Excess & Secondary Steel Coils – Prime Quality at Value Pricing

High-Quality Un-Allocated Steel for Fabricators, Manufacturers & Service Centers

Collier Metals specializes in sourcing, processing, and supplying excess and secondary steel coils for customers who need prime-quality material with cost savings and fast availability. Our extensive network of domestic mills and brokers gives us access to un-allocated inventory that may not fit standard mill order parameters—but delivers the same performance characteristics at a better price point.

Whether you need full master coils, custom slit widths, or cut-to-length sheets, we can source material, process it in-house at our Atlanta facility, and deliver finished product in 5-10 business days.

What Is Excess & Secondary Steel?

Excess steel, secondary steel, and un-allocated steel are terms used to describe prime-quality material that becomes available outside of traditional mill ordering channels. This material is not defective or substandard—it simply doesn't match a specific customer's original order specifications for reasons that have no impact on performance for other applications.

Common Reasons Material Becomes Available as Secondary:

Off-Width for Original Order – A mill produces a 60" wide coil, but the customer needed 58". The material quality is perfect, but the width doesn't match the order. After trimming to the needed width during slitting, this becomes prime-quality steel.

Off-Chemistry for Original Order – A coil may have chemistry slightly outside the specification range for one customer's application (for example, carbon content of 0.18% instead of 0.15%) but perfectly acceptable—even preferable—for other applications. The mechanical properties (yield strength, tensile strength, elongation) still meet standard grade requirements.

Mill Production Overruns – Mills produce more tonnage than ordered to ensure they meet contractual obligations. The excess coils are identical to the prime order but become available inventory.

Cancelled Orders – A customer cancels an order after production. The steel is brand new, prime quality, but needs a new home.

Edge Trim Issues – Minor edge defects within the trim zone (wavy edges, slight edge cracks, camber near edges) that are completely removed during the slitting process. Once trimmed, the remaining material is indistinguishable from prime steel.

Surface Cosmetic Issues – Light surface marks, minor staining, or cosmetic imperfections that don't affect structural integrity or performance. These are perfectly acceptable for applications where appearance isn't critical—structural components, hidden parts, or material that will be painted or coated.

The key point: Secondary steel performs like prime steel when matched to the right application. You get the same mechanical properties, the same formability, the same weldability—just without paying prime pricing.

Our Specialty: Heavy & Intermediate Gauge Steel

While we source and supply secondary steel across all thicknesses from .050" to .375", Collier Metals specializes in intermediate and heavy gauge material where availability and expertise matter most:

Specialty Thickness Ranges:

11 Gauge (~0.120") – Common in HVAC ductwork, light structural applications, formed components

10 Gauge (~0.135") – Equipment frames, brackets, reinforcements, stamped structural parts

7 Gauge (~0.179") – Heavy equipment components, trailer decking, structural reinforcement, base plates

3 Gauge (~0.239" / approximately 1/4") – Heavy structural applications, equipment bases, thick stamped components, wear plates

In these thickness ranges, we maintain strong sourcing relationships and can often supply partial coil quantities as small as 5,000 lbs—far smaller minimums than most secondary dealers or mills can accommodate.

This flexibility is particularly valuable for:

  • Fabricators with specific project requirements

  • Manufacturers testing new designs before committing to full coil orders

  • Service centers filling custom orders without excess inventory

  • Construction projects with defined material quantities

Material Types We Source

Collier Metals sources excess and secondary steel in all major carbon steel types and surface finishes:

Hot Rolled Steel (HR Black)

As-rolled carbon steel without additional surface treatment. Common grades include ASTM A36, A1011 Commercial Quality (CQ), HSLA grades, and structural grades. Hot rolled steel is used in structural applications, tube mills, equipment frames, and general fabrication where surface finish is not critical.

Typical Secondary Availability: Frequent availability in heavier gauges (12 gauge and thicker). Off-width coils are common sources.

Hot Rolled Pickled & Oiled (HRPO)

Hot rolled steel that has been descaled in an acid bath and coated with rust-inhibiting oil. HRPO provides a cleaner surface than hot rolled black, making it suitable for applications requiring paint adhesion, welding, or improved formability.

