FAQ: What package weights are possible?

Sheet metal and coil package weights are always a very important issue for our customers. Therefore we would like to inform you about the general possibilities of package weights here.

What you must pay attention to

Ultimately, the package weights when transporting metal products depend on certain factors. Central to this are your production facilities and what your internal logistics can handle. We will be happy to discuss these options with you before placing an order. So that in the end you can guarantee a smooth production process at your company.

Sheet Metal

The package weight is based on the customer’s possibilities. Some can only handle packages up to one metric ton (1 MT). Others would prefer two metric tons (2 MT) in order to make optimum use of the sea container.

Coils

The weight of a coil depends on the customer’s processing facilities. There are plants that are only suitable for coils with the smallest possible outside diameter.

On the other hand, many customers also want coils that are as large as possible. The reason for this is that a) the plants are suitable and b) the most efficient processing can be guaranteed. Long service life and low straightening times.

General information on packaging

Hot- and cold-rolled sheets

Hot-rolled sheets are held together in packages with steel strip. In order to prevent movement of the plates during transport and storage, at least two steel straps are used in both transverse and longitudinal directions.

During hot rolling or annealing, an oxidation layer (scale) forms on the surface of the steel, which provides limited corrosion protection. However, this layer is very sensitive and can easily peel off. The issue of corrosion protection is particularly important when it comes to stainless steel.

Pickled and oiled hot-rolled sheet and cold-rolled sheet as well as hot-dip galvanized sheet, galvanized sheet (i.e. electrolytically coated, e.g. galvanized sheet etc.), electrical steel sheet and tinplate are provided with multi-layer packaging in accordance with their quality, the transport route and duration and the frequency of handling.

Sheet Metal Container Transport

Standard containers are suitable for the container transport of sheet metal.

The weight of the cargo should be evenly distributed over the floor area of the container, with the maximum weight in accordance with the CSC (Container Safety Convention) approval. When loading containers, the maximum line load must also be taken into account (container loading capacity).

The cargo must be very carefully secured inside the container, as the sheet metal packages must not be able to move under any circumstances.

Hot- and cold-rolled sheet in coil

Sheet metal is shipped in coil weighing up to 50 tons.

Hot-rolled sheets of various thicknesses are packaged unpackaged and strapped in the transverse direction with 5 – 8 steel straps and in the longitudinal direction with 1 – 5 steel straps. During hot rolling or annealing, an oxidation layer (scale) forms on the surface of the steel, which provides limited corrosion protection. However, this layer is very sensitive and can easily peel off. The issue of corrosion protection plays a particularly important role if the steel is not stainless steel.

Pickled and oiled hot-rolled and cold-rolled sheet as well as hot-dip galvanized sheet, galvanized sheet (i.e. electrolytically coated, e.g. galvanized sheet etc.), electrical steel sheet and tinplate are packed in several layers according to their quality, the route and duration of transport and the frequency of handling.

Coil Container Transport

Standard containers and “coil containers” (special container flatracks for heavy cylindrical loads) are suitable for containerized transport of coils.

The weight of the cargo should be evenly distributed over the floor area of the container, while complying with the maximum weight according to the CSC (Container Safety Convention) approval. When loading containers, the maximum line load must also be taken into account (container loading capacity).