What is lead time in metal supply?

Lead time is the time between placing an order and receiving the material. For service centers, lead times range from same-day (stock items) to 6+ weeks (mill orders or specialty alloys).

Related Terms

Metal Service Center

A metal service center is a distributor that buys metal in large quantities from mills and resells it in smaller quantities with value-added processing such as cutting, sawing, and slitting.

Request for Quote(RFQ)

An RFQ (Request for Quote) is a document a buyer sends to suppliers asking for pricing on a specific material, quantity, and specification. It is the standard first step in B2B metal purchasing.

Minimum Order Quantity(MOQ)

Minimum order quantity (MOQ) is the smallest amount a supplier will sell in a single order. Metal service centers may set MOQs by weight (e.g., 100 lbs) or dollar value.

A steel distributor purchases steel from mills and resells it to manufacturers, fabricators, and machine shops. Also called a steel service center, they stock common grades and sizes for fast delivery.

← All Glossary Terms Request a Quote

Need a custom quote? Tell us what you need.

Request a Quote →