Coiled Metal Intermodal Shipment Policies and Procedures

BNSF policies and procedures to handle intermodal transportation of coiled metal products in excess of 3,500 pounds are outlined below.

  • All shippers must sign the Coiled Metal Letter of Agreement and have it on file with BNSF before tendering a shipment for transportation on BNSF. (Note: fiber-optic cable, wire rope, electrical cable, or similar commodities on reels and spools are excluded from the Coiled Metal Letter of Agreement and Certification process.)
  • All coiled metal shippers must provide BNSF with a current Certificate of Insurance evidencing insurance coverage in the amount of $5 million, showing BNSF as the certificate holder. (This is additional insurance to the Item 12: Private Equipment Insurance requirements as stated in BNSF Intermodal Rules and Policies Guide.) It may take 24-48 hours for the outside insurance compliance company's approval.
  • BNSF will not accept intermodal coiled metal shipments via steel-wheel interchange or from port (on-dock) locations.
  • Coiled metal shipments must be identified on the shipping instructions with the appropriate coiled metal Standard Transportation Commodity Code (STCC), price authority and commodity description.
  • Periodically, coiled metal shipments tendered (in-gated) to BNSF will be subject to inspection.
  • All coil metal products must be properly blocked and braced with correct weight distribution according to Loading and Shipment Safety standards and guidelines. The maximum gross weight (consisting of the lading and equipment weight) must not exceed 58,000 pounds.
  • Each shipment requires:
  • All requirements stated in these documents will be strictly enforced:

In addition, a BNSF Intermodal Transportation Contract must be signed and on file with BNSF before tendering a coiled metal shipment.