Flatbed and Heavy Haul Case Study: 98 Percent On Time for a Multi Facility Steel Project

A national steel supplier managing multiple production facilities was facing a consistent problem. Their open deck freight required strict securement standards, tight mill appointments, and fast same day coverage. Their previous provider missed deadlines, racked up detention costs, and created unnecessary stress for plant managers. Every late truck slowed production and pushed delivery timelines downstream. They needed a reliable partner who understood steel freight, open deck safety, and high volume coordination.

Thompson Transport Group stepped in with a capacity solution designed specifically for complex steel projects.

The Challenge

This project involved daily step deck and flatbed shipments across several facilities. Loads had to be moved quickly, often within hours of the request. The freight required specialized securement, and each facility operated on tight crane unload windows that could not be missed. Any delay impacted production, inventory flow, and customer commitments.

The customer also struggled with inconsistent communication from their previous provider. ETAs were unreliable. Appointment confirmations were unclear. Drivers often arrived without proper securement materials or knowledge of the mill’s requirements.

They needed a partner who could remove the uncertainty.

The Solution

Thompson Transport Group created a dedicated open deck capacity program built for repeat daily shipments. The foundation of the solution included:

• A blended network of flatbed, step deck, and heavy haul options
• Daily communication with each facility to anticipate next day demand
• Securement verification at every pickup to prevent rejections
• Coordination with mill crane teams for precise unload windows
• Use of Armstrong’s heavy haul network for oversize and overweight shipments
• A single point of contact for scheduling, updates, and issue resolution

Instead of reacting to problems, TTG built a proactive operational rhythm. Dispatch received early demand forecasts. Drivers were assigned based on securement requirements, carrier ratings, and geographic proximity. Every shipment was tracked, confirmed, and communicated back to the customer before issues could arise.

The Results

The customer saw immediate improvements across the entire project.

• 98 percent on time delivery over six consecutive months
• Zero cargo claims across all open deck and heavy haul loads
• 36 percent reduction in detention fees due to precise mill coordination
• Seamless execution between multiple mills, production sites, and delivery points
• Reduced production gaps caused by late inbound steel movements
• Simpler internal workflows due to having a single dependable transportation partner

These operational wins translated to real business value. Plant managers stopped worrying about whether trucks would show up. Production teams had materials on time. Leadership regained confidence in their supply chain.

Why It Matters

Open deck steel freight is unforgiving. Securement must be right. Appointments must be kept. Communication must be clear. A single missed window can affect an entire day of production.

This project showed that Thompson Transport Group is more than a carrier coordinator. TTG is a strategic freight partner capable of handling high volume, high complexity, multi facility projects with consistency and discipline.

For companies moving steel, machinery, construction materials, or any freight that requires specialized handling, TTG offers the reliability and scale needed to keep operations moving without interruption.

Thinking About Your Own Flatbed or Heavy Haul Needs?

If your operation depends on consistent open deck coverage, specialized securement, or multi location coordination, Thompson Transport Group can build a dedicated capacity program tailored to your workflow. Whether you are running a single facility or managing a nationwide network, TTG brings reliable communication, strong carrier relationships, and execution that delivers results every time.