Reels · types
Returnable cable reels
A returnable cable reel is one the maker expects back, usually a steel reel billed with a charge or deposit that is credited on return; a one-way reel is yours once the cable is gone. The tag, the stencil and the invoice tell you which you have, and reading them before a pickup keeps a returnable reel from being sold by mistake.
From the reel desk · Checked 9 November 2026
Two kinds of reel
Returnable. The maker owns the reel, or charges for it and credits the charge when it comes back. Southwire's steel reels work this way: each carries a charge on the invoice, credited only if the reel is returned within 12 months of shipment.
One-way. The reel is part of the packaging and is not expected back. Southwire lists its wooden reels as non-returnable, no deposit required. Once the cable is off, the reel is the buyer's to sell, reuse or recycle.
Most wooden reels in this region are one-way and most steel reels are returnable. But "most" is not "all", which is why the tag and invoice matter.
Reading the evidence
- The tag. Southwire's cable tags list the maker, product, footage, gross, tare and net weights, stock number, operator and date of manufacture. A deposit or return label is usually separate.
- The stencil. The maker's name and reel number on the flange. An S-series number on a Southwire reel means steel.
- The code. Aluminum Association codes on metal reels: RM for returnable metal reel, RMT for returnable metal reel with I-beam tires, NR for non-returnable.
- The serial number. Returnable reels carry one, on a plate or stamped into the rim. The return paperwork asks for it.
- The invoice. A reel charge or deposit line is the clearest sign of all. Ask whoever bought the cable.
Why it matters at pickup
A returnable reel sold or scrapped by mistake costs whoever was billed for it: the reel charge, and sometimes a damage charge. On a big job that can be many reels. The desk does not take returnable reels; its drivers leave any reel with a return code, serial plate or deposit tag, and note it.
Returning one
Follow the maker's process. Southwire's steel policy asks for notice by email, the website or the app, with the consignee, date shipped, reel invoice number and serial numbers, and says reels may not be sent back without its consent. Its reel-data page links a Reel Pick-Up Request form. Start before the credit window closes.
The four programs side by side
| Rule | Sonoco EcoReel | AFL | Service Wire | Southwire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Which reels | Viable nailed wood and polyfiber | Nailed wood; other brands possibly | Service Wire labelled only | Steel (returnable); wooden reels are one-way |
| Plywood | Not named | No | No (nailed only) | One-way, no deposit |
| Flange range | 36 to 96 in in its load table | 30 in and up | 30 to 72 in | Steel 60 to 158 in |
| Load | Full truckload | Full truckload | Full truckload | Per reel, with notice |
| Cost to you | Free pickup | Free pickup through Sonoco | Not stated | Charge credited within 12 months |
Handling, in short
- Roll only on firm, level ground, pushing from behind the reel, and in the direction of any arrow painted on the flange.
- Chock both flanges every time a reel stands on its rims, front and back.
- Stay uphill. Nobody stands in the path a reel would take if it got away.
- Lift with forks long enough to reach under both flanges, or with a shaft through the arbor hole and a spreader bar so the slings clear the flanges.
- Never drop a reel off a tailgate or a dock edge. A cracked flange turns a reusable reel into scrap.
- Store on rims, on drained gravel or pavement, with walkways between rows. Lay small reels flat only where stacks stay square and low.
- Keep paper with steel. Serial numbers and invoices travel with any returnable reel until its maker has it back.
The details: moving reels, storing reels, readying a pickup.
What to put in a request
- Count and measure. Count the reels and measure the largest flange edge to edge across the face. A photo with the tape in it is better than a guess.
- Check the build. Nailed lumber, plywood sheet, steel or plastic. Look for a stencil or tag naming the maker and the reel number.
- Set aside steel and tagged returnables with their serial numbers. Those go back to the maker, not to the desk.
- Say where they stand: yard, dock, garage level, alley or curb, plus clearance, gate hours, badging or escort a driver needs.
- Say what loads them: forklift, pallet jack, loader, ramp, or only people. Reels over 42 inches weigh more than 100 lb empty.
- Say how often: one time, weekly, monthly or at each job close-out.
- Buying instead? Give the flange and height you want, how many, and how the reel gets from the truck to where it will sit.
- No form handy? Email info@dcwoodenspools.com with the same details and a few photos.
Sources
Each opened and read on 9 November 2026.
- Southwire, Reel Packaging Information (CableTech Support): reel series, wooden reel dimensions and weights, steel reel dimensions and charges, tag contents; cites NEMA WC26
- Southwire, Steel Reel Policy: steel reels carry a charge, credited if returned within 12 months of shipment
- Southwire, Reels: Packaging and Returns: ships on steel and wooden reels; reel return program; Reel Pick-Up Request form