Once you’ve found the metal decking you want and determined which decking supplier you want to work with, you need to figure out how you’re going to transport the product to where it’s needed. Given its weight and size, it’s worth thinking about the best, most cost-effective way to do so. 

Wondering how 2022 has impacted the process of getting metal decking shipped? Wondering if you can pick it up yourself? Learn everything you need to know, including some of the factors that can influence your shipping costs. Our goal is to ensure that your decking needs are handled. 

decking suppliers preparing metal decks for shipment

How Much Does Metal Decking Cost to Ship? 

There are several factors that influence shipping costs. They are: 

  • Dimensions 
  • Weight 
  • How far the package needs to go 
  • How quickly you need the package 

Typically, you can get quotes from multiple shipping companies or 3PLs, who may even have room to negotiate on their rates. At the end of the day, though, price shouldn’t be your only concern. You also want to find a trustworthy logistics company that can ensure you get the product safely and on time. 

What to Look for in a Shipping Company 

First, you want to pay careful attention to any terms they have. Unexpected issues can lead to increased prices. On your end, this means making sure you give the right information to the logistics company, to ensure you get an accurate quote. 

It also means understanding when your metal decking can get picked up at the warehouse, and if there’s anything that needs to be prepared before the product is ready to get loaded on the truck. The fewer surprises there are, the less likely you are to deal with fees or changing prices. 

A trustworthy transportation company should also be able to provide you with tracking information. This allows you to understand exactly when the metal decking will go where it needs to be, which in turn can influence how quickly your project is finished. 

How Large Can Metal Decking Be? 

Metal decking sizes vary based on the project, but you typically won’t find anything bigger than 40’, unless you specifically request it. If you have any questions about how big your truck needs to be, your supplier can provide you with information tailored to your situation. 

General Shipping Trends 

To understand how much it might cost to get metal decks shipped from far away, it’s useful to look at some of the general shipping trends that have been impacting all kinds of industries. As you’re no doubt aware, there have been supply chain issues stretching back to the disruptions caused by the 2020 pandemic. 

This has led to shipping costs rising steadily, and there’s no indication that this trend is going to slow down soon.  

On the bright side, shipping times are normalizing, which means there should be fewer incidents of products being left on a ship, unable to get picked up for weeks, if not months. 

Why It’s Better to Pick Up Metal Decking Yourself If You Can 

If you’re near the manufacturing facility, it’s often worth picking up metal decking yourself. This allows you to save money, while also preventing the damage that can occur if you choose an untrustworthy moving company. 

If you’re looking for metal decks in Miami, you’re in luck. Unlike on the West Coast, where shipping costs are extraordinary because metal decking isn’t manufactured locally, you can go straight to a metal deck manufacturer to pick up your metal decking. 

Things to Consider When Picking Up Metal Decking 

If you choose to pick up metal decking, you’ll want to ensure your vehicle is big enough to carry the product, as well as being rated for handling the weight. This means checking the specs of your truck, as well as speaking with the metal deck supplier to understand what you’ll need to carry. 

Things to Consider If Getting Metal Decking Shipped 

That said, we’re also happy to help you determine which shipping companies are best to work with if that’s the better option for your situation. 

If you need to get your metal decking shipped internationally, you’ll want to work with a manufacturer that’s near a port. For instance, customers in the Caribbean, Central America, or South America can all benefit from working with a manufacturer in Miami. 

man working for decking suppliers preparing metal decks for shipment

Looking for Local Metal Decking Suppliers in Miami, Florida? 

You’ve come to the right place! At Miami Metal Deck, we’re committed to creating high-quality metal decking for all our clients. We’ve been doing so for decades, and we’re happy to say that many of our customers come straight to us to get what they need. 

Whether you have any questions you’d like to ask us or you’re ready to take advantage of our same-day manufacturing and pickup offer, you can reach out to us via our contact page. Please don’t hesitate to do so. Our representatives speak both English and Spanish!