Bulk Transformer Oil Delivery:
Drums, Totes, and Tanker Loads
TransformerParts.com delivers transformer oil in every packaging format — from a single 55-gallon drum for a spot maintenance job to a 6,500-gallon tanker for a fleet-wide refill. We ship mineral insulating oil, natural ester fluid, and synthetic ester fluid to substations, contractor yards, manufacturing facilities, and job sites across all 48 contiguous states.
Unlike traditional distributors who require phone calls, quote requests, and days of back-and-forth, our platform shows instant delivered pricing based on your ZIP code. Our pricing tool saves our users hours of time spent calling typical distributors in search of multiple quotes. Select your oil type, choose your quantity and packaging, pick a delivery date, and order online in minutes.
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Packaging Options
55-Gallon Drums
Best for: Small maintenance jobs, top-offs, transformer commissioning where only a few hundred gallons are needed, or sites without equipment to handle larger containers.
Specifications:
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Standard 55-gallon steel drum with 2" bung and 3/4" vent
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Approximately 400 lbs per drum (mineral oil)
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Palletized in quantities of 4 drums per pallet
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Forklift or pallet jack required for handling
Minimum order: 1 drum (55 gallons)
Typical use case: A distribution transformer scheduled for a routine top-off after DGA testing shows slight oil loss. One or two drums covers the job with minimal leftover inventory.
330-Gallon Totes (IBCs)
Best for: Mid-size jobs where drums aren't enough but a tanker is overkill — retrofills, multiple transformer top-offs, or stocking a maintenance inventory.
Specifications:
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330-gallon intermediate bulk container (IBC)
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Steel cage with HDPE inner bladder or all-steel construction depending on fluid type
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Approximately 2,000–2,400 lbs per tote (mineral oil)
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Bottom discharge valve for pump connection
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Forklift required for handling
Minimum order: 1 tote
Typical use case: A contractor commissioning three new pad-mount transformers needs 900 gallons total. Three totes covers the job with better per-gallon pricing than drums.
Tanker Loads (6,000–6,500 Gallons)
Best for: Large-scale fills, fleet maintenance programs, power transformer commissioning, or any project where volume justifies bulk pricing.
Specifications:
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Standard tank truck carrying 6,000–6,500 gallons depending on route and weight limits
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Approximately 47,000–50,000 lbs gross fluid weight (mineral oil)
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Bottom-loading discharge with 3" or 4" cam-lock fittings
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Pump-off capability available for sites without receiving equipment
Site requirements:
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Truck access for a full-size tractor-trailer (approximately 70 feet turning radius)
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Level, stable ground for parking during offload
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Clear path from truck to fill point
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Personnel on-site to receive delivery and direct driver
Minimum order: Partial tanker (~1,000 gallons)
Typical use case: A utility purchasing oil for a 100 MVA power transformer retrofit. Tanker delivery provides the lowest per-gallon cost and eliminates the labor of handling dozens of drums.
How Pricing Works
Transformer oil pricing depends on three factors:
1. Fluid type — Mineral oil is the most economical, natural ester is mid-range, synthetic ester is premium.
2. Packaging format — Larger containers mean lower per-gallon costs. A tanker load runs 30–40% less per gallon than the same oil in drums.
3. Delivery distance — Freight is calculated based on your delivery ZIP code and the nearest distribution point with available inventory.
Our pricing tool calculates all three factors in real time. Enter your ZIP code, select your oil type and quantity, and see your exact delivered cost per gallon — including freight — in seconds.
See Pricing for Your Location
Delivery Coverage and Timing
We deliver to all 48 contiguous U.S. states. Oil ships from a network of refineries, blending facilities, and regional distribution centers. Orders are routed from the location with the lowest combined freight and product cost.
Remote locations, islands, and sites requiring ferry transport may incur additional delivery charges. Alaska and Hawaii delivery is available by special arrangement — contact us for pricing.
Lead Times
Typical lead times by packaging format:
Unitization | Standard Lead Time |
|---|---|
Tanker loads | 4–9 business days |
Totes (IBC, palletized) | 4–7 business days |
Drums (palletized) | 3–5 business days |
Lead times depend on inventory availability, delivery distance, and carrier scheduling. Expedited delivery may be available for an additional charge — contact us if you need oil faster than standard lead times allow.
Delivery Scheduling
During checkout, you'll select a preferred delivery window. For drum and tote orders, deliveries are made via common carrier (freight truck) with a tight delivery window. Someone must be on-site to receive the shipment and sign for delivery.
For tanker deliveries, our checkout asks for a specific delivery date, and gets confirmed by our backend. The driver will call ahead to confirm arrival time and site readiness.
Site Requirements for Tanker Delivery
Tanker deliveries require more preparation than drum or tote shipments. Before scheduling a tanker delivery, confirm your site meets these requirements:
Access: The truck needs a clear path in and out. Standard tank trucks are approximately 65–70 feet long and require a wide turning radius. If your site has tight corners, low-hanging wires, or narrow gates, measure clearances before ordering.
Ground conditions: The truck will park for 1–3 hours during pump-off. The ground must be level, stable, and able to support approximately 80,000 lbs gross vehicle weight. Gravel or paved surfaces are ideal. Soft ground, mud, or steep grades can prevent delivery.
Fill point access: The driver needs a clear path from the truck's discharge point to your tank or transformer. Maximum hose run is typically 100 feet. If your fill point is farther, you'll need intermediate pumping equipment.
Receiving equipment: If your site has a storage tank with a pump, the driver can gravity-feed into your system. If you're filling directly into transformers or don't have receiving equipment, request pump-off service — the tanker carries its own pump and can discharge without site equipment.
Personnel: Someone with authority to accept the delivery must be on-site. The driver will need direction on where to park, where to connect, and confirmation when the transfer is complete.
Ordering Process
Step 1: Go to the Oil Store and enter your delivery ZIP code.
Step 2: Select your oil type — mineral, natural ester, or synthetic ester.
Step 3: Select your packaging format and quantity.
Step 4: Review your delivered price per gallon and total cost.
Step 5: Select a delivery date and complete checkout.
Payment options:
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Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
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ACH bank transfer
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Net-30 terms (for approved accounts — apply during checkout)
After your order is placed, you'll receive a confirmation email with estimated delivery timing. For tanker orders, we'll contact you within one business day to confirm scheduling details.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the minimum order quantity?
One 55-gallon drum is the minimum for any oil type. There's no minimum for totes (one tote = 275 or 330 gallons). Tanker orders require a full load (approximately 6,000 gallons minimum).
Can I mix oil types in one order?
No. We require orders to contain one oil type and unitization.
What if my site can't accommodate a tanker truck?
Order totes instead. Three totes equals approximately 900 gallons — manageable with a standard forklift and no special site preparation. For larger volumes, multiple tote deliveries may be more practical than a single tanker if your site has access constraints.
Can I schedule delivery for a specific time?
For drums and totes, carriers provide a delivery window (typically 2–4 hours) rather than an exact time. For tanker deliveries, we coordinate a specific delivery date and the driver will call ahead with an estimated arrival time, usually within a 1 hour window.
What happens if no one is on-site when the delivery arrives?
The driver will attempt to contact the phone number on the order. If no one is available to receive the shipment, the delivery will be rescheduled and a re-delivery fee may apply. For tanker deliveries, missed deliveries are subject to truck detention charges (typically $75–$150 per hour).
Get Bulk Transformer Oil Delivered
Enter your ZIP code to see instant delivered pricing on drums, totes, and tanker loads — mineral oil, natural ester, and synthetic ester available for delivery anywhere in the mainland United States.
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