The 2026 Steel Shipper Directory: Direct Access to High-Margin Flatbed Freight
If you are a flatbed or heavy-haul carrier, your biggest enemy isn't the price of diesel—it’s the middleman. In the 2026 market, carriers who bypass brokers and work directly with Industrial Service Centers are seeing $3.50–$6.00+ per mile while others are fighting for scraps on the load boards.
This guide provides direct access to The Infra Group (Infra-Metals, Delta Steel, and Sugar Steel) and other high-volume manufacturers. These companies are backed by Reliance, Inc. (NYSE: RS), a $17 billion giant that moves over 200,000 tons of steel at any given time.
Why These Shippers are Your Q1 Goldmine
Infrastructure Surge: 2026 is a peak year for skyscraper and bridge builds. These yards are moving I-beams, structural tubing, and plate steel at record volumes.
Direct-to-Yard Decisions: Traffic managers like Ken Crespi Jr. or Eric Parker book carriers based on reliability, not just the lowest bid. Once you’re in their system, you’re on the "Preferred Carrier" list for daily outbound hauls.
Infrastructure Surge: 2026 is a peak year for skyscraper and bridge builds. These yards are moving I-beams, structural tubing, and plate steel at record volumes.
Direct-to-Yard Decisions: Traffic managers like Ken Crespi Jr. or Eric Parker book carriers based on reliability, not just the lowest bid. Once you’re in their system, you’re on the "Preferred Carrier" list for daily outbound hauls.
Direct Steel Shipper Contacts: decision-Makers & Facility Intelligence
| Company | Location | Decision-Maker | Phone / Email / Address | Logistics Notes & Insights |
| Infra-Metals | Atlanta, GA | Ken Crespi Jr. (Traffic Manager) | (800) 833-9175 1561 Pine St NW | Primary Southeast Hub. High-volume structural beams. Requires Grade 70 chains and heavy-duty edge protection. |
| Delta Steel | Cedar Hill, TX | Eric Parker (Traffic Manager) | (972) 299-6497 1548 Edgefield Way | Gatekeeper for DFW. Manages logistics for multiple TX sites. Ideal for DFW-area heavy-haulers. |
| Infra-Metals | Marseilles, IL | Ryan Nelle (Traffic Manager) | (800) 987-5283 | 44-Acre Powerhouse. Major rail-to-truck transfer point. Frequent outbound pipe/tube to the Midwest. |
| Infra-Metals | Petersburg, VA | Meredith Whitties (Traffic Manager) | (800) 435-0850 | Mid-Atlantic Direct. Key contact for loads heading toward the Northeast corridor. |
| Sugar Steel | Chicago Hts, IL | Shipping Coordinator | (708) 757-9500 | Next-Day Delivery Focus. High-volume structural joists and girders for Chicago-area construction. |
| Cano Steel | El Paso, TX | Logistics Team | (915) 291-5152 221 N Kansas | 3,500 Tons/Month Capacity. Major exporter of metal deck and girders. Daily shipments across North America. |
| Specialty Coils | Longview, TX | Lori Reynolds (Shipping/Billing) | (903) 212-2645 Ext. 115 | HVAC Rapid Response. Ships custom coils for emergency replacements. Fast loading; padding/tarps mandatory. |
| MOST (Maruichi) | Portland, OR | Maria Valverde (Shipping Coord.) | (503) 737-1212 8735 N Harborgate St | NW Sole Producer. 150,000-ton annual capacity. Ships 20'–70' structural tubing. Check for over-length permits. |
| Smith Pipe | Phoenix, AZ | Shipping/Sales | (602) 257-9494 | Southwest Local Gem. Fast delivery focus. Ideal for regional Southwest flatbed loops. |
The "Steel-to-Auction" Flip Strategy
The smart money in February combines these leads with the Ritchie Bros. Orlando Auction (Feb 16–20).
Load In: Use Ryan Nelle (Marseilles, IL) or Meredith Whitties (Petersburg, VA) to grab a structural load heading to Florida or Georgia.
The Timing: Deliver your steel by Feb 14-15.
The Payday: Be empty and ready when the auction ends. You’ve just had your fuel paid for by a direct steel shipper, leaving you 100% profit on the high-dollar "Auction Goldmine" loads heading back north.
Outreach Tips for Maximum Success
Be Technical: Shippers like Specialty Coils or Maruichi Leavitt want to know your equipment specs immediately. Mention your coil racks, friction mats, and 8' tarps in the first 30 seconds of the call.
Direct is Key: Ask for the department first: "I am a specialized flatbed carrier looking to speak with the Traffic Manager regarding outbound opportunities from your facility."
The "Reliance" Advantage: Since many of these (Infra, Delta, Sugar) are under the Reliance umbrella, proving you are a reliable carrier at one site often opens doors at others.
Be Technical: Shippers like Specialty Coils or Maruichi Leavitt want to know your equipment specs immediately. Mention your coil racks, friction mats, and 8' tarps in the first 30 seconds of the call.
Direct is Key: Ask for the department first: "I am a specialized flatbed carrier looking to speak with the Traffic Manager regarding outbound opportunities from your facility."
The "Reliance" Advantage: Since many of these (Infra, Delta, Sugar) are under the Reliance umbrella, proving you are a reliable carrier at one site often opens doors at others.
Community Question: Who’s Loading This Week?
I’m building this blog to help you make more money. To keep the leads coming, I need your feedback:
Which location has the fastest loading times?
Are you seeing $5+/mi on the El Paso outbound lanes?
Which Traffic Manager is the best to work with?
Drop a comment below and share the wealth!
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