Procurement Market Intelligence Report
Bulk Storage Services
Sourcing Guide & Market Intelligence
Smarter cost management starts with comprehensive market intelligence
United States
Global
Quick Navigation
Bulk Storage Services Global Overview
Definition
Summary
Bulk storage is used to hold liquid and dry bulk goods, including crude oil, refined petroleum, liquefied natural gas, chemicals, sand, aggregates, coal, and metals. Suppliers provide in-ground and aboveground storage services. These services are typically purchased from suppliers that range from large national suppliers to small local suppliers. Buyers in this market include petroleum refineries, chemical manufacturers, and commodities traders.
This Report Includes:
- Aboveground Storage Services
- In-Ground Storage Services
- Commodity Storage
Not in this Report:
- Bulk Storage of Food Products
- Refrigerated Trucking Services
Take the ProcurementIQ products and data tour
Explore live samples of price trend forecasts, price driver projections, forward-looking cost structure data and more.
Global Bulk Storage Services Procurement Trends
Discover the top international trends affecting procurement in the global Bulk Storage Services market.
Warning Trends
United States announces new tariffs on all imported steel
- In February 2025, the United States announced 25.0% tariffs on all imported steel with no exemptions or exceptions. The tariffs took effect on March 12, 2025. On June 4th, these tariffs were increased further to 50%. These tariffs were not impacted by a recent court decision that temporarily suspended duties on certain goods as they were implemented under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act.
- Previously, countries such as Canada, Mexico, and Brazil, the top exporters of steel to the United States, had exemptions from tariffs. These have now been removed and all imported steel, regardless of origin, will be subject to the 50.0% tariff. However, on May 8th, the US announced an agreement with the United Kingdom to remove all levies on steel exported from the UK.
- When tariffs on steel imports were introduced in March 2018, they contributed to an increase in the price of steel and steel products. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the price of steel-milled products increased by 10.2% in the year after the tariffs were implemented. This market heavily relies on steel as an input and may be impacted by this policy.
Global Bulk Storage Services Market - Suppliers by Region
| Country/Region | Number of Suppliers |
|---|---|
| #1 Europe | 2,290 |
| #2 United States | 1,260 |
| #3 Oceania & Southeast Asia | 1,120 |
Explore supplier concentration across the globe
We've uncovered the 11 top regions for global procurement, based on feedback from our most strategic clients. Access vendor counts for each unique region when you subscribe.
Geography Drilldown - US
Average Cost of Bulk Storage Services
United States
2026 Market Pricing$0.07 to $XX.XX
per barrel per monthAverage Price
Prices in the Bulk Storage Services market range from $0.07 to $XX.XX, depending on Pricing Scheme, Commodity Type and Storage Location. For example, lower prices are associated with Throughput pricing ($0.52 to $0.92 per barrel per month), whereas higher prices are associated with Per-barrel per-month basis pricing ($0.30 to $1.20 per barrel per month).
Need the scoop on international price trends?
Between our Europe and Canada collections, we provide price data for 350 markets so you can instantly compare prices across borders. Or, use our custom research services for intel on prices in any region across the globe.
Bulk Storage Services Category Price Trends
Pricing trends are indicated by the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during a set period of time. For the Bulk Storage Services market, prices in the US have declined -0.9% from 2022 to 2025. Subscribers can access price trend forecasts, price driver projections and forward-looking cost structure data. Learn more
United States (2022-2025)
United States (2025-2028)
Compound Annual Growth Rate
Wondering where prices are heading?
Price trend forecasts are available to subscribers, along with price driver projections and forward-looking cost structure data.
Cost Analysis - Total Cost of Ownership for Bulk Storage Services
Total cost of ownership is Medium in the Bulk Storage Services market. The average cost of ownership differs depending on the contract but generally includes costs negotiated before the contract begins, costs billed during the contract period and unforeseen costs. For example, unforeseen costs in the form of Scope Changes may raise the total cost of ownership unexpectedly.
