The Advantage of “In-House” Transportation Services

Steel Man Transportation
Hascall News
The Advantage of “In-House” Transportation Services
Steel Information
April 7, 2017

Finding a steel processing center that offers the materials you need is important, but what often is overlooked is the delivery process of that material. While some customers prefer to take delivery at one of our locations, most prefer to have their material delivered to their door. Manufacturers need a partner they can count on when transporting their steel shipments, and the team at Hascall Steel Company understands this need. That’s why we operate with our own in-house transportation fleet known as Steel Man Transportation.  

Our objective is to accommodate getting your steel shipment from our production facility to yours. Steel Man Transportation provides our customers with options related to flexibility, accountability, and relationship that sets us apart from the competition.

Flexibility

With 18 combinations of tractors and trailers in our fleet, Steel Man Transportation has unmatched flexibility when it comes to moving shipments of steel coil and sheet. This means that Hascall Steel can control all of our driver operations so we can move your steel as quickly and efficiently as possible. Our drivers are trained to be “customer minded” and will make multiple drops in a single run to save time, money, and resources. Our dispatch team is able to view which orders have future shipments scheduled so the most efficient shipments can be accomplished for your company’s orders in a single run. In cases where a delivery is needed outside of our drivers’ typical range, Hascall Steel’s connections with several different common carriers help to get any customer order delivered on time.

Accountability

Steel Man Transportation not only gives our customers the benefit of flexibility, but it allows for Hascall Steel to hold each and every order accountable for a successful delivery. The safety record of our tractors and trailers is a testament of excellence. Starting with our on-site maintenance department in Grandville,steel_truck_packing Michigan, every Steel Man Transportation platform is subject to fully scheduled maintenance service. We work on our trucks daily, observing every necessary detail with thorough checklists to ensure safety on the road. On top of our on-site fleet maintenance department, Hascall Steel has a landing crew at every plant location making each shipment’s turnaround time as fast as possible.

Our pledge for safety and flexibility couldn’t be held accountable without our most valuable transportation asset; our drivers. Hascall Steel is proud to be able to say that virtually all of our Steel Man drivers are veterans in the business with a minimum of five years of service, and most driving for over 15 years with us! Having experienced and reliable drivers on the road with your steel allows for smooth and efficient deliveries with every purchase. Our drivers are directly linked to our sales staff and production with live tracking GPS and radio communication, so any need for contact during the transportation process can be accomplished immediately.

Relationship

Having expert drivers not only means having employees that are knowledgeable about best driving practices or the cargo being carried, but it also helps to achieve a deeper understanding of our customer’s environments and logistical challenges.  Relationships are important to us, both internally and externally, with our partners and customers. The longer we do business with the same manufacturers, the better we get to know the ins and outs of their orders and transportation needs. The longer and more frequent our services occur with a single customer, the more our drivers and sales staff can develop an intimate knowledge of their unique shipping and receiving processes.

Steel Man dispatchers are known for being able to package steel orders together for the quickest turnaround. After enough years of service and acquired knowledge of customers and their ship-to locations, we have developed efficient unloading instructions, specific to each stop. If there is a load of material to be picked up, Steel Man drivers will know the process to get it in and out in no extra time. steel_man_truckingHaving an in-house fleet with developed knowledge of our customer unique circumstances allows for material to be taken from one customer site to another in an expedited manner.

Another advantage of in-house transportation is the ability of our company to quickly acquire purchased materials.  These assets help us cut down on mill lead times and give us the flexibility to purchase materials FOB the producing mill.  Thus, we are not waiting on our supplier to deliver materials; rather we pick them up and bring them home at our discretion.  Doing this shortens the production cycle and allows us to take advantage of pricing opportunities offered by the steel mills.

Purchasing your slit steel coil and blanks from Hascall Steel means more than receiving a quality product, it means receiving that quality product sooner than expected. Steel Man Transportation logs over 35,000 miles a month and has earned a perfect DOT audit score for safety.  Fueled on site with a well-staffed department at every plant, we take your steel shipment seriously. Just another reason Hascall Steel is your trusted choice.

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  • “The material you sent us was the best we have ever run. We will be buying from you again”
    Production Supervisor at a Holland based metal stamper
  • “Paperwork was in order and passed our receiving process.”
    Quality Manager From a Grand Rapids Laser Cutting Company
  • “Hascall Steel's team asked me highly relevant questions to identify my true needs”
    Purchaser - Tennessee Stamper
  • “I appreciate Hascall Steel for knowing the market and planning ahead”
    Program Buyer - Detroit Manufacturer
  • “Hascall Steel's team reached out to check proactively if I needed my standard order. I appreciate them looking out for me”
    Shop Supervisor at a West Michigan Fabrication Company

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STEEL ORDERING PROCESS
OUR ORDERING PROCESS: HOW BEST TO ORDER STEEL FROM US...

At Hascall Steel we understand that part of being an expert is being able to tailor steel to your needs. With that in mind there are some key areas that will help us fulfill your steel order in a way that is best suited to your company’s capacities. By working with our sales team, we can adjust several aspects of your order to make things easier for your team members. Next are some areas to keep in mind that can improve efficiency and quality.

1. MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS

Often customers place an order with the following basic information: Quantity/Gauge/Width/Length/Steel Type…

However there are quite a few QUALIFIERS that will help us all get the best value from the informational exchange.

2. TOLERANCES

When discussing material with our Sales Team, be sure to include tolerances for your gauge, width, and length (if applicable). In some cases, Hascall can meet tolerances as low as +/-.001 on gauge, +/-.003 on width, and +/-.015 on length. Specifications – Many steel specifications come with sub categories that can alter chemistries and mechanical boundaries. Be sure to have the full specification when ordering or talk with your sales representative to discuss options.

3. PACKAGING

Proper packaging can help reduce unloading and production time. ID – We offer ID sizes in 16”, 20”, and 24” OD – We are able to provide OD sizes up to 72” Skidding – Standard or custom skidding available, just let us know how you would like your material skidded to best meet your equipment needs.
Paper – Protective paper is standard on all orders but can be applied with standard or full wrapping both with and without Hascall Logos. Max Coil and Skid Weight – Coils can be adjusted to meet your max lift and coil capacities.
Offloading – Material can be shipped skidded or standing and set for Forklift on the side or the rear of the bed. Material can also be shipped ready for sheet lifter or overhead crane offload.

4. DELIVERY

Steel is only good if it gets there when you need it. At Hascall we have an experienced Logistics team that will ensure that your steel arrives on time in the way that best suits your needs. Whether you would like delivery via our in-house Steel Man Transportation service or if you would like to pick up your material personally, our team can set up appointments that meet your schedule. Our Logistics team can also arrange a 3rd party carrier if needed. Delivery dates, times, and address should be discussed with your Sales Representative prior to ordering.

5. THE UNKNOWN

And lastly, we know each customer is unique. There may be special requests that we would love to accommodate. These may range from a sample of the steel attached to the packaging, to increased tag requirements and frequencies. We are happy to work with you in order to be your trusted choice in slit steel coil and blanks.