When it comes to hazardous materials, there’s no room for compromise. Whether you're handling flammable liquids, corrosive chemicals, or toxic substances, the integrity of your packaging isn’t just about logistics; it's about safety, compliance, and protecting people and the environment. At North Coast Container (NCC), we understand that your packaging needs to meet the highest standards of safety, durability, and reliability.
As the largest independent manufacturer of steel drums in North America, NCC is proud to serve as a trusted partner to companies across industries that require packaging solutions for hazardous materials. With a nationwide footprint, redundant capabilities, and a customer-first approach, we make it easy for you to access the high-quality drums your business depends on, backed by unmatched service and support.
In this blog, we’ll explore the critical importance of packaging safety for hazardous materials and share how NCC prioritizes safety through our product design, training, and commitment to customer success.
Hazardous materials often referred to as hazmat, include substances that pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment during transportation or storage. These can range from flammable liquids and corrosive acids to toxic chemicals and reactive materials. Because of the inherent risks, the packaging used to store and transport these materials must meet strict standards set by agencies like the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the United Nations (UN).
Failure to comply with these regulations can have serious and costly consequences. Improper or inadequate packaging can lead to spills, leaks, contamination, or even explosions. The fallout from such incidents can result in significant harm to employees, emergency responders, and the environment, not to mention financial penalties, reputational damage, and operational downtime.
For businesses that rely on the safe and compliant transport of hazardous materials, cutting corners isn’t an option. That’s why choosing a packaging partner with the expertise, infrastructure, and commitment to safety is critical.
At North Coast Container, safety and compliance are engineered into every drum we manufacture. Our steel drums are built to meet, and often exceed, the rigorous standards required for hazardous material transport, including those established by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), United Nations (UN), and other regulatory bodies.
From the selection of raw materials to the precision of our manufacturing process, every element of our design is focused on strength, durability, and performance. Our drums are tested under extreme conditions, including drop, leak, and pressure tests, to ensure they provide the protective containment needed for volatile or dangerous substances. Whether you’re shipping corrosives, flammables, or other regulated materials, you can count on NCC’s packaging to maintain integrity from origin to destination.
For even more specialized needs, NCC offers drums specifically designed for hazardous materials, including 7A Type A drums. These drums are engineered for use with low-level radioactive materials and meet the stringent packaging requirements established by the U.S. Department of Energy. They are built for maximum containment security and tested to ensure they can safely withstand the demands of transport and handling in highly regulated environments.
High-quality products start with high-performing people. At NCC, we know that our ability to deliver safe, compliant steel drums depends on the expertise and dedication of our team members. That’s why we make significant investments in team development, ensuring that everyone involved in the manufacturing process is equipped with the knowledge and skills to uphold the highest standards of quality and safety.
Each year, NCC dedicates over 10,000 hours, roughly 40 hours per team member, to training. This commitment goes beyond the basics. Our training programs are designed to continuously reinforce industry best practices, support regulatory compliance, and foster a deep understanding of the specific needs our customers face, including when it comes to packaging hazardous materials.
This culture of continuous improvement empowers our team members to identify issues before they become problems, make informed decisions on the production floor, and deliver steel drums that perform exactly as expected, every time. When customers partner with NCC, they can trust that their packaging is built by a team that takes pride in its work and never stops striving to do better.
When safety, compliance, and reliability matter most, North Coast Container (NCC) delivers. Our approach goes beyond manufacturing steel drums, we build long-term partnerships based on trust, transparency, and performance.
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If you're looking for a packaging partner who prioritizes your company, supports your success in hazmat transport, and makes it easy to do business, contact North Coast Container today.