Whether you’re managing a major infrastructure project or just need a few joints for repairs, ordering steel pipe shouldn’t be a guessing game. The more details you share upfront, the smoother your order will go.
At Frank Black Pipe & Supply Co., we’ve spent decades helping customers get the right pipe, on time and on spec. These five keys will help you order with confidence, avoid costly delays, and make sure the steel you buy is exactly what your project requires.
1. Specify the End Use or Application
Before you pick up the phone or send an order, be clear about what the pipe will be used for. Is it going into a pressure system, serving as a structural support, or being used for culverts, fencing, or piling?
The intended application determines which grade, wall thickness, and certification level you’ll need. Knowing this helps your supplier recommend the right product and prevents you from paying for a higher grade than necessary or getting material that won’t pass inspection.
2. Provide Complete Information
When it comes to steel pipe, details matter. The more specific you can be, the better your supplier can match inventory to your needs. Here’s the information you should always include with your order:
- Size: Outside Diameter (OD) or Nominal Pipe Size (NPS)
- Wall Thickness or Schedule (e.g. Schedule 40, Schedule 80)
- Surface Condition: Bare or coated
- End Treatments: Plain ends, beveled, or threaded and coupled
- Joint Lengths: 20’, 40’, or random lengths
- Mid-Welds: Indicate if mid-welds are acceptable
- Grade: ASTM, API, or other applicable specification
- Certifications: Internal certification or mill certification required
Supplying complete and accurate details upfront means fewer follow-up calls, quicker quotes, and less chance of receiving the wrong material. It’s the simplest way to ensure your project keeps moving.
3. Know Whether Mill Test Reports Are Required
If your project calls for certified material, ask for mill test reports (MTRs) when you place your order. These documents verify the pipe’s chemical composition, mechanical properties, and manufacturing specifications—essential for applications that must meet ASTM or API standards.
For non-critical uses, such as culverts or fencing, MTRs might not be necessary. But if your engineer, inspector, or project owner requires them, your supplier needs to know in advance so the right documentation can be pulled, reviewed, and delivered with your order.
Bottom line: don’t assume, always confirm.
4. Clarify Logistics and Offloading Requirements
The job isn’t done when the truck leaves the yard—it’s done when the pipe is safely on the ground at your site. Providing accurate delivery information and logistics details helps avoid costly delays and safety issues.
A few key things to confirm:
- Delivery location: Provide the correct address, GPS coordinates if necessary, and any access restrictions.
- Offloading equipment: Make sure you have the proper machinery (crane, loader, or forklift) and experienced operators ready when the truck arrives.
- Timing: Communicate your delivery window clearly so our logistics team can plan accordingly.
Pipe deliveries can’t always be dropped curbside, and some sites have limited access or require special handling. Sharing this information early keeps everyone safe and on schedule.
5. Vet Your Supplier’s Inventory Claims
In today’s market, not every supplier has what they advertise. Before you commit to a purchase, make sure you’re working with a company that actually has the pipe on the ground and ready to ship.
At Frank Black Pipe & Supply Co., we back our word with one of the largest inventories in the region—over 16,000 tons of steel pipe, covering more than 1.3 million feet from ¼” NPS through 48” OD.
Need something bigger? We’ve got you covered there too. We can source pipe larger than 48” and even have it rolled to your custom size when needed.
When you call us, you’re not just talking to a broker—you’re talking to the people who have the material, the equipment, and the know-how to get it to your jobsite fast.
Order with Confidence
Ordering steel pipe doesn’t have to be complicated. By communicating your project details, certifications, and delivery needs up front, you’ll get the right material the first time, and keep your project on track.
At Frank Black Pipe & Supply Co., we combine decades of experience with a massive, well-maintained inventory to help customers make confident purchasing decisions every day.
Contact us today for pricing, availability, or to speak with a member of our sales team about your next order.