In the world of freight transportation, not all cargo is created equal. While many commodities are considered high-risk due to their value or fragility, steel coils present an entirely different type of danger. Often weighing thousands of pounds and requiring expert handling, these massive rolls of steel are among the most dangerous loads transported on our nation’s highways. But what exactly makes steel coils so deadly?

Let’s break it down.

The Weight Alone Is a Risk Factor

Steel coils can weigh anywhere from 5,000 to over 50,000 pounds—the equivalent of several compact cars stacked together. This immense weight puts extreme pressure on trailers, tie-downs, and the overall integrity of the transport vehicle.

Even with proper securement using chains, coil racks, and friction mats, if just one element fails, the consequences can be catastrophic. A rolling or shifting steel coil can rip through a trailer like paper, causing the vehicle to jackknife, tip, or worse, slam into other vehicles.

Want to learn more about proper coil securement? Click here to review FMCSA cargo securement rules.

Shifting During Transit Is Deadly

Unlike palletized or boxed freight, steel coils have a rounded shape that makes them especially prone to shifting during acceleration or braking. If the load is not perfectly centered and balanced, it can slide or roll within the trailer, throwing off the truck’s stability.

Many severe accidents involving flatbed trucks are linked to improperly secured steel coils. These incidents can result in rollovers, lost loads, or multi-vehicle pileups—putting the driver and others at serious risk.

Steel Coils Can “Break Free” in a Crash

One of the biggest dangers of hauling steel coils is what happens in the event of a crash. If the coil’s securement fails, that massive cylinder can break free and become a lethal projectile, tearing through the cab, the trailer, or anything in its path.

It’s not just dangerous—it’s deadly. That’s why insurance rates for hauling coils are significantly higher, and many freight brokers and carriers require drivers to have specialized training or endorsements before they’re allowed to move coil freight.

Need freight moved safely? Learn more about our carrier vetting process at TAM Logistics to see how we put safety first. Visit our About Us page.

Why Experience and Equipment Matter

Because of their risk, steel coils shouldn’t be hauled by just any driver with a flatbed. It takes experience, training, and the right equipment. Coil bunks, coil racks, and friction mats are required, but knowing how to position and strap the load makes the real difference.

At TAM Logistics, we partner with vetted carriers who understand the demands of high-risk freight. Our team ensures all steel coil shipments are handled by professionals who follow DOT standards and exceed industry best practices.

Looking for a logistics partner who takes your freight’s safety seriously? Contact us today for a free quote.

Final Thoughts: Safety Isn’t Optional

Steel coils are among the most dangerous cargo loads in the freight industry—not because of what they are, but because of what can happen if they’re not handled correctly. With the right broker, the right carriers, and the right mindset, steel coils can be moved safely and efficiently.

At TAM Logistics, we don’t cut corners—we deliver safety, service, and solutions. Every time.