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.
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.
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.
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.
As the year wraps up, we typically see:
Companies that forecast and stagger orders avoid this last-minute pressure and receive better, more consistent service.
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.
To avoid disruption, take these actions now:
Our team can help build a plan that meets your timeline and ensures smooth delivery.
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.
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.
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.
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.