Tacom Fuel and Water Handling Equipment Team initated a program in a cooperative effort with the Canadian government to procure a plastic gasoline can, following the success of plastic water cans introduced in the 1970s. The plastic fuel container was first fielded in 1993. It is lighter and more durable than the metal can, as well as being safer in a fire. (The metal can could explode, spreading fire and hot shrapnel all around, while the plastic can will simply melt into a small pool of liquid plastic.) Furthermore, the plastic can will not corrode in any environment. It will fit in the same vehicle racks as the metal can and uses the same spout, although a new plastic spout was also developed.

Unlike the metal cans, where water and gas cans were almost identical except for the lids, the plastic water containers were made exclusively with a single bar handle while the containers for other (poisonous) liquids had the traditional three bar design. Colors were used for the plastic material of the containers that would also help avoid mixing the two uses.

Plastic cans are therefore more colorful than the olive drab steel cans. The early production water cans (1970s) were Black or pinkish Sand, developed by Scepter, a Canadian company. When fuel containers were introduced in 1993 the colors were Field Drab and Sand, still the standard issue colors. In some documents, Sand is called Lusterless Sand, Field Drab may be called Forest Drab.

In addition to the container body and lid, there is a wide plastic band that attaches the lid to the body and keeps it from getting lost. These straps can be in differnt colors to help identify the contents.

Plastic Can Containment and Transport Units have been introduced for storage or when shipping military 5-gallon gas cans. They will be mandatory for outside storage during field operations and in motorpool storage yards. Their objective is to eliminate spills during transport and to eliminate leakage into ground from cans tipping over.

The stackable units are made of high molecular weight polyethylene material that is gas, oil, fuel and weather resistant. The unit weighs 40 lbs. empty or 175 lbs. when filled. The base has carrying handles on the ends for two personnel.

The containment/transport unit is manufactured by Bowhead Manufacturing Company, LLC.

• NSN 7240-00-089-3827, Can, Water, Military, 5-Gallon, Plastic, Sand Color (No. 30279)
• NSN 7240-01-365-5317, Can, Water, Military, 5-Gallon, Plastic, Field Drab Color (No. 33105)
• NSN 7240-01-337-5268, Can, Gasoline, Military, 5-Gallon, Plastic, Sand Color (No. 30279)
• NSN 7240-01-337-5269, Can, Gasoline, Military, 5-Gallon, Plastic, Field Drab Color (No. 33105)
• NSN 7240-00-177-6154, Spout, Can, Flexible
• NSN 7240-01-337-5348, Cap, Can, Gasoline, Military, Plastic, Sand Color (No. 30279)
• NSN 7240-01-337-5349, Cap, Can, Gasoline, Military, Plastic, Field Drab Color (No. 33105)
• NSN 7240-01-337-5351, Strap, Can, Gasoline, Military, Plastic, Sand Color (No. 30279);
• NSN 7240-01-337-5352, Strap, Can, Gasoline, Military, Plastic, Field Drab Color (No. 33105);
• NSN 7240-01-337-9010, Flange, 5-Gallon Gasoline Can, Military, Plastic