Steel Coils, Beams, and Plates: What It Takes to Transport Each Safely

Transporting steel is no simple task. Whether it’s coiled, flat, or structural, steel is heavy, dense, and often oversized. And because it plays such an important part in construction, infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing, late or damaged deliveries can’t happen.

Below, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about steel transportation. Whether you’re a project manager looking for a reliable freight partner or a shipper coordinating steel deliveries across state lines, you’ll find answers here.

The Steel Industry’s Demand for Reliable Transportation 

The U.S. steel industry remains a huge part of the nation’s economy. From skyscrapers and bridges to pipelines and car frames, domestic steel supports every major sector. In recent years, U.S. production has rebounded, with millions of tons of steel manufactured annually.

With that rebound comes growing demand for reliable transportation, particularly for domestic deliveries to fabrication shops, job sites, and manufacturers across the country.

What Makes Steel Transportation Challenging?

Steel is durable by design, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to move.

Here are the primary reasons steel hauling requires specialized knowledge and equipment:

• Extreme weight: Steel coils can weigh several thousand pounds. The combined weight of a full load often pushes up against legal limits, requiring weight distribution expertise and specific trailer configurations.
• Shifting risk: Coils and beams must be secured properly to avoid movement that can damage the cargo or create a safety hazard for the driver and others on the road.
• Finish protection: Stainless steel and carbon steel products are often finished or coated. Improper handling or exposure to weather can result in scratches, corrosion, or contamination.
• Irregular sizes: Beams and plates are often full-length and oversized, requiring route planning and potential permits.
• State regulations: Legal weight limits and tie-down requirements vary by state, making multi-state hauling more complex.

Successful steel transport involves more than loading a trailer. It takes proper planning, equipment, and knowledge to do it safely and efficiently.

Types of Steel Products and Their Hauling Needs

Each type of steel requires its own transportation considerations. Here’s how professionals handle coils, beams, and plates:

Steel Coils

Steel coils are among the most difficult steel items to move. Their shape, weight, and tendency to roll if not properly cradled demand extra care.

• How they’re shipped: Coils are typically shipped in the eye-horizontal position and loaded into coil wells or cradles.
• What’s required: Coil racks or cradles to hold them in place, friction mats to reduce movement, and steel chains or straps for securement.
• Key concern: Preventing the coil from shifting, especially during turns or braking. A shift of even a few inches can throw off the trailer’s balance.

Steel Beams

Used in construction and infrastructure projects, steel beams can be especially long and awkward to move.

• How they’re shipped: Beams are often loaded one by one using cranes or forklifts.
• What’s required: Stretch trailers or drop-deck trailers are typically used for oversized beams. Securement includes chains, binders, and edge protectors to prevent damage.
• Key concern: Beam length often exceeds standard trailer dimensions. This may require escort vehicles or routing permits.

Steel Plates

Steel plates are heavy, flat pieces of carbon or stainless steel used in everything from shipbuilding to heavy equipment manufacturing.

• How they’re shipped: Plates are usually stacked and banded together.
• What’s required: Flatbeds with friction mats or dunnage to protect the load. Tiedowns with straps or chains are spaced according to DOT regulations.
• Key concern: Avoiding bending or warping during transport and keeping surface finishes protected from scratches or moisture.

Required Equipment for Steel Hauling

Not every hauler is equipped to move steel safely. For safe, reliable transport, here’s what’s typically used:

• Flatbed trailers: Most common for steel plate and beam shipments.
• Conestoga trailers: Ideal for coils and finished steel that must be protected from the elements. These feature a sliding tarp system.
• Step-deck trailers: Allow transport of taller steel loads while staying within legal height limits.
• Coil racks: Support and cradle steel coils during transit.
• Dunnage: Wood or rubber spacers used to support and protect steel products.
• Edge protectors and tarps: Used to shield steel from the weather and prevent damage from tiedown straps.

Using the right trailer and equipment protects not just the cargo, but also the driver, carrier, and shipper from liability and unexpected delays.

Weight Capacity and Regulatory Considerations

Steel’s density makes weight a constant concern.

• Weight limits: Most states allow up to 80,000 lbs gross vehicle weight (GVW) for standard hauls. However, heavier steel shipments often require permits for overweight loads.
• Axle distribution: Properly spreading the load across the axles helps avoid damage to roadways and ensures compliance.
• Permits: Oversize or overweight loads need state-issued permits, and some routes may restrict certain load sizes or weights.
• Inspections and documentation: Drivers must carry securement logs, load weight documents, and permits when required.

These regulatory hurdles are easier to navigate with an experienced steel transportation company that understands both federal and state guidelines.

Steel Hauling Safety: Protecting Drivers and Loads

Safety is a necessity in steel hauling. A single load shift can endanger lives or ruin the cargo.

Here’s how professional drivers and fleets keep steel transport safe:

• Pre-trip inspections: Checking the load, trailer, tie-downs, and equipment before every trip.
• Securement training: Knowing how to position chains, straps, and cradles correctly.
• Weather precautions: Avoiding slick roads when hauling heavy coils or unsecured flat steel.
• Protective gear: Gloves, boots, and PPE are often required during loading and unloading.
• Regular re-checks: Long-haul trips include periodic checks and re-tightening of straps as needed.

What to Look for in a Steel Hauling Company

When choosing a steel hauling company, experience should be at the top of your list. A reliable carrier will have a proven history of transporting steel products.

Look for a company with trained drivers who understand how to secure and protect steel loads, especially those with sensitive finishes. A good hauler will also provide clear communication, responsive customer service, and real-time updates throughout the shipping process.

Ultimately, your steel transport partner should treat every load with care and precision, helping you avoid delays, damage, and unnecessary costs.

Shipping Steel to Construction Sites?

Delivering steel to active job sites adds more complexity. Narrow roads, limited space, and ongoing construction require flexibility and coordination. The right hauler will:

• Communicate with site managers ahead of time
• Plan for tight delivery windows
• Use appropriate trailers for offloading on rough terrain

If steel deliveries are delayed, construction progress can stall. That’s why job site delivery experience is a must.

What Affects the Cost of Steel Transportation?

Several factors influence the final cost of transporting steel:

• Load weight and dimensions
• Type of trailer required
• Distance and route complexity
• Permit and escort vehicle needs
• Fuel costs and time sensitivity

A good freight partner will walk you through these factors during the quoting process, with no hidden fees.

Why Mercer Transportation Is Trusted for Steel Transport

At Mercer Transportation, steel hauling is one of our core specialties. For over four decades, we’ve built a reputation as one of the most reliable steel hauling companies in the U.S.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• 1,700+ active owner-operators with steel experience
• Specialized fleet including flatbeds, Conestogas, and step-decks
• 98.5% on-time rate and 99% damage-free deliveries
• 100+ independent agents offering nationwide support
• MercerTrac tracking for full shipment visibility