Steel Coil Transportation

Steel coils fall into the category of high-density heavy cargo, with each coil being extremely heavy and cylindrical in shape, making them prone to rolling. They are among the most operationally demanding cargo types in international shipping.

• Heavy individual coil weight: hot-rolled coils typically weigh 10‑30 tonnes per coil, and cold-rolled coils 8‑20 tonnes per coil. Heavy-duty low-bed trailers are required for transport, and shipping lines must approve the stowage plan before accepting a booking.

• Cylindrical shape prone to rolling: this is the single greatest risk factor in steel coil transport. Lashing and securing must achieve absolute immobilisation; any rolling or shifting could lead to a serious safety incident.

• Vulnerable edges and surface damage: the edges and surface coatings of steel coils are easily damaged by impact during lifting and transport, directly affecting the quality of the delivered goods.

• Demanding lifting requirements: C-hooks or dedicated coil lifting gear must be used; ordinary steel wire ropes are prohibited to prevent surface abrasion or accidental unhooking.

• Strict stowage arrangement: coils must be arranged according to the shipping line's stowage plan, typically in groups with coils placed tightly against one another to enhance overall stability through mutual pressure.

JYC Supply Chain: Providing a Comprehensive Integrated Logistics Service System

JYC handles a full range of steel coil types, including hot-rolled, cold-rolled, galvanized, silicon steel, and stainless steel coils. Based on coil weight and diameter, we match the appropriate transport solution and manage the entire process from port consolidation to shipment.

Domestic pick‑up → lifting solution + vessel type matching → lashing and securing → port delivery → ocean freight booking → destination delivery

Step 1: Domestic Inland Transport
Clients may either arrange delivery to our designated port consolidation yard themselves or authorise us to provide door‑to‑door pick‑up. We operate a fleet of heavy‑duty low‑bed trailers covering major steel mills and steel distribution centres nationwide. Based on the weight of each coil, we deploy the appropriate vehicle to ensure safe delivery to the consolidation yard.

Step 2: Lifting Solution + Vessel Type Matching
C‑hooks or dedicated coil lifting gear must be used for loading and unloading. We confirm crane capacity and lifting equipment compatibility in advance. Based on coil weight, diameter, and batch quantity, we select the appropriate vessel type and develop a stowage plan that ensures coils are placed tightly together and the centre of gravity is properly distributed.

Step 3: Lashing and Securing
All operations comply with shipping line requirements and industry standards.

Our lashing solution:

• Coils are stowed in a horizontal (eye‑to‑sky) position. Timber sleepers or rubber pads are placed between the coil surface and the deck to increase friction and protect surface coatings.

• Timber chocks are wedged tightly against the front and rear sides of each coil and nailed to the deck, forming the primary anti‑shift measure.

• Coils in the same row are placed tightly against each other with no gaps, using mutual pressure to enhance overall stability.

• Each row of coils is secured as a whole with steel wire ropes and tensioners at both ends, with tension adjusted to meet the requirements of the intended voyage area to prevent lateral shifting.

• For multiple rows arranged longitudinally, steel anti‑shift plates or timber separators are added between rows to prevent longitudinal movement.

• Edge protectors or stretch film are applied to the coil edges and outer surface to prevent damage from lashing gear.

• After the entire vessel is lashed, photographs are taken for documentation, and a lashing inspection certificate is issued, meeting the review requirements of shipping lines and insurance providers.

Step 4: Port Operations
We submit the heavy‑lift operation plan to the terminal in advance, coordinate cranes equipped with C‑hooks or dedicated coil lifting gear to ensure smooth delivery of the coils to the port. Dedicated supervisors oversee the loading, re‑inspect the stowage arrangement and lashing condition, and only after confirmation arrange for vessel loading. We also cooperate with customs inspections and assist with clearance procedures.

Step 5: Ocean Freight Booking
Based on coil weight, diameter, and destination port, we select the most suitable vessel type and route, prioritising shipping lines with proven experience in steel coil transport. Our main cooperating vessel types include: breakbulk / general cargo vessels, multi‑purpose vessels, and heavy‑lift vessels. We cover major ports from China to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, South America, and Europe. We also provide recommendations for marine insurance solutions.

Step 6: Destination Delivery
We notify the consignee in advance of the voyage schedule and estimated time of arrival, assist with discharging and customs clearance at the destination port, and coordinate local transport resources and appropriate lifting gear for last‑mile delivery. Throughout the process, we provide full tracking of all logistics milestones and keep you updated with real‑time transport status.