By trade
Empty reels for utility and line contractors
Utility work runs on large reels. Overhead conductor and underground primary come on nailed-wood reels five feet across and more, and heavy conductor on steel reels that the manufacturer bills and expects back.
Large nailed-wood reels
Southwire's "A" series nailed reels for bare aluminium and ACSR run from 30 to 68 in in its chart. These are sizes take-back programs and refurbishers handle. Service Wire's program covers 30 to 72 in flanges of its own reels.
Steel reels with money on them
Southwire's steel reels, from 60 in to over 150 in, are "returnable, charges required." The charge is credited if the reel comes back within 12 months. Log serials and request returns in writing. See steel reel returns.
Wider than a van
A standard dry van is about 98 in wide inside, so any reel with a bigger flange can't stand on its flange inside one. Plan a flatbed for those. AFL notes that Sonoco sends either a 53 ft van or a 48 ft flatbed.
Laydown yards close
Storm work and line rebuilds stage reels at temporary yards. Clear them while the yard is still open and reachable by a truck, before the lease ends.
Programs that usually apply
| Program | Reels accepted | Minimum | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwire | Southwire reels. Steel reels carry a reel charge that is credited when the reel is returned within 12 months. Southwire's CableTech chart lists its wooden reels as non-returnable with no deposit. | Not stated. | Credit on return |
| Okonite | Okonite steel reels, identified by the reel number on the red Okonite steel reel tag. | Not stated. | Not stated |
| Service Wire | Service Wire labelled reels only, compartmental reels included. Other manufacturers' reels are not eligible. | Full truckload of Service Wire reels. | Free |
| Sonoco EcoReel | Used wooden and polyfiber reels and spools that are viable for reuse. The page does not limit it to one cable brand. | Truckloads, from a single load to an ongoing supply. | Free |
Read next: Reading reel stencils and NR/RM codes.
Questions
Who owns a steel conductor reel?
Usually the manufacturer or the distributor that billed the reel charge. The serial number and the invoice tell you which.
What if the reel is too big for a van?
Reels with flanges over about 98 in can't stand on flange in a dry van. They go on a flatbed. Say so in the pickup request.
Clear the rest in one pickup
Brands short of a minimum, unlabelled reels and reels that fail inspection.