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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• CONDITIONS OF TRANSPORT

  Carriage of steel cargo is associated with a risk of mechanical damage or oxidation under the influence of precipitation and high humidity. Under the influence of these factors, even treated metal can deform and rust, making it unsuitable for its intended use. The key factors related to the transportation of metal products are its type and method of processing. For example, to ensure the safety of cargo during sheet metal transportation, the bundles are tightly tied with fastening straps and fixed on the vehicle. Bottom and top packs are covered with sheets of cardboard or polymer film, which protect against precipitation, temperature, and humidity fluctuations.

  Steel bars are transported in bundles, which are wrapped with fastening belts every 2 to 3 meters. Steel coils are least subject to mechanical influences, deformations, dents and scratches. Lightweight packaging is used to transport the metal rolls for short distances. Coils are covered with cardboard or polymer film to protect against rain and attached around the perimeter with metal bands. If the international transportation of steel coils takes more than 24 hours, more reliable packaging is required. Packing material in several layers covers not only the outer but also the inner cylinder of the steel roll, with special protection installed on both ends. 

  AsstrA carefully monitors international regulatory changes concerning the transportation of steel coils and ensures safe and fast delivery based on the characteristics of each particular product.

• TYPES OF VEHICLE

  The transportation of steel coils and sheet metal by trucks is a universal and economical way of delivery. Road transport scheduling does not depend on the timetable of ports, railway stations and airports, therefore transportation requires a minimum of time and is carried out practically around the clock. The advantages of road transport are extensive and include: the possibility of full loading, adherence to a special temperature regime, the delivery of large and heavy cargo, and the consolidation of partial cargo in AsstrA Partner warehouses in Italy, Germany, Lithuania, Poland and other European countries.

   For metal transportation by road, our company offers specially-adapted vehicles including:

  • Standard trucks equipped with special equipment;
  • Semi-trailers for the transportation of over-sized cargoes in the "MEGA" class;
  • Coil trailers with a closed gutter;
  • Container chassis semi-trailers.

  For example, coil trailers are used for sheet metal transportation, the transportation of steel coils, sheets, rolled tin, non-ferrous alloys, metals bound in bundles, and pipes from 7 to 21 m in length.

  Steel transportation by sea is an advantageous, fast, and effective way of delivering metal products over long distances. Shipping containers provide additional security for transported goods. Advantages of sea container transportation include: the possibility of full and partial container loading, bulk cargo shipping, integrated cargo handling at a port, and simplified customs procedures in Europe and the CIS.

  Railway carriage of steel cargo and other metals is also in demand in the case of transportation over long distances. Advantages of rail transportation include: high speed of delivery, the possibility of using special wagons, platforms and containers, and the possibility of handling any cargo. AsstrA offers the transportation of steel coils by rail from Europe and the CIS to China and from China. As the trains depart and arrive in strict accordance with a fixed schedule, our customers pre-order the transportation and receive the goods at the agreed time. On average, train delivery takes from 12 to 22 days depending on the destination.

  The transportation of metal coils and other metals by air is more expensive but is the quickest way of delivery. Cargo aircraft are characterized by a high capacity allowing reduced transport costs of delivery over long distances. Advantages of metal transportation by air include: the possibility of delivery from all international airports, the possibility of transportation of oversized cargo, the use of charter flights, full cargo service at airports, and the possibility of delivering goods to the consignee warehouse.

  AsstrA specialists work with reliable transport Partners, select appropriate transport for the transportation of steel coils and other metals taking into account the goods’ particular characteristics. If necessary, our employees arrange combined schemes using air, road, sea and rail transport.

• 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 20 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.