The plant's customers generally choose their carriers. Some rely on a logistics supplier to handle the details. Saturn uses Ryder Dedicated Logistics, which has its own pickup window at the plant. Mercedes uses Averitt Express. But Mayflower Vehicle Systems calls the shots on inbound moves.
Most steel arrives in coils.
Mr. Espen works with its carriers on ways to keep his freight costs down, looking for ways to rationalize moves with backhaul or local traffic. He also prefers to deal with carriers that have both van and flatbed capabilities. Van trailers are needed for corrugated steel or racks. Flatbeds handle coiled steel. Sometimes the steel mill, where the raw steel is forged, selects the carrier.