When to Choose Bulk Cargo Shipping and When to Opt for Containerized Transport for Steel Coils

Steel coil steel is an important product for industrial work, it needs to be transported with correct planning considering the security, economy and operational performance. The acceptance of bulk cargo shipping/containers transport is dictated by a multitude of factors, such as coil specifications, distances, infrastructure, and regulatory requirements. 

Here is a detailed analysis to assist optimum decisions. Bulk freight ships are designed to move metal coils above normal container dimensions and weight limits. Ultra-Heavy Coils (> 30 tons per unit) for transport by boat serve as the basis for maximum coverage in most shipping situations. Typically, a single 20-foot container will carry 26–28 tons of cargo while a 40-foot vessel may carry as much as 30 tons. The structural integrity of containers can be threatened by coils weighing more than 30 tons. 

Solution: Bulk vessels equipped with reinforced decks and specialized stowage can be used to fit coils of up to 50 tons or more. In fact, Norwin International Logistics for 2024 demonstrated how 45-ton automotive-grade steel coils moving from China to a site in Europe are possible by a breakbulk ship with dedicated cradles that uniformly distribute weight. A big diameter coil (bigger than the width of the container). Problem: A coil greater than 2.5 meters in size (the internal width of a 40 foot container) will not fit into containers without deformation. 

Solution: Bulk ships tend to have deck area widths wide enough for coils to be lashed to the ship structure with chains, wires, or turnbuckles. It guarantees firmness during rough seas and staves off costly coil-cutting or repackaging. High-Volume shipping at a cost that is sensitive. Value: Bulk shipping decreases the unit amount per shipment over a period of 1,000+ tons as fees are not required for processing and vessel space is maximized. According to industry report by Clarksons Research in 2025 costs of shipping steel coils in bulk are 15–20% less than shipping them in containers and their volume is 500 tons per voyage. 

Standard-Sized Coils Are Optimized For Containerized Transport. Standard coils (for example, the size, diameter, & weight of the coils) are typically moved in containers to support large quantities of material. It is a high security, flexible and multimodal mode. Standard Coils (≤ 28 Tons Per Unit). Benefit: As discussed in the introduction to Containers is that they protect coils while sealed and weather resistant from moisture and corrosion by water, while keeping them sealed under a cloud. A 2025 report indicated that 98% of steel coils shipped from China to Southeast Asia delivered at 98% damage free thanks to strong lashing systems and the use of desiccant. 

Case Study: (A 2024 project carried 12-ton automotive steel coils in 40-foot high cube containers from Shanghai to Detroit by COSCO Shipping) Wooden cradles and steel straps were used to secure coils, and the rubber mats were placed underneath to prevent slippage. The shipment was cost-cutting 15 percent over air freight, and a 10-Day faster transit time over bulk shipping.

Requirements for Multimodal Logistics. Benefit: Containers are designed to easily integrate with rail and trucking networks for door-to-door delivery. This is crucial for just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing supply chains. Maersk Line's "Intermodal Solutions," for instance, reduces steel coils from European port-to-mainstream factories' to port time by 30% by optimizing rail-truck transfers. 

High Security Shipments or High Profit. Benefit: Containers provide tamper-evident seals and GPS tracking and reduce theft rate risk. A BSI Supply Chain Services 2025 study shows that containerized steel coil shipments faced 70 percent less theft incidents than bulk cargo shipments, particularly in high-risk regions like West Africa and South America.