WOW, that is a good price. Since it's inline with this thread I thought I'd mention a couple things.
I've been attempting to do exactly what Kevin is taking about and put together a group purchase with local makers of 55 gallons of #50 and have been in touch with Parks directly. I always got the impression that Parks just didn't like knifemakers and were reluctant to sell to us when in reality they just don't sell in quantities less than 55 gallons.
They are quite happy to sell and ship a drum to anyone who'll take the entire 55 gallons.
One thing I thought was exceptionally cool was that when talking to the sales rep and I told her I was a knifemaker she actually recommended Kelly Cupples as a source for small quantity purchasing.
The cost of #50 as of 2 weeks ago is $13.29 per gallon or $730.95
Now I about had a heart attack when I used the UPS freight estimator to find the freight charge. It was something insane like $1050. However the freight quote from Parks was $84.83 shipped to my door in Melbourne FL. Due to the difference in freight from Parks and the UPS estimator I requested that Parks double check that figure to be it was correct and to the correct zip code and they confirmed it correct for me.
Oil + Frieght = $815.78 total cost to my door divided by eleven 5 gallon containers = $74.17 plus approx. $3 per bucket and $2 per lid.
Basically $80 per 5 gallons, bucket included or $16 per gallon. This is the absolute cheapest possible cost to get Parks #50 (unless you could pick it up in Detroit MI and save the freight)
Ed, I don't know if it would make a bit of difference to shipping companies but the Parks rep told me the oil is shipping code 65 non hazardous.
I'm still 4 guys short of having 55 gallons spoken for and don't wanna mess with shipping at all but if I get it put together I'll certainly post a thread with pics.
After all this typing it seems that if Maxim can sell it $16 a gallon it would be the absolute cheapest way to get #50 unless you can unload 55 gallons to locals and save the shipping cost. But a $3 a gallon for gas it seems there would hardly be any savings at all over just paying the shipping charge on 5 gallons.
Thought fellas interested in Parks #50 might find all this interesting info
-Josh