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Tub Packing Tip: Keep It Light — Packing Tubs the Right Way

Illinois Heartland Library System

Published : Jan. 7, 2026
This reminder is all about tub weight and fill levels—because every pound matters!

All IHLS Delivery tubs have a maximum weight limit of 40 pounds, but the recommended weight is 35 pounds. Think of it this way: this isn’t like a speed limit where going “just a little over” might be considered okay. We require tubs to stay under 40 poundsand the lighter, the better!

⚖️ Keep Weight in Mind

Not all items weigh the same, so it’s important to think about what’s inside your tub:

  • A tub full of nonprint media (like CDs or DVDs) can usually go all the way up to the fill line.
  • A tub of large books, on the other hand, gets heavy fast, so it should be filled well below the line.

📏 About That Fill Line...

Wondering where to find it? Look for the black line on the sticker, not the text. That line marks the maximum fill level, please don’t go past it!


💪 A Penny of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

Remember, our team members lift an average of 50 tub per day, and often four times per tub during the delivery process. That’s a lot of lifting! Keeping tubs lighter helps protect their backs and keeps everything running smoothly.

Next time you’re packing a tub, take a moment to consider weight and fill level. Your small adjustment makes a big difference for the people who keep everything moving!

Thank you for helping us keep our team safe and efficient!

Arrow pointing to the max fill line in a tub.

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