Typical Secondary Availability: Good availability across most gauges. Chemistry variations and width issues are common reasons for secondary classification.

Galvanized Steel

Steel coated with zinc for corrosion protection. Available in various coating weights including G40, G60, and G90. Galvanized steel is widely used in HVAC, roofing, outdoor equipment, agricultural applications, and any use requiring weather resistance.

Typical Secondary Availability: Regular availability, particularly in heavier gauges. Coating weight variations, spangle pattern differences, and width issues create secondary inventory.

Cold Rolled Steel

Steel processed at room temperature for improved surface finish, tighter dimensional tolerances, and enhanced strength. Used in precision parts, appliances, automotive components, and applications where appearance and exact dimensions matter.

Typical Secondary Availability: Available but less frequent than hot rolled or HRPO. Surface finish variations and chemistry differences are typical reasons for secondary status.

How We Source & Supply Secondary Steel

Our Sourcing Network

Collier Metals has cultivated relationships with domestic steel mills and brokers nationwide over two decades in the industry. This network gives us visibility into available secondary and excess inventory before it reaches the broader market.

When you need specific material, we:

  1. Check our current inventory of in-stock secondary coils

  2. Query our network of mill contacts and brokers for available material matching your specs

  3. Evaluate options based on your application requirements

  4. Source the best available match for quality and value

Domestic Focus – We source exclusively from U.S. mills and domestic brokers. This ensures material traceability, consistent quality standards, and reliable mill test documentation.

Quality Verification & Testing

Not all secondary steel is created equal. Before we purchase material, we evaluate it based on your application requirements. For most coils, we perform mechanical property testing to verify the material meets performance specifications.

Mechanical Testing Includes:

  • Yield Strength – The stress at which material begins to deform permanently

  • Tensile Strength – The maximum stress material can withstand before breaking

  • Elongation – The percentage of stretch before failure, indicating ductility and formability

We provide certified test reports based on our laboratory testing along with original mill test reports (MTRs) showing chemical composition and mill certifications. This documentation ensures you have full traceability and can verify material compliance with your specifications.

Why This Matters: Some secondary dealers sell material "as-is" without verification. We test and certify material performance, giving you confidence it will perform in your application.

Processing Options: Sell As-Is or Custom Processed

One of Collier Metals' key differentiators is our ability to process secondary steel in-house before delivery. Many secondary dealers simply broker material and ship it as-is. We can transform wide-width secondary coils into the exact product form you need.

Option 1: Full Master Coils (Unprocessed)

Purchase full-width coils exactly as they come from the mill. This option works when:

  • You have your own slitting or processing equipment

  • You need maximum tonnage at lowest cost

  • Material width matches your requirements

  • You can handle full coil weights (typically 25,000-45,000 lbs)

Option 2: Toll Slitting to Custom Widths

We can slit secondary coils to your exact width specifications using our 72" slitter or 36" slitter. This is particularly valuable when:

  • Original coil is off-width for the first customer but perfect for your needs after slitting

  • You need narrow widths for tube mills, roll forming, or stamped parts

  • Edge trim issues need to be removed (we cut them off during slitting)

  • You want to purchase partial coil quantities (we slit and sell only what you need)

Slitting Capabilities:

  • Width range: 2" to 72"

  • Gauge range: 0.035" to 0.375"

  • Max coil weight: 60,000 lbs

  • Width tolerance: ±0.005"

  • Clean, burr-free edges

Many times, secondary coils become prime-quality material after slitting. Edge defects get trimmed away, width becomes exact to your specs, and the finished product is indistinguishable from prime steel—at a better price.

Learn more about our slitting capabilities →

Option 3: Cut-to-Length Sheets

Convert coils into flat sheets with precision leveling. Ideal when you need:

  • Flat blanks for laser cutting, plasma cutting, or waterjet

  • Sheet inventory for stamping operations

  • Specific lengths for fabrication projects

  • Material without the equipment to handle coils

Cut-to-Length Specifications:

  • Gauge range: .068" to .500"

  • Max master coil: 60,000 lbs

  • Precision leveling removes coil set

  • Custom lengths to your specification

This processing capability means you can buy wider, heavier gauge secondary coils (where savings are greatest), and we'll convert them to your exact product form—slit widths or flat sheets—ready for your production line.

