Abstract: The present invention is directed to a plastic drum that includes a cylindrical shaped sidewall and a planar shaped head. A transition section is molded with and disposed between the head and the sidewall. A handling ring is positioned on the transition section and has a base that is disposed below the head and interior to the sidewall. The plastic drum is formed by the steps of: providing a mold having an inner surface that defines a cylindrical shaped sidewall, a planar shaped head, a transition section between the sidewall and the head and a handling ring; and molding a sidewall and the head, a transition section between the head and the sidewall, and a handling ring to extend from the transition section, the handling ring being positioned on the transition section below the head and interior to the sidewall.