PNW Steel Industry Overview
The Pacific Northwest is home to major steel service centers, fabricators, and the Port of Seattle/Tacoma which handles significant steel imports. Understanding the regional steel ecosystem helps you find the best loads.
Major Steel Origins
- Seattle/Tacoma Metro – Port imports, service centers, fabricators
- Portland/Vancouver – Steel distributors, manufacturing
- Spokane – Regional distribution hub
- Boise Area – Growing fabrication market
Steel imports through the Port of Seattle typically surge in Q1 and Q3. Plan your PNW runs accordingly for the best steel backhaul opportunities.
Top Steel Lanes
These are the highest-volume, best-paying steel lanes out of the Pacific Northwest based on our dispatch data.
🔩 Seattle → Salt Lake City
Steel coils and plate from port service centers to Utah fabricators. Consistent year-round demand.
🔩 Portland → Denver
Structural steel and rebar for Colorado construction. Hot market during building season (Mar-Oct).
🔩 Tacoma → Phoenix
Steel pipe and tube for Arizona infrastructure. Long haul with premium rates.
🔩 Seattle → Boise
Mixed steel products for Idaho manufacturing and construction. Quick turnaround lane.
Steel Types & Requirements
| Steel Type | Typical Weight | Securement | Tarping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coils (eyes vertical) | 25,000-48,000 lbs | 4+ chains, coil rack | Steel tarp |
| Coils (eyes horizontal) | 25,000-48,000 lbs | 4+ chains, cradle | Steel tarp |
| Plate/Sheet | 40,000-48,000 lbs | Chains or straps | Steel tarp |
| Structural (beams, angles) | 42,000-48,000 lbs | Chains + straps | Optional |
| Pipe/Tube | 35,000-45,000 lbs | Straps + blocking | Usually required |
| Rebar bundles | 40,000-48,000 lbs | Straps + belly wraps | Not required |
Always negotiate a tarping premium for steel loads—typically $75-150 extra. Steel tarps are heavy and the work is demanding. Don't leave money on the table.
Seasonal Patterns
Steel freight in the PNW follows predictable seasonal patterns:
- Q1 (Jan-Mar) – Port import surge, good coil volume
- Q2 (Apr-Jun) – Construction season ramps up, structural steel peaks
- Q3 (Jul-Sep) – Steady demand across all types, second import wave
- Q4 (Oct-Dec) – Slower season, but rates often higher due to reduced capacity
Rate Expectations
Steel typically commands premium rates due to weight, securement requirements, and specialized equipment needs.
| Distance | Low Rate | Average Rate | Premium Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 300 miles | $3.25/mi | $3.75/mi | $4.25+/mi |
| 300-600 miles | $3.00/mi | $3.35/mi | $3.75+/mi |
| 600-1000 miles | $2.85/mi | $3.15/mi | $3.50+/mi |
| 1000+ miles | $2.75/mi | $3.00/mi | $3.30+/mi |
Ready to Haul Steel?
We have direct relationships with PNW steel shippers. Let us find your next high-paying steel load.
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