Tips for working with freight forwarders
Shipping goods across borders can be complex—customs regulations, carrier coordination, and unexpected delays all add to the challenge. That’s where freight forwarders come in. These logistics experts help businesses streamline...
Understanding weight limits per axle and route
Transporting heavy loads requires careful planning to comply with legal weight limits, ensure road safety, and prevent equipment damage. Whether you're hauling steel, machinery, or bulk materials, understanding axle weight...
What makes a steel product “dual certified”
When purchasing steel, you may come across the term "dual certified." This designation means the steel meets the requirements of two different specifications or grades at the same time. But...
When to recommend pre-galvanized vs post-galvanized steel
Steel is widely used in industries where corrosion resistance is essential. One of the best ways to protect steel from rust and wear is galvanization—coating the steel with a layer...
Why some industries prefer pickled and oiled vs dry
If you work with steel, you know that not all steel surfaces are the same. One of the key choices buyers face is whether to purchase pickled and oiled (P&O)...
Best practices when handling high-carbon steel
High-carbon steel is valued for its exceptional hardness, wear resistance, and strength, making it essential in industries like manufacturing, construction, and tool-making. However, its unique properties also present challenges in...
Common tolerances for flame-cut plate vs plasma-cut
When cutting steel plate, flame cutting and plasma cutting are two of the most commonly used methods. While both processes are effective, they offer different levels of precision, edge quality,...
Differences between HSS (Hollow Structural Section) and standard pipe
If you've worked with metal tubing, you've likely encountered both HSS (Hollow Structural Section) and standard pipe. While they may look similar at first glance, they serve different purposes, have...
Handling customer-owned inventory vs stock items
Managing inventory efficiently is a crucial part of any business that deals with manufacturing, distribution, or logistics. Companies often handle two types of inventory: Customer-Owned Inventory (COI) – Materials or...
How material hardness affects machining
In machining, material hardness is one of the most important factors influencing cutting speed, tool wear, and overall production efficiency. Whether you’re working with soft aluminum, hardened steel, or brittle...
