Cold rolled steel (CR steel) is a high-precision flat steel product made by further processing hot-rolled steel through a series of cold reduction mills. The result is a smoother surface, tighter thickness tolerances, and enhanced mechanical properties. Cold rolled coils are widely used in industries such as automotive, appliance manufacturing, furniture, and precision metal parts.
For companies needing large-volume procurement, such as a 200-ton bulk order, it’s essential to understand not just base prices, but also value-added services, freight costs, and regional supply dynamics. This article explores current Midwest pricing, supplier advantages, and purchasing tips for cold rolled steel in bulk.
What Is Cold Rolled Steel Coil?
Cold-rolled steel is produced by taking hot rolled coil and passing it through rollers at room temperature to reduce thickness and improve surface finish. It is not galvanized or coated, making it suitable for applications requiring smooth, clean steel for post-processing like painting or stamping.
Characteristics:
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Uniform thickness and flatness
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Excellent surface finish
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Higher strength than hot rolled steel
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Available in various grades (e.g., ASTM A1008, SAE 1010, CQ, DQ)
Midwest Pricing Snapshot – Cold Rolled Coil (CRC)
As of July 2025, Midwest service centers and mills are quoting the following base prices:
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Cold Rolled Steel Coil (CRC): $1,051 per short ton
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Price Range: $1,030 – $1,060 per short ton, depending on gauge, width, and supplier
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FOB Midwest Mills or Warehouses
These prices represent standard thickness coils, typically 16–20 gauge, in standard commercial quality (CQ) or drawing quality (DQ).
For 200-ton orders, volume discounts of $10–$30 per ton are common depending on terms and supplier relationship.
Bulk Pricing – 200 Ton Order Estimate
Base Price (After Discount)
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Estimated volume rate: $1,020 per ton (FOB Midwest)
Total Material Cost
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200 tons × $1,020 = $204,000
Additional Costs
| Item | Estimated Rate | Total for 200 Tons |
|---|---|---|
| Freight (regional) | $15–$25/ton | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Slitting / Cutting | $10–$15/ton (if needed) | $2,000–$3,000 |
| Packaging / Skids | $3–$5/ton | $600–$1,000 |
Total Delivered Cost Estimate:
$209,000 – $213,000 for 200 tons of cold rolled coil delivered to a Midwest location.
Per-Pound Cost:
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1 short ton = 2,000 lbs
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$1,020/ton = $0.51/lb, not including freight or processing
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Delivered: $0.52–$0.535/lb
Midwest Supply Chain Advantage
The Midwest is home to many domestic mills and service centers. For 200-ton orders, using local suppliers offers several key benefits:
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Faster Lead Times – Orders can often be fulfilled within 5–10 business days.
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Lower Freight Costs – Central location minimizes shipping expense across the U.S.
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Better Inventory Access – Most centers stock common gauges and grades for quick dispatch.
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Custom Processing – Midwest processors can slit, cut, and edge-trim to spec.
Market Trend: Cold Rolled Steel in 2025
Recent Market Movement
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CRC pricing peaked above $1,200/ton in early 2024 during global supply chain disruptions.
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By mid-2025, CRC prices have moderated to ~$1,050/ton, thanks to stable domestic supply and reduced global demand pressures.
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CRC remains $180–$200/ton higher than HRC, reflecting added processing costs and tighter tolerances.
Futures & Forecasts
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U.S. HRC futures have remained flat to slightly upward in Q2 2025.
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CRC prices are expected to remain in the $1,000–1,080/ton range through late 2025 unless tariffs or major mill outages occur.
Key Suppliers in the Midwest
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Phoenix Steel Service (Michigan)
Offers cold rolled coils in commercial and drawing quality grades with custom slitting and leveling. -
Premium Steel Sales (Ohio)
Bulk delivery from Midwest warehouses. Specializes in full truckload quantities and steel coil logistics. -
Midwest Steel & Aluminum (Minnesota)
Provides cold rolled coil and sheet with local pickup and LTL shipping across the region. -
Ryerson (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio)
Nationwide processor with multiple Midwest warehouses. Offers steel contract pricing and logistics coordination.
When ordering 200 tons, it’s best to get quotes from 3–5 suppliers, specifying delivery terms, gauge, width, and finish requirements.
Typical Coil Specs for 200-Ton Orders
| Specification | Range |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 0.3 mm – 3.0 mm (11–28 gauge) |
| Width | 36” – 60” (custom slitting optional) |
| Grades | CQ, DQ, HSLA, ASTM A1008 |
| Coil ID | 20” or 24” common |
| Coil Weight | 10,000–20,000 lbs each |
| Surface Finish | Matte or smooth |
| Edge Options | Mill edge, deburred, slit edge |
Tips for Buying Cold Rolled Steel in Bulk
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Request Full Specifications
Clarify required gauge, width, finish, coil ID, and packaging. -
Choose Domestic or Import Based on Urgency
Imports may be cheaper but can take 8–12 weeks. Midwest mills offer 1–3 week delivery for common items. -
Ask About Secondary or Excess Stock
Some service centers offer excess CRC at a 5–10% discount, ideal for non-aesthetic applications. -
Negotiate Value-Added Services
Slitting, edge trimming, paper interleaving, and oiling may be offered at reduced rates for large orders. -
Explore Contract Pricing
If buying 200 tons regularly, a quarterly or annual steel supply agreement can stabilize pricing and ensure availability.
Comparison: Cold Rolled vs. Other Coil Products
| Product Type | Approx. Price (July 2025) | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Rolled Coil | $867/ton | Cheapest, rougher surface |
| Cold Rolled Coil | $1,051/ton | Smoother, tighter tolerances |
| Galvanized Coil | $1,013/ton | Rust-resistant, added zinc layer |
| Electro-Galv. | ~$1,090–1,130/ton | Cleaner surface, thinner zinc |
Cold rolled steel offers the best balance between strength, formability, and surface quality—making it ideal for structural and stamped parts.
Final Thoughts
For buyers looking to procure 200 tons of cold rolled steel coil in the Midwest, current pricing is around $1,020/ton FOB, with delivered cost ranging from $209,000 to $213,000 depending on location and processing.
Midwest suppliers provide a reliable, cost-effective supply chain with custom processing and fast delivery. Cold rolled steel remains a core material for precision parts and is holding steady in pricing through 2025.
For best results:
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Compare 3–5 supplier quotes
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Specify exact coil specs and services
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Lock in pricing if long-term volumes are expected
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Monitor HRC and CRC futures trends to anticipate cost changes