Looking To Find Better Scrap Prices?
You may have considered driving for better scrap prices in your area. But before you do that, is it worth it?
Worth It To Drive For Better Scrap Prices?
Over the years, we have asked many scrappers if they are willing to travel to sell their scrap metal for better prices. The answer varies depending on where they live in the country, but most of the time, it is “Yes.”
Some people who live in remote areas such as Alaska or Hawaii have difficulty finding scrap yards that provide some of the prices reported through the iScrap App or even close to National Averages. One reason is that the trucking costs to get things from far away and desolate places outweigh some other expenses.
Yes, But How Far?
We asked how far they were willing to travel or how much extra money they would travel for before making the trek with their materials. Most scrappers aim to make at least an average of $75 extra when they travel for better scrap prices. Also, the consensus is that the extra time should be no more than 2 hours.
Goal: Make $75 More & Travel Less Than 2 Hours
Because they want to make that much extra money, they will generally sell non-ferrous metals such as copper, brass, or aluminum. Otherwise, they would have the capacity to haul a lot of steel, like a trailer or box truck, to make it worthwhile.
Other Options? Mailing Scrap Metal…
Depending on the material, some scrap yards and companies accept mailed material and will pay once it’s received. We have talked to some scrappers who have mailed things out in the past after researching companies and calling/emailing the scrap yards ahead of time to confirm that they will accept the material. That is an excellent idea if you research the company through Google reviews and directly reach out to the scrap yards.
Mailing Catalytic Converters is Popular
If you want to sell catalytic converters, you can try going through www.RRCats.com, and you will be able to sell your converters after requesting your price quote. Many scrap yards don’t pay fair prices on catalytic converters, so this is a great way to earn more money than you would by selling it to the local scrap yard. Give them a try and tell them that the iScrap App sent you!
Many other scrap companies will buy your material (like e-scrap) through the mail, but before you do, we always recommend reading their online reviews before you commit to selling. You can also consider doing an experiment and having a trial period by sending/selling smaller amounts before moving into full shipping mode.
Third-Parties Will Pick Up your Scrap
We have talked to some people who sell larger amounts of scrap metal, such as Carbide or multiple catalytic converters, and use third-party carriers or arrange them through their buyer to move their catalytic converters. We have also talked to different scrappers that have sold larger amounts of copper and had it picked up in large boxes or barrels through third-party companies.
Steps for Shipping Scrap Through A Third Party:
- Document your box before wrapping it up.
- Weigh your material on a scale (and take a picture of it).
- Shrinkwrap and use bands to tie up your boxes very tightly.
- Documents. Documents. Documents. Do not let your material leave without confirmation paperwork.
How much money makes it worth it to travel?
As we mentioned earlier, many people told us they needed to make at least $75 extra to warrant a longer drive. Some people will work for an extra $25-$30 but schedule dropping off their scrap with another errand or work that they have in that area. These things will depend on your demands and requirements when selling your scrap metal.
We have often found that people save up their nonferrous and contact a scrap yard that might be a little further away to make a few extra dollars.