Industries & Applications for Secondary Steel

Secondary and excess steel is an excellent choice for applications where structural performance and mechanical properties matter more than cosmetic perfection.

Ideal Applications:

Construction & Structural Steel

  • Structural framing and bracing

  • Base plates and equipment mounts

  • Reinforcement components

  • Building components that will be painted or coated

  • Projects with defined material quantities where cost matters

Heavy Equipment Manufacturing

  • Equipment frames and chassis

  • Mounting brackets and supports

  • Wear plates and reinforcement

  • Components that will be painted or powder-coated

  • Parts where surface cosmetics aren't critical

Agricultural Equipment

  • Implement frames and structural components

  • Trailer beds and decking

  • Brackets and mounting hardware

  • Equipment that operates in harsh environments (where galvanized secondary is perfect)

HVAC & Ductwork

  • Ductwork fabrication (especially in heavier gauges for commercial/industrial)

  • Fittings and transitions

  • Equipment housings and enclosures

  • Spiral pipe mill feedstock

Tube & Pipe Mills

  • ERW tube production

  • Structural tube manufacturing

  • Pipe mill feedstock

  • Roll forming applications

Fabrication & Job Shops

  • Custom fabricated components

  • Prototypes and short-run production

  • Stamped parts for non-automotive applications

  • Welded assemblies and structures

Metal Service Centers

  • Inventory for customers with flexible specifications

  • Fill orders without committing to full mill minimums

  • Offer value-priced alternatives to prime material

  • Quick turnaround for customer demands

Applications Where Secondary May Not Be Appropriate:

Automotive Stamping – Automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers typically require certified prime material with exact chemistry control and surface specifications. Secondary steel usually doesn't meet these stringent requirements.

Exposed Cosmetic Parts – Applications where surface appearance is critical and material won't be painted or coated (appliance exteriors, architectural panels, visible components).

Tight Chemistry Applications – Some applications require precise chemistry control beyond standard grade ranges (certain heat treating applications, specialized welding procedures, etc.).

Critical Safety Components – While secondary steel meets mechanical property requirements, some industries prefer prime-certified material for liability and documentation reasons.

For everything else—particularly construction, manufacturing, equipment, and industrial applications—secondary steel delivers the same performance at better value.

The Value Proposition: Cost Savings + Speed

Competitive Pricing

Excess and secondary steel is priced below prime material while delivering equivalent performance. The exact savings depends on material type, thickness, availability, and market conditions—but buyers consistently see meaningful cost advantages compared to traditional mill orders.

Why Is Secondary Steel Less Expensive?

  • Mills and brokers want to move inventory quickly rather than store it

  • Material may not fit standard mill ordering parameters, limiting the buyer pool

  • Eliminates typical mill lead times and minimum order quantities

  • We source efficiently and pass savings to customers

Fast Availability

5-10 business days from purchase order to delivery for in-stock material.

Compare this to typical mill lead times:

  • Prime mill orders: 4-8 weeks minimum, often longer for non-standard specs

  • Service center prime inventory: Limited selection, full coil purchases, premium pricing

  • Collier Metals secondary steel: Days, not weeks, with processing included

This speed advantage is valuable when:

  • Projects start unexpectedly and material is needed quickly

  • You need to respond to a customer order without long delays

  • Equipment downtime requires rapid material replacement

  • Construction schedules demand fast delivery

Flexibility on Quantities

Unlike mills that require full coil purchases (often 40,000-50,000 lbs minimum), we can sell partial coil quantities as small as 5,000 lbs in our specialty gauges. This flexibility helps:

  • Fabricators avoid excess inventory and tied-up capital

  • Manufacturers buy project-specific quantities

  • Service centers fill custom orders without waste

  • Companies test material for new applications before committing to volume

For standard thicknesses outside our specialty gauges, typical minimums are full coils ranging from 25,000-45,000 lbs depending on gauge and width.

