When a structural steel fabrication project goes live, confusion over who handles delivery, installation, and liability can cost you thousands in delays and disputes. The divide between a fabricator's responsibilities and yours—or your contractor's—isn't always clear, and contracts often leave dangerous grey areas. This guide breaks down exactly who does what, so you can avoid costly surprises.
The Fabricator's Typical Scope
Most structural steel fabricators handle everything up to the jobsite gate. This includes cutting, welding, painting, and quality inspection of steel members according to your engineered drawings. They'll produce shop drawings, perform weld testing, and prepare material cut lists—all activities that happen in their facility.
Delivery to the jobsite is where things split. Many fabricators offer delivery as an add-on service, typically charging $1.50–$3.50 per mile for haul distances beyond 100 miles, plus loading fees. For local jobs within 50 miles, expect a flat delivery fee ranging from $500 to $2,500 depending on load size and complexity. Some fabricators own their own fleet; others contract with specialized steel haulers.
Your Responsibility as the Buyer
Before signing a contract, you need to decide: are you paying the fabricator to deliver, or are you arranging your own truck? This choice affects timeline, budget, and insurance.
If you're contracting delivery through the fabricator:
- Confirm they carry cargo insurance (liability and cargo damage)
- Ask for a specific delivery window, not just "within two weeks"
- Ensure the contract states whether delivery includes unloading, or if that's extra
- Budget an additional 10–15% on the quoted fabrication price
If you're arranging your own hauler:
- Get three quotes from flatbed trucking companies; typical rates run $2–$4 per mile for structural steel loads
- Confirm the hauler is licensed to carry oversize/overweight loads (many steel shipments require permits)
- Request a certificate of insurance showing your project as an additional insured
- Schedule pickup with the fabricator at least one week in advance to allow staging
Installation: A Common Sticking Point
Here's where most disputes happen. Installation—bolting, welding, or otherwise connecting steel members on-site—is almost never the fabricator's job. That belongs to your general contractor, erection specialist, or steel erector.
The fabricator's role ends when steel is delivered and unloaded. They may provide field coordination (answering questions about member fit, bolt holes, or weld sequences), but they're not responsible for:
- Connecting members on-site
- Tolerances caused by existing building conditions or crane inaccuracy
- Weather delays during erection
- Damaged pieces discovered during installation (unless damage occurred in transit)
To clarify responsibility, your contract should state:
- Exact delivery location (which dock, which area of the site)
- Whether unloading is included or handled by a third party
- What constitutes acceptable condition upon delivery (visual inspection within 24 hours)
- Who pays for repairs if damage is found during erection
For a mid-size structural steel project—say, a 15,000-pound roof truss system—you're typically looking at $12,000–$25,000 in fabrication costs, $800–$2,500 in delivery, and $3,000–$8,000 in erection labor (this varies wildly by region and complexity).
Insurance and Liability
Don't assume the fabricator's insurance covers your site. Most fabricators carry general liability up to the jobsite boundary. Once steel arrives, your contractor's insurance and workers' compensation take over.
Request a certificate of insurance from the fabricator before work begins. Verify the policy covers transportation and that your project is named. If pieces are damaged in transit, the freight claim goes through the carrier's insurance, not the fabricator's—unless the damage resulted from negligent fabrication (warping, improper bundling).
Red Flags in Contracts
- "Delivery included" without specifying location or unloading
- No mention of inspection windows or damage reporting timelines
- Vague language about who arranges installation coordination
- Missing insurance requirements or proof of coverage
If you're comparing fabricators, Mercoly lets you review terms side-by-side and find providers in your region who clearly define these responsibilities upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who pays if steel arrives damaged because of poor wrapping or bundling? A: The fabricator is liable if damage results from their negligent packing. File a damage claim with the fabricator and their insurance within 24 hours of delivery; document everything with photos.
Q: Can I hire the fabricator's erection crew to install the steel? A: Some fabricators have sister erection companies or trusted subcontractors they'll recommend, but it's not standard. Separate the scope in your contract—fabrication is separate from erection.
Q: What if the fabricator quotes "F.O.B. Fabrication Plant"? A: This means you own the steel and arrange transportation from the moment it leaves the shop. You handle all logistics costs and insurance during transit.
Start with a clear contract that spells out every handoff point—fabricator to truck, truck to site, site to erection crew.