Steel is prized for its core strengths – toughness, reliability and versatility. And Ricky Payne looked to capture those same strengths when he started Cold Steel Transport, an agency built around the movement of steel and energy-related freight throughout much of the southern United States.
With the backing of CRST’s freight agent support, Ricky and Cold Steel Transport have been able to deliver the right materials, on time, even with tough schedules and exacting requirements. This partnership has helped him build a business focused on service, accountability and long-term partnerships.
The business is in the name
The name Cold Steel Transport isn’t just branding – it reflects the company’s dual core focus, steel and refrigerated transport.
“We move steel,” Ricky says. “Primarily oilfield pipe and tubular steel. A lot of our freight moves through the southern corridor, especially around west Texas, and often includes full truckloads that require specialized handling and coordination.”
The agency also moves other types of freight when opportunities align. “We also handle refrigerated goods like health food drinks and other refrigerated or frozen products,” Ricky says. “Some of the first freight we moved was kombucha.”
Having a clear focus of business, while being broad enough for flexibility, allows Cold Steel Transport to serve a wider range of customers while maintaining expertise in their core market.
“We’re structured so we can efficiently manage both high-volume industrial freight and sensitive, time- and temperature critical shipments,” he says. “That’s our sweet spot.”
Building relationships that drive business
For Ricky, long-term success in freight isn’t just about capacity or pricing – it’s about trust. Developing strong relationships with customers and carriers – via consistent communication and dependable execution – has been a central part of how Cold Steel Transport grows its business.
Part of that is driven by a previous role Ricky had, as a shipper.
“I owned a recycling company before I became a broker,” he says. “I empathize with customers who are dealing with headaches, and I know how to watch out for landmines I’ve experienced before.”
That relationship-driven mindset is one of the factors Ricky believes sets his business apart.
That specialization has helped Cold Steel Transport develop strong relationships in industries where reliability matters and freight requirements can be highly specific.
Freight agent support: Why Cold Steel Transport partners with CRST
For Ricky, choosing the right partner was about finding a platform that could support his agency while still allowing him to build his business his way.
“CRST gives us the ability to compete at a national level while still maintaining the relationships that matter most to our customers,” he says.
Ricky cites four key reasons for choosing CRST:
- The partnership provides us with true asset-backed capabilities. Operating under a well-established MC with strong credit allows us to work with virtually any third-party carrier in the industry.”
- CRST is a recognized and trusted name, which increases carrier engagement on our freight and strengthens our position within the brokerage and carrier network.”
- With so many trucks available through CRST’s asset network, this relationship gives us access to significant capacity that many brokers simply do not have, particularly in tight or high-demand markets.
- CRST’s fully in-house billing infrastructure makes for a smoother experience for customers and carriers. All billing and accounts receivable functions are handled internally – no outsourcing, factoring or reliance on third-party insurance. This allows for faster issue resolution, greater accuracy and a higher level of control – and when adjustments or corrections are needed, they can be handled quickly and efficiently.
“It’s the best of both worlds,” Ricky explains. “We’re able to run our business the way we believe it should be run, but we also have the backing of a company with the resources and experience to support our growth.”
Ricky’s best advice
With 10 years in logistics, Ricky says he has had plenty of time to learn from experience and what works best.
“It’s all about the relationship,” he says. “If the company you’re working with isn’t working, don’t waste time on a bottomless pit. Move on, and start climbing the next mountain.”
Looking ahead
As Cold Steel Transport continues to grow, Ricky remains focused on expanding opportunities within the industries he knows best while continuing to build strong relationships with customers and carriers.
By combining industry focus, service-driven relationships and the backing of CRST’s national network, Cold Steel Transport is positioned to keep moving freight efficiently across the southern United States.
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