Negotiated Before
Customization
Billed During
Additional Fees
Maintenance
Handling
Unforeseen
Scope Changes
Buyer Power in Procurement Negotiations
In 2026, buyer power amounts to -1.0 in the United States. Buyer power is most positively impacted by Recent Developments. It is most negatively impacted by Recent Price Trend. Subscribers can access details on eight other factors that impact buyer power. Learn more
United States
Buyer power forecasts: your glimpse into the future
Develop strategies for the upcoming year and identify unforeseen opportunities for buying now
- Actionable "Buy Now" and "Buy Later" insights
- Near-real-time updates to current and forecast Buyer Power Scores
- Methodology and weightings for Buyer Power Score Components
Supply Chain Risk
The average level of supply chain risk is assessed as Medium, which has a negative impact on buyer power. The level of supply chain risk is affected by industry volatility, barriers to entry, competition, import penetration, regulation and industry financial risk. Buyers in this market can mitigate procurement and supply chain management risks by monitoring risk levels for individual first and second tier suppliers:
1st
Tier Suppliers
- Metal Tank Manufacturers
- Port & Harbor Operators
- Local Freight Trucking Companies
2nd
Tier Suppliers
- Steel Rolling & Drawing Suppliers
- Aluminum Manufacturers
- Long-Distance Freight Trucking Companies
- Gasoline & Petroleum Wholesalers
Biggest Bulk Storage Services Suppliers in the US by Revenue
The largest Bulk Storage Services vendors by revenue in the US are Colonial Group, Inc., Apex Oil Company, Inc. and Cincinnati Bulk Terminals LLC. Subscribers can sort and filter by market share concentration, profit level and other factors. Learn more
| Supplier | Operational Size | Headquarters | Number of Employees | Market Share (%) | Market Share Performance (3yr trend) | Total Revenue ($ million) | Profit Level (%) | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kinder Morgan, Inc. | International | HOUSTON | >10,000 | 10-15 | ||||
| Energy Transfer, Lp | International | DALLAS, TX | >10,000 | 15-20 | ||||
| Oneok, Inc. | National | TULSA, OK | 1,001-10,000 | 5-10 | ||||
| Brookfield Infrastructure Partners LP | Global | Toronto, CA | >10,001 | 5-10 | ||||
| Colonial Group, Inc. | Regional | Savannah, GA | 1,001-10,000 | 5-10 | ||||
| Enterprise Products Partners L.P. | National | HOUSTON, TX | 1,001-10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Plains All American Pipeline Lp | Global | HOUSTON, TX | 1,001-10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Mcdermott International Inc. | Global | Houston | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Buckeye Partners, L.P. | International | HOUSTON, TX | 1,001-10,000 | < 5 | ||||
Looking for a list of suppliers by country?
Subscribers can access vendor information on Canadian and European suppliers, too. We also offer custom research services to help with vendor sourcing anywhere in the world.
Profit Analysis
The average profit margin across vendors in the Bulk Storage Services market is 15.9% and steady. Profit levels shift depending on suppliers' spend on wages, purchases and overhead. The highest cost component for vendors is Overhead. The cost trend for this component is falling, when considering movement between 2025 and 2026. To understand cost forecasts for 2027 and uncover the implications on profit, start your subscription. Learn more
Vendor & Supply Chain Analysis
On average, market providers are at moderate risk of bankruptcy, increasing the risk of service continuity. Regional and local suppliers are generally small, privately-owned companies and are frequently subject to higher financial risk than larger providers.
A small number of companies have been able to establish some control over the bulk storage services market. However, competition remains high among the largest providers in the market, indicating moderate market share concentration and moderate price competition.
Supply chain risk in the bulk storage services market has been moderate due to market providers' reliance on several direct suppliers (i.e., metal tank manufacturers, port and harbor operators, and trucking companies) to offer services.
As the United States is a net importer of iron and steel tanks, commonly used for bulk storage, buyers benefit from price competition and wide scope of suppliers to choose from. However, while the presence of foreign competition benefits buyers, reliance on foreign suppliers can introduce risks in the event of supply chain disruptions, tariffs, or shipping issues.
Supplier Information
Kinder Morgan, Inc.
Kinder Morgan, Inc. is an energy infrastructure company operating in North America. It owns and operates an interest in pipelines, terminals, natural gas storage, oil and gas-producing fields, and facilities for renewable natural gas, liquefied natural gas, and landfill gas-to-electric. Its pipelines transport... Subscribe to learn more
Energy Transfer, Lp
Energy Transfer LP is a diversified midstream energy company in North America. It offers natural gas midstream and intrastate transportation and storage; interstate natural gas transportation and storage; crude oil, natural gas liquified (NGL), and refined products transportation, terminalling services, acquisition,... Subscribe to learn more
Brookfield Infrastructure Partners LP
Brookfield Infrastructure Partners LP is a public company operating globally. The company's offerings include rail cargo transportation services and bulk storage services. Founded in 2008, the company is currently headquartered in Toronto, Canada with an estimated employee count of over 10,000. Subscribe to learn more
Colonial Group, Inc.
