The Challenge: Trailers That No Longer Matched the Operation
One of our long-term customers had been operating with a standard number of drop trailer rentals for years, trailers pre-loaded with 55-gallon steel drums to keep production moving.
But after shifting their filling pattern from multiple daily shifts to a more consolidated schedule, they unknowingly began underutilizing several trailers. Drums sat longer than needed, taking up space and racking up rental fees.
The customer didn’t immediately notice the disconnect, but during a routine Packaging Supply Improvement Process (PSIP) review with North Coast Container, our team did.
The Solution: Reducing Unused Drop Trailers to Cut Costs
At North Coast Container (NCC), we look beyond the product to find value in the process.
As part of the PSIP, we analyzed trailer usage patterns against the customer’s new production schedule. The data made it clear: several drop trailers were no longer necessary for their current filling volume or cadence.
We worked with them to:
- Identify which trailers were sitting idle or turning too slowly
- Adjust delivery frequency based on actual fill rates
- Eliminate unnecessary trailer rentals to avoid excess costs
- Keep only the trailers needed for real operational demand
This change didn’t affect uptime or flexibility, but it did align trailer delivery with how the customer actually operated.
The Operational Impact: Cost Savings Without Sacrificing Supply
Within the first month of adjusting their trailer usage, the customer saw immediate benefits:
- Reduced trailer rental costs with no service disruption
- Fewer trailers taking up valuable yard and dock space
- Increased visibility into inventory movement
- A leaner, more cost-efficient steel drum delivery model
By fine-tuning their trailer plan, they created space in both their yard and their budget.
Why NCC Could Deliver This Solution
Helping customers identify efficiency opportunities is exactly what sets NCC apart.
Because we manufacture and deliver our own 55-gallon steel drums, we have direct insight into inventory flow and delivery trends. Combine that with our PSIP program and service-first mindset, and it’s easy to understand why customers turn to us for more than just product.
We succeed when our customers succeed. That’s what true partnership looks like.
Partner With NCC Today
At North Coast Container, our job doesn’t end at delivery. We’re here to make sure your entire container supply chain works for your operation, efficiently and cost-effectively.
If you're looking to reduce waste, simplify logistics, or cut unnecessary costs, let’s talk.
