We see so many people scrapping cars and posting pictures through one of the many Facebook groups out there—it’s nuts! Cars are one of the easiest and definitely one of the most common items to scrap, and that should not be surprising, considering they are everywhere!
A lot of people try to figure out where the value of cars comes from and how sometimes they are worth more than normal Light Iron. There are so many reasons to like scrapping cars. The thing is, it is not always easy to know how to move them and cash out efficiently on them.
We are going to discuss (in a few different posts) some of the best ideas that we have found while scrapping and talking to scrappers.
Suggested Reading: Face It, Your Car Is Ready For Scrap Heaven
Moving Cars – Different Options for Scrapping
Since 2010, the average car weighs about 4,000 pounds (it was about 3,200 pounds back in 1987; that’s a 25% increase…hooray for more scrap!), and that 4,000 pounds would be worth a whopping $350 or so dollars in scrap (up and down of course, but let’s go with $350). That $350 value is only based on the price of the scrap of the car, not the overall value of the parts, the catalytic converters, and other parts, but none of that matters unless you can move them quickly.
We have talked to many scrappers with different ideas, from using tow trucks to driving the car directly to the scrap yards. So here are a few ideas on maximizing the transportation costs of scrapping a car, truck, or any vehicle.
Scrap Car Towing
This is one of the easiest options due to the tools on the tow truck, namely the winch and pulling ability of the sliding body. Tow trucks are all over the place, but unless you own one, they can be expensive to hire to scrap a car. An average tow truck will cost about $100 within 10-20 miles, and often a hell of a lot more if in a major city or if the haul is much further mileage-wise.
If you are one of those guys or girls who owns a tow truck, this can make your scrapping life much easier because you can absorb part of the towing cost of hiring someone and just do it yourself.
You have to think that the towing company or the individual who owns that tow truck has to be able to cover wear and tear, fuel costs, and profit, and $100-200 is not a far cry from what it should or will cost you when getting that car towed.
Drive It In
We have heard many stories about people picking up still-running vehicles and driving them right into the scrap yard themselves. One problem with that is whether or not the cars are registered. We know that many of you may take the chance and drive it yourself, but we never like the idea of doing something that could get you in trouble (and that would hurt the value of that sweet scrap car after you pay the toll!!!).
Buy A Car Trailer
There are used car trailers out there that can hold an entire car for about $1500-2000, or you can buy a new one for $2500+, depending on the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating).
You could even get a winch there to make your life easier when scrapping. While buying a trailer may not be the best option, it is a great tool, especially if you plan on doing a lot of scrap cars or trucks!
13500 lb. Load Capacity Electric Winch. 2 in 1 Wireless Remote
- Aluminum Fairlead - for abrasion and rust resistance
- Synthetic Rope - For lightweight and strength.
- IP66 waterproof rating.
Partnering w/Scrap Yards
Some scrap yards offer towing services and will not charge as much for towing a car or truck because they will be able to make money on the scrap. These scrap yards will likely want to take some money off for the tow, but we have heard that it is sometimes half as much as hiring a typical tow truck would be.
Some scrap yards will even waive the towing fee within 10-15 miles, especially if that scrap yard is also an auto wrecker. You have to figure that they would want to have more parts and vehicles on hand for people to buy parts off of, and this would be a great option to find and partner up with.
Scrapping cars is always great, but don’t forget that the transportation and logistics costs are always going to be higher than for normal scrap like aluminum cans, computer towers, or copper, and that’s because, well, cars are just bigger!