How to Order Secondary Steel from Collier Metals

Step 1: Tell Us What You Need

Contact our team with your material requirements:

  • Material type: Hot rolled, HRPO, galvanized, or cold rolled

  • Thickness/gauge: Decimal thickness or gauge number

  • Width: Required width (or width range if flexible)

  • Quantity: Approximate pounds or number of coils

  • Form: Full master coils, slit widths, or cut-to-length sheets

  • Application: What you're using it for (helps us evaluate suitable secondary options)

  • Timeline: When you need delivery

Step 2: We Source & Evaluate Options

Our team checks current inventory and queries our mill and broker network for available material matching your specifications. We evaluate options based on:

  • Material quality and any secondary characteristics

  • Suitability for your application

  • Processing requirements (if any)

  • Pricing and availability

Step 3: Material Testing & Verification

For most coils, we perform mechanical property testing (yield, tensile, elongation) to verify material meets performance requirements. We provide certified test reports along with original mill test reports showing chemistry and certifications.

Step 4: Processing (If Required)

If you need material slit to width or cut to length, we process it in-house at our Atlanta facility:

  • Slitting to your exact widths with ±0.005" tolerance

  • Cut-to-length with precision leveling

  • Custom packaging and labeling per your specifications

  • Edge trim removal for improved edge quality

Step 5: Delivery or Pickup

Delivery Options:

  • Our truck fleet serves Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Florida

  • Nationwide freight coordination with trusted common carriers

  • Pickup at our Atlanta facility with your trucks

  • Warehousing available if you need to stage material

Typical lead time: 5-10 business days from PO to delivery for in-stock material. Custom processing adds 3-5 days to the timeline.

Why Choose Collier Metals for Secondary Steel?

In-House Processing Capabilities

Unlike brokers who simply connect buyers and sellers, we can transform secondary coils into your exact product requirements using our 72" slitter, 36" slitter, and cut-to-length line. This means:

  • Off-width coils become exact-width slit coils

  • Edge defects get trimmed away during slitting

  • Full coils become partial quantities matching your needs

  • Coils become flat sheets ready for your production line

Material Testing & Certification

We mechanically test most coils to verify yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation meet performance requirements. You receive certified test reports based on our lab results plus original mill test reports. This verification gives you confidence material will perform in your application.

Extensive Sourcing Network

Two decades of relationships with domestic mills and brokers nationwide give us access to available secondary inventory across all material types, gauges, and widths. When you need specific material, we can usually source it faster than competitors.

Specialty Gauge Expertise

Our focus on 11, 10, 7, and 3 gauge material (and the 1/8", 3/16", 1/4" thickness ranges) means we maintain strong inventory and sourcing in these intermediate and heavy gauges where many secondary dealers have limited options.

Integrated Logistics

Rail transloading, warehousing, processing, and delivery all happen at our Atlanta facility. Material arrives, gets processed if needed, and ships out—without multiple handling steps or freight charges between locations.

Fast Turnaround

5-10 business days from PO to delivery including processing time. Our in-house capabilities eliminate the coordination delays common when working with brokers who outsource processing.

Atlanta Location

Central Southeast positioning provides one-day truck delivery to major manufacturing markets in Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, the Carolinas, and Florida. Interstate highway access (I-20, I-75, I-85) and Norfolk Southern rail connectivity enable efficient logistics.

Flexible Quantities

We can sell as little as 5,000 lbs in our specialty thicknesses—far smaller minimums than mills or most secondary dealers. This flexibility helps you buy what you need without excess inventory.

Material Specifications & Documentation

What You'll Receive:

Mill Test Reports (MTRs) – Original mill certifications showing chemical composition (carbon, manganese, silicon, etc.) and mill-reported mechanical properties. MTRs include heat numbers for full traceability.

Certified Test Reports – Laboratory test results from our mechanical testing showing yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation values specific to the coil you're purchasing.

Material Identification – Each coil includes labeling with:

  • Coil identification number

  • Material grade and specification

  • Thickness and width

  • Coil weight

  • Heat number

  • Your PO number and any custom identification

Processing Documentation – If material is slit or cut to length, we provide documentation of as-processed dimensions, actual weights, and any relevant processing notes.

