Transportation of steel and metal products

One AsstrA’s main areas of expertise is the international transport of steel, in support of which we offer a wide variety of services. The demand for steel and steel products is high and steadily growing in multiple industries. This material is essential for construction, mechanical engineering, and shipbuilding companies. The steel market has been developing rapidly over the past few years.

At AsstrA we develop international steel transportation routes that our valued clients rely on time after time. We organize shipment of steel and steel-based products all across Europe and Southeast and Central Asia. We use all the means of transport available for metal transportation. We are equally proficient at delivering loads by plane, by vehicle, by cargo vessel, and by train. Our team works out the most convenient and cost-effective logistics schemes for every shipment in full accordance with our client’s needs and load properties. The agreed delivery deadlines are always strictly observed regardless of a load’s destination. We are known for our fair pricing policy and Swiss-quality standards, both of which are a result of our strong relationships with reliable partners.

To get additional information on metal transportation and associated terms and conditions, learn about our strengths, or submit an inquiry, please scroll down.

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MORE INFORMATION

• CONDITIONS OF TRANSPORT

  Metal cargo transportation is subject to special requirements because mechanical damage, high humidity, and precipitation can cause oxidation, rusting, scratches, dents, and deformation – even if the metal has been treated. And damaged steel is unfit for its intended purpose.

  A metal’s type and treatment dictate how it is best transported. For example, bundles of sheet metal are bound together tightly with fixing straps and then secured to the vehicle to guarantee safe metal transportation. To protect the metal sheets from extreme temperatures, precipitation, and humidity, the top and bottom layers are covered with special cardboard or plastic film.

  Fastening belts of 2-3 meters are used to wrap bundles of steel bars. Steel coils are at the least risk of mechanical damage or deformation. That’s why lightweight packaging – cardboard or plastic film and metal bands – is enough when transporting this type of metal over short distances.

  More reliable packaging specially protecting both sides of the steel rolls and their inner and outer layers is used when transporting the steel coils over long distances requiring more than one day on the road.

  AsstrA pays great attention to changes in steel transportation norms and ensures safe and fast delivery of almost every type of cargo, whatever its characteristics may be.

• TYPES OF VEHICLE

  Road transportation of steel is the most efficient and universal option for many customers. Special temperature regimes can be adhered to in vehicles that can be fully loaded with large, heavy cargo. Cargo consolidation is an option.

  Delivery via road vehicles is quite quick, as drivers do not have to stick to rail, sea, and air shipping schedules. AsstrA customers also have the opportunity to store cargo at our partners’ warehouses in several European countries like Poland, Italy, Lithuania, etc.

  AsstrA uses special vehicles for metal transportation by road:

  • Coil trailers with a closed gutter;
  • Specially-equipped standard trucks;
  • Semi-trailers ideally suited for “MEGA” class loading gauge cargo;
  • Container chassis semi-trailers.

  For instance, coil trailers are a good choice for various types of metal transportation, including that of sheets, steel coils, non-ferrous alloys, metals bound in bundles, and pipes from 7 to 21 m in length.

  For long-haul deliveries, steel transportation by sea is almost always the best choice. It’s fast and secure and offers a good range of possibilities including partial and full container loading, the ability to transport dry goods, integrated cargo processing at ports, and simplified customs registration in Europe and the CIS.

  Train transportation is also a very popular option for long-haul delivery and can be well chosen for steel transportation from Western Europe to Asia. Advantages of cargo carriage by the train are obvious: high speed, little risk of delay as trains follow a specific timetable, and the ability to handle any type of cargo via specially-adapted wagons, containers, and platforms. Our customers typically pre-order train transportation and receive their orders according to a strictly defined rail schedule, usually within about 12-22 days based on distance.

  Air transportation of metal coils is the quickest and priciest delivery option. The enormous capacity of cargo planes allows the transportation of oversized cargoes and a great number of goods at once. Among the other advantages of metal transportation by air are the ability to ship to any international airport, use charter flights, provide all-inclusive cargo maintenance at airports, and deliver cargo right to the recipient’s warehouse.

  AsstrA works hard to provide each client with the best possible service. To achieve this goal, we partner with reliable air, road, sea, and rail transportation carriers. We always take cargo characteristics into account and our team of specialists is always ready to organize combined transportation schemes that meet demanding requirements.