Colonial Group, Inc. is a private company operating regionally. The company's offerings include bulk storage services. Founded in 1921, the company is currently headquartered in Savannah, Georgia, United States of America with an estimated 1100 employees. Subscribe to learn more
Oneok, Inc.
ONEOK, Inc. /NEW/ is a midstream service provider of gathering, processing, fractionation, transportation, storage, and marine export services. It transports natural gas, natural gas liquids (NGLs), refined products, and crude oil through its approximately 60,000-mile pipeline network. It organizes its business... Subscribe to learn more
Apex Oil Company, Inc.
Apex Oil Company, Inc. is a private company operating nationally. The company's offerings include bulk storage services. Founded in 1932, the company is currently headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri with an estimated 750 employees. Subscribe to learn more
Buckeye Partners, L.P.
Buckeye Partners, L.P. is a public company operating internationally. The company's offerings include midstream oil & gas services and bulk storage services. Founded in 1886, the company is currently headquartered in Houston, Texas, United States of America with an estimated 1600 employees. Subscribe to learn more
Cincinnati Bulk Terminals LLC
Cincinnati Bulk Terminals LLC is a private company operating locally. The company's offerings include bulk storage services. Founded in 1882, the company is currently headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America with an estimated 37 employees. Subscribe to learn more
Detroit Bulk Storage
Detroit Bulk Storage is a private company operating locally. The company's offerings include bulk storage services. Founded in 1985, the company is currently headquartered in Marine City, Michigan, United States of America with an estimated 37 employees. Subscribe to learn more
Accelerate the vendor selection process
Get a clear picture of the competition in a market and discover which vendors are best-suited for your sourcing needs. Our supplier profiles include hard-to-find financial ranges for private companies, cover public company data and feature an interactive competitor matrix.
Procurement Management KPIs for the Bulk Storage Services Market
Managing vendor performance throughout the contract period is easier when tracking specific key performance indicators (KPIs). For example, buyers should monitor Current Ratio (Assets/Liabilities) and Customer Complaints. Buyers may experience better performance throughout their contracts if they establish service level agreements (SLAs) based on Compliance and other factors.
| KPI | Level of Importance (1-5) | Measurements | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio (Assets/Liabilities) |
|
Current assets Current liabilities |
The current ratio represents a company’s liquidity. The current ratio can be used to determine a company’s ability to pay its short-term obligations. For buyers seeking long-term contracts, a company with a current ratio over one will be better suited to utilize assets and fend off any short-term liquidity risk. |
| Customer Complaints |
|
Number of customer responses Number of customer complaints |
The amount of customer complaints represents customers’ overall satisfaction or dissatisfaction with a company. Customer complaints can be used to evaluate a company’s performance and reputation. A company with a lot of customer complaints related to one area of service indicates the need for corrective action in the area. |
|
|||
Questions to Ask During Procurement Negotiations
How can I gain leverage during negotiations?
Inventory Control
What has your average capacity for storing liquid or dry bulk commodities been over the past three years?
What is your current capacity utilization?
Vendor Financial Risk
How long have you been operating in the bulk storage services market?
How has your revenue grown during the past three years?
Value-Added Services
What ancillary services do you offer?
For which bulk liquids do you offer mixing, blending, heating or cooling?
The ultimate prep for procurement negotations
View all 25 negotiation questions for this category when you subscribe.
Bulk Storage Services RFP Guidelines
What should my RFP include?
Organizational Overview
Buyers should describe their organization(s), including size and geographic location(s).
Buyers should provide a list of the types of commodities they plan to store.
Statement Of Need
Buyers should describe their preferred storage location(s).
Buyers should describe their capacity requirements, including their expected capacity growth or contraction during the contract term.
Project Budget
Buyers should provide a detailed breakdown of their budget, stating how much of the budget is to be allocated to the service and any additional services being purchased.
Buyers should reference the Market Pricing section of this report to confirm that they are paying a competitive price for market services.
The RFP process made easy
Find out how you can access RFP templates for 800+ procurement categories to start writing better, more consistent RFPs.
We display average pricing information, trends and market data.
Our Reports include:
- Opportunity assessment
- Market dynamics
- Recent developments
- Positive and warning trends
- Buyer power levers
- Price environment and market pricing
- Geographic wage rates
- Global market updates
- Total cost of ownership
- Cost structure benchmarks and analysis
- Supply chain and vendors
- Global supplier breakdown
- Market share concentration
- Regulation and business requirements
- Vendor management and KPIs
- Sourcing strategy guidance