This complete documentation package ensures you have full traceability and can verify material compliance with your internal specifications and quality systems.

Understanding Material Grades & Specifications

Secondary steel is available in all standard carbon steel grades. Here are the most common:

Hot Rolled Grades:

ASTM A36 – General structural steel with 36 ksi minimum yield strength. The most widely used structural grade for construction, equipment frames, and fabricated components.

ASTM A1011 Commercial Quality (CQ) – Hot rolled sheet steel for forming, bending, and welding. Lower carbon content than A36 provides better formability.

ASTM A1011 HSLA – High-Strength Low-Alloy steel grades (45, 50, 55, 60, 70 ksi) offering higher strength with good formability and weldability.

ASTM A572 – High-strength structural steel available in multiple grades (42, 50, 55, 60, 65 ksi) for structural applications.

Pickled & Oiled Grades:

ASTM A1008 Commercial Steel (CS) – Cold rolled or pickled & oiled steel for exposed parts, drawing applications, and where surface finish matters.

ASTM A1008 Drawing Quality (DQ) – Excellent formability for deep drawing and severe forming operations.

Galvanized Specifications:

ASTM A653 – Galvanized sheet steel available in multiple grades (Commercial, Structural, etc.) and coating weights (G40, G60, G90).

Coating Weights Explained:

  • G40 = 0.40 oz/ft² of zinc coating (lighter coating, indoor/light exposure)

  • G60 = 0.60 oz/ft² (standard coating for moderate exposure)

  • G90 = 0.90 oz/ft² (heavy coating for maximum corrosion protection)

Cold Rolled Grades:

ASTM A1008 – Cold rolled sheet in various qualities (CS, DQ, DDQ) offering superior surface finish and tighter tolerances than hot rolled.

When ordering secondary steel, specify the grade or provide mechanical property requirements (minimum yield, minimum tensile) and we'll source material meeting those specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions About Secondary Steel

What exactly is secondary steel?

Secondary steel is prime-quality material that didn't match the original customer's specific order parameters—often due to width, chemistry variations, or cosmetic issues—but performs identically to prime material in most applications. It's not defective or downgraded structurally; it simply didn't fit one customer's exact specifications.

How is secondary steel different from prime steel?

Mechanically and structurally, there's typically no difference. Secondary steel meets the same ASTM specifications and grade requirements. The differences are usually dimensional (off-width), chemical (slight chemistry variation within acceptable ranges), or cosmetic (surface marks that don't affect performance). Once processed to your specs, secondary steel performs like prime steel.

Is secondary steel safe for structural applications?

Absolutely. Secondary steel meets the same structural grade requirements as prime material. We mechanically test coils to verify yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation meet specifications. Mill test reports show chemistry complies with grade standards. The material is safe and code-compliant for structural use.

Why is secondary steel less expensive than prime?

Mills and brokers price secondary material lower because it needs to move quickly and may not fit standard mill ordering channels. This creates value opportunities for buyers who can use the material despite minor differences from typical prime specifications. You're getting the same performance at better pricing.

What thicknesses do you specialize in?

We specialize in intermediate and heavy gauges, particularly 11 gauge (~0.120"), 10 gauge (~0.135"), 7 gauge (~0.179"), and 3 gauge (~0.239"). These correspond roughly to 1/8", 3/16", and 1/4" thicknesses. We source secondary material in all thicknesses from .050" to .375", but have the strongest availability and smallest minimums in these specialty ranges.

What's the minimum quantity I can purchase?

In our specialty gauges (11, 10, 7, 3 gauge / 1/8", 3/16", 1/4" range), we can often sell as little as 5,000 lbs—perfect for specific projects or testing applications. For other thicknesses, minimums are typically full coils ranging from 25,000-45,000 lbs depending on gauge and width.

Do you have secondary steel in stock or do you source it per order?

Both. We maintain inventory of commonly requested secondary material, particularly in our specialty gauges. We also have an extensive network of mill and broker contacts allowing us to source specific material when you have unique requirements. Contact us with your needs and we'll check current inventory and sourcing options.

Can you slit or cut secondary steel before delivery?

