stacking bins page for the MOB caster models offered across the bin families.
Where returnable totes pay back
Four operations account for most of the totes we ship. In every one, the payback comes from the empty leg and from the containers you stop replacing.
Route Delivery & Plant-to-Plant TransferContainers travel and come back. Stack-and-nest totes with tied or locked lids on the outbound leg, nested on the return — the classic case for nesting, and the easiest saving to measure.
Order Picking & Pack-OutErgonomics and stability. Attached-top distribution containers on carts and conveyors, recessed lids for stable stacking, and flat faces that actually take a scannable label.
Shipping, Receiving & ConsolidationMixed cube, fast turns. Straight-wall Stackers give maximum usable cube on a standard pallet footprint; cross-stack tubs keep the top container open while the column waits.
Work-in-Process & Sub-AssemblyShort moves, heavy parts. Stackers rated to 175 lb stack capacity on a 1,000 lb dolly move a full column between cells without a forklift.Container family comparison
| Family | Sizes / colors | Key published figure | Nests empty? | Lid option | Choose it when |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stack-and-Nest Totes (SNT) | 9 sizes / 4 colors | 0.50–2.60 cu ft; 3.70–19.40 gal | Yes — turn 180° | Snap-on, tie-able, lockable | Containers travel and return empty |
| Cross-Stack Tubs (TUB) | 5 sizes / 5 colors | Up to 100 lb per tub; 3.85–14.38 gal | Selected sizes nest | Snap-on lid, cross-stacks with lid on | The column must stay accessible |
| QuanTub Nesting Totes | Blue and gray | Up to 100 lb per tote; 14.6 gal (TUB2419-9) | Yes, with rib top anti-jam | — | General handling and food service, easy cleaning |
| Straight-Wall Stackers (RSO) | 7 sizes, gray | Up to 175 lb stack capacity; 0.10–3.50 cu ft | No | LID1215 / LID2415 on selected sizes | Maximum cube per footprint on a pallet |
| Attached-Top Containers (QDC) | 9 sizes, gray | 45–75 lb stack capacity depending on size | Yes | Permanently hinged, padlock eye | The lid must never leave the container |
| Polymer Dollies (DLY) | 2 deck sizes | Up to 1,000 lb each | — | — | A loaded column has to be moved by hand |
How we handle capacity figures
Cubic feet, gallons, per-container weight and stack capacity are four different numbers. We quote the figure the manufacturer publishes for the exact model and we do not average across a family or convert one into another. Where a figure is not published for the size you want, we say so rather than estimate. We also do not restate food-contact, sterilisation or certification claims on the manufacturer’s behalf — if a specific approval matters, we get it confirmed in writing before you order.
How we size a returnable container program
Four steps. The only hard part is the honest count of how many containers are in transit at once.
Describe the loop
Where containers are filled, where they are emptied, how they travel, and whether they come back on the same vehicle. A sketch beats a spreadsheet at this stage.
Size the container
We match the part or case footprint to the published container dimensions, check it against the pallet or cart pattern, and confirm the weight per container.
Set the fleet size
Containers in use, in transit, being cleaned and in reserve. Under-buying a returnable fleet is the most common and most expensive mistake in this category.
Quote lids, labels and mobility
One quote covering containers, lids, label holders, dollies and any shelving or racking changes, with model numbers you can verify.
Tote & container FAQs
What is the difference between a stack-and-nest tote and a straight-wall container?
What does cross-stacking actually do?
How much do these containers hold?
Do the totes take lids, and can they be locked?
Can I add drainage holes?
Are these containers suitable for conveyors and automated systems?
How many containers should we buy for a returnable loop?
What are the containers made of, and how do they hold up?
Can a loaded stack be moved without a forklift?
How do I get a quote and how fast can containers ship?
Related containers, systems & categories
Industrial Storage Bins HubThe master bins hub: every bin, tote and container family we supply, with the full comparison table.
Shop All Quantum Bins & TotesThe live stocked bin, tote and container range including totes, tubs, Stackers and lids.
Shop Bins & Storage Units OnlineBuy bin and compartmented storage units directly from our e-commerce store.
Plastic Shelf BinsEconomy 4", Store-More 6" and Store-Max 8" open-front bins for industrial shelving.
Stacking & Hang-and-Stack BinsUltra, MAGNUM, HULK, RackBin and Giant Stack containers, plus tip-out and conductive versions.Size your returnable container fleet properly
Tell us how the loop runs — where containers are filled, where they are emptied and whether they come back empty. We will size the container, the fleet, the lids and the mobility, and quote it as one package.