As the year draws to a close, businesses that rely on steel drums for packaging and shipping should take proactive steps to avoid costly disruptions. Year-end demand spikes, holiday-related slowdowns, and production shifts can all impact your ability to get the drums you need, when you need them.
At North Coast Container (NCC), we work closely with our customers to prepare for this high-demand season. Here’s how your team can take action now to ensure uninterrupted supply and a strong start to 2026.
Why Proactive Planning Matters
Steel drums are essential for many industrial operations. Delays in receiving drums often translate directly into delays in shipping product and generating revenue. We see many customers struggle in Q4 due to compressed production schedules and reduced staffing during the holidays. Planning ahead allows your business to stay ahead of disruptions.
What Happens if You Don’t Plan
When companies wait too long to place orders, they run into misaligned lead times. By the time they reach out, capacity may already be allocated. Expedited shipping and rush production drive up costs and create additional stress. These risks are preventable with early forecasts and consistent communication.
When to Start Forecasting
Now. Early November is the ideal window to align with internal teams, finalize production needs, and share those requirements with your NCC representative. When we have a clear understanding of your Q1 steel drum needs, we can plan together and reserve capacity.
What Trends We’re Seeing
As the year wraps up, we typically see:
- Compressed lead times
- Larger orders to utilize year-end budgets
- Last-minute rush orders before plant shutdowns
Companies that forecast and stagger orders avoid this last-minute pressure and receive better, more consistent service.
How NCC’s Nationwide Footprint Supports Your Supply
With manufacturing facilities in Portland, Los Angeles, Cleveland, Charlotte, and Chicago, NCC offers a true nationwide network. This redundancy allows us to shift production when needed and avoid single points of failure. It’s a core reason many B2B manufacturers, from paints & coatings to food & beverage, trust NCC as their steel drum supplier.
What You Can Do Today
To avoid disruption, take these actions now:
- Share your Q4 and Q1 forecasts with NCC
- Confirm your plant’s shutdown schedule
- Submit orders early if you need product staged ahead of downtime
Our team can help build a plan that meets your timeline and ensures smooth delivery.
Better Communication Means Better Results
The more insight we have into your operations, the better we can support you. Strong communication turns a vendor relationship into a true supply chain partnership.
What Procurement Should Know
Lead times are always more variable in Q4. Order volumes increase sharply as the year ends and pick back up quickly in January. That makes early planning critical for procurement teams that want to avoid delays.
Why Customers Choose NCC
We are built to be responsive and easy to work with. Our team is empowered to make fast decisions and communicate clearly. When others say no, we find ways to say yes. That flexibility and commitment is why customers continue to rely on us during high-pressure periods.
Final Step: Send Your Q1 Forecast
Even if it’s preliminary, sending your Q1 steel drum forecast helps us support you. With early visibility, we can reserve production slots, align delivery, and set you up for a strong start in 2026.