• OUR CAPABILITIES

  AsstrA organizes steel coil and sheet metal transportation in the following areas:

  • Metal transportation between the countries of the European Union;
  • Metal transportation between the countries of the European Union and the CIS;
  • Metal transportation between the CIS countries;
  • Domestic Russian metal transportation;
  • Metal transportation between the countries of the European Union, the CIS, Southeast Asia and China.

  AsstrA employees are highly qualified and have many years of experience in the field of metal and metal products transportation. Experience and qualification help us find individual solutions for each Client and take into account the specificity of cargo and shipping requirements. Cooperation with reliable transport service providers allows us to develop and select optimal routes, clearly coordinate all delivery stages, and transport any cargo on time. AsstrA's services related to steel transportation in rolls, and other metals, include:

  • Drafting transportation schedules.
  • Development of optimal routes.
  • Risk analysis.
  • Selection of specially-adapted transport taking into account the dimensions of the cargo.
  • Organization of loading and unloading operations with observance of necessary safety measures.
  • Complex cargo services at Partner warehouses in Europe and the CIS.
  • Integrated customs support and assistance in the completion of customs procedures.
  • Coordination of transportation of oversize with competent state bodies and the obtainment of all permits.
  • Organization of all procedures necessary for the prompt and unimpeded transport of oversized and heavy cargo.
  • 24/7 monitoring of the safety and location of cargo during transportation using navigation systems.
• OUR ADVANTAGES
  1. LONG-TERM EXPERIENCE
     

     AsstrA has been organizing steel Logistics for over 25 years. During this time, our company has studied the specifics of various industries and spheres of activity. Therefore, each Client receives a proven and effective solution for each specific requirement.

  2. MARKET KNOWLEDGE
     

     AsstrA employees competently solve each issue related to the international transportation of steel coils. Thanks to the well-coordinated work of our specialists, each AsstrA customer is guaranteed maximum cargo safety during transportation, a clear and well-organized delivery system, adherence the established terms of transportation, and fulfillment of all technical and sanitary standards.

  3. COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES
     

     AsstrA is one expert source for a full range of services for heavy metal transportation: freight forwarding (including intermodal schemes), customs and documentation support, insurance, warehousing, consulting, and project logistics. In addition to a global presence in 18 countries, our company has 8 in-house customs agencies which allow us to improve and develop innovative logistics and transport solutions on an ongoing basis. We organize delivery of cargo through key European ports, Russian ports (Nakhodka, Vladivostok, Tuapse, Novorossiysk, Temryuk, Rostov, and St. Petersburg), Baltic ports (Riga, Klaipeda, Ventspils, Tallinn, and others), and Ukrainian ports (Odessa, Black Sea).

  4. RELIABILITY
     

     AsstrA organizes sheet metal transportation and that of other steel products with the involvement of reliable transport service providers. Our transport Partners cooperate with us on the basis of long-term contracts which guarantee the achievement of high KPIs regardless of market conditions. AsstrA's transport Partners have all necessary licenses, permits, and carrier liability insurance contracts.

  5. FINANCIAL SAFEGUARDS
     

     We focus on providing safe, innovative, efficient services for the international transportation of steel coils that meet the requirements of international law. AsstrA's liability is covered for EUR 3,000,000 per insured event. Insurance coverage is provided by our reliable Partner Zurich Insurance Company Ltd (Switzerland).

• REGULATIONS/DOCUMENTATION

  The rules for the carriage of steel cargo are determined on the basis of several criteria: the type of transport used for delivery, the weight and dimensions of the cargo, and the geography of transportation. In each specific case, carriers refer to the rules for metal transportation by road, rail, air or sea transport. It should also be taken into account that the legislation of many states establishes special rules for the circulation of ferrous and non-ferrous metals and also impose legal liability for non-compliance with the rules for the transport of non-ferrous metals.

  The rules for the transportation of steel coils are diverse, as are the types of documents necessary for carrying out such transportation. For example, packs of sheet metal and coils of steel often exceed the permissible standards of overall dimensions and weight and belong in the oversized category of cargo. For the transportation of oversized metal, a special permit, coordination of the transportation route, and other formalities are required. Norms governing the process of carriage of steel cargo are contained in a number of technical regulations. All these documents establish complex and detailed rules for carrying out metal transportation. AsstrA not only monitors compliance with relevant rules and regulations but also advises on the preparation of related documentation, including shipping documents, invoices, customs declarations, permits, etc.