Steel Drum & Packaging Blog | North Coast Container

What to Look for in an Oil & Lubricant Packaging Supplier | North Coast Container

Written by Greg Ramsey | Mar 26, 2025 4:00:00 AM

For oil and lubricant manufacturers, your packaging partner plays a critical role in keeping your supply chain running smoothly and your products arriving intact. Whether you’re shipping motor oils, industrial lubricants, or specialty fluids, you need a packaging partner that not only delivers high-quality steel drums but also supports your operation with reliable service and supply chain stability.

At North Coast Container (NCC) – the largest independent manufacturer of steel drums in North America – we understand the unique needs of oil and lubricant companies. That’s why we wanted to outline the key factors you should consider when looking for your next steel drum supplier. Choosing the right packaging partner can help protect your products, reduce supply chain risks, and ensure your business keeps moving forward.

The Supplier Should Supply Steel Drums That Maintain Product Integrity

Protecting product integrity from the moment they leave your facility until they reach your customers is essential. That’s why it’s critical to choose a packaging provider that can offer high-quality steel drums designed to safeguard your products throughout the supply chain.

Steel drums are a trusted solution in the oil and lubricant industry because of their strength, durability, and ability to protect against leaks, contamination, and external damage. But beyond durability, you also need the right drum type and interior lining to ensure your products maintain their quality.

Tighthead steel drums, for example, are a common choice for oil and lubricant companies. Their sealed, leakproof design provides maximum protection against spills during transportation and prevents exposure to contaminants. Additionally, steel drums can be manufactured with specialized linings – such as epoxy-phenolic or rust-inhibitor coatings – designed to maintain product purity and prevent interactions between the drum and your product.

At NCC, we work closely with oil and lubricant manufacturers to recommend the right drum type and lining based on your product’s unique requirements. Our goal is to ensure your products arrive at their destination in the condition your customers expect.

The Supplier Should Offer Reliable, Redundant Service

Supply chain disruptions can happen when you least expect them, and the last thing your business needs is to be left without the packaging required to fulfill orders. That’s why it’s important to work with a steel drum provider that has the flexibility and infrastructure to keep your operation moving—no matter what.

At NCC, we do this through our nationwide, redundant capabilities. With manufacturing facilities across the country – including in Portland, Los Angeles, Cleveland, Charlotte, and Chicago – we’re able to shift production between facilities if one location experiences delays. This means that if a supply chain disruption occurs in one region, another NCC facility can step in and fulfill your order, helping you avoid costly downtime.

The Supplier Should Provide Reliable Support

Reliable packaging is important, but so is the support you receive from your supplier. Consistent communication and a proactive approach to identifying and solving supply chain challenges can set a true packaging partner apart from other providers.

At NCC, “customer-driven” is not just a tagline. Our team members are dedicated to giving you the most transparent communication and support possible, keeping you informed so you can plan ahead with confidence. 

However, NCC goes beyond just basic order fulfillment. Through our Packaging Supply Improvement Process (PSIP), we have a structured and measured approach to continuous improvement. This program allows our team members to work closely with you to evaluate your steel drum supply chain, identify any potential pain points, and develop customized solutions to address them. 

Whether it’s improving delivery timelines, reducing costs, or enhancing product compatibility, our commitment to our customers ensures we’re always looking for ways to strengthen your supply chain and help your business succeed.

Contact NCC Today

When you’re choosing a steel drum provider for your oils and lubricants, you need a partner you can trust to protect your products, deliver reliably, and support your business with consistent service. That’s exactly what you’ll find at North Coast Container.

Here’s what makes NCC the preferred choice for oil and lubricant manufacturers:

  • A Nationwide, Redundant Supply Network: With manufacturing facilities in Portland, Los Angeles, Cleveland, Charlotte, and Chicago, we have the flexibility to shift production as needed, minimizing supply chain risks.
  • Clear, Consistent Communication: We believe in keeping customers informed every step of the way, so you always know the status of your order. No guesswork—just reliable updates.
  • Ease of Doing Business: We focus on making every interaction smooth and straightforward, ensuring your orders are accurate and any challenges are met with proactive solutions.

Contact us today to learn more about our steel drum solutions for oil and lubricant manufacturers.