Yes, this is one of our key differentiators. We can slit secondary coils to your exact width specifications or cut them to length sheets. This processing capability means you can take advantage of secondary pricing on wide coils and receive finished product in your exact specifications. Processing typically adds 3-5 days to lead time.

How quickly can you deliver secondary steel?

5-10 business days for in-stock material, or material we can source quickly from our network. If processing (slitting or cut-to-length) is required, add 3-5 days. This is significantly faster than typical mill lead times of 4-8+ weeks for prime orders.

Do you provide mill test reports for secondary steel?

Yes, we provide original mill test reports (MTRs) showing chemical composition and mill certifications. We also provide certified test reports from our mechanical testing showing yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation values specific to your coil. This gives you complete documentation and traceability.

What kind of mechanical testing do you perform?

We test most coils for yield strength (stress at which material begins permanent deformation), tensile strength (maximum stress before breaking), and elongation (ductility/formability). These three properties determine how material will perform in your application. Test results are documented in certified reports we provide with shipment.

Can I use secondary steel for painted or powder-coated parts?

Absolutely. Secondary hot rolled black or HRPO is excellent for parts that will be painted or powder-coated, as the coating covers any minor surface cosmetics. Galvanized secondary works well for parts requiring corrosion protection before or instead of painting.

What if the secondary material doesn't work for my application?

Before purchasing, we discuss your application requirements and evaluate available material for suitability. Our mechanical testing verifies material meets performance specs. However, if material doesn't work as expected, contact us immediately—we work with customers to find solutions, whether that's processing adjustments, material replacement, or credit toward future orders.

How does secondary steel pricing compare to prime?

Secondary steel is priced below prime material, with the exact discount depending on material type, thickness, market conditions, and the specific reasons material is classified as secondary. The value proposition is consistent: significant cost savings while maintaining equivalent performance for most applications.

Do you source secondary steel from imports?

No, we source exclusively from domestic U.S. mills and domestic brokers. This ensures material traceability, consistent quality standards, compliance with U.S. specifications, and reliable documentation. All material can be traced back to domestic steel production.

What does "un-allocated steel" mean?

Un-allocated steel is material that wasn't allocated to a specific customer order. It may be mill overruns (extra tonnage produced above order quantities), cancelled orders, or material produced speculatively. It's prime-quality steel that simply needs a buyer. Un-allocated, secondary, and excess are often used interchangeably in the industry.

Can you remove edge defects from secondary coils?

Yes, edge defects within the trim zone are completely removed during our slitting process. We trim the edges and slit the coil to your exact widths, eliminating edge waves, edge cracks, camber, or other edge issues. The finished slit coils have clean edges and are indistinguishable from prime material.

What industries typically use secondary steel?

Construction (structural framing, base plates), heavy equipment manufacturing (frames, brackets), agricultural equipment (implements, trailers), HVAC (ductwork, especially heavier gauges), tube mills (pipe production), fabrication shops (custom parts), and metal service centers (value-priced inventory). Essentially any application where mechanical performance matters more than cosmetic perfection.

Why not just buy prime steel from a mill?

Three reasons: cost savings (secondary is priced below prime), speed (5-10 days vs 4-8 weeks mill lead time), and flexibility (smaller minimums, no need to commit to full mill orders). If you don't need absolutely perfect cosmetics and can use material with minor variations, secondary steel delivers equivalent performance with these advantages.

How do I know what width I'll receive if the coil is off-width?

When material is off-width, we can either: (1) sell you the master coil at its actual width if that works for your needs, or (2) slit it to your exact required widths, trimming edges as needed. We always confirm dimensions before processing and shipping to ensure you receive exactly what you need.

Can you deliver nationwide or only in the Southeast?

We deliver throughout the Southeast (Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida) using our truck fleet. For destinations outside this region, we coordinate shipments with trusted common carriers to deliver nationwide. Our Atlanta location provides efficient logistics access throughout the country.

Request a Quote for Secondary Steel

Ready to save on your next steel order? Contact Collier Metals today to discuss your material requirements.

Phone: (404) 522-2405
Email: sales@colliermetals.com
Request a Quote Online →

Collier Metals
793 Windsor Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30315

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