The Al-jon baler/logger thread got me thinking about this topic.

In my daydream business I'd be scrapping a couple hundred cars over a period of several months. In southern Ohio we're fortunate to have a number of large yards within close range paying around 260/ton for cars "as found" - only the tank needs to be punched. One in particular has a rail siding and shreds/bales on site. Another car only processor will pay $20/ton more for cars cleaned of interior upholstery and plastics. They flatten on site and truck them to another location (out of state?)

My initial thought was to rent a flattener and use it on site, then truck the carcasses to a buyer.

Is there more profit in shredding or baling on site then trucking it out?

Or is it easier/cheaper to take everything as-is to the closest processor and hopefully negotiate a little more per ton for the volume?



What about pulling engines (mostly iron), starters, alternators, etc to resell to core buyers? most of this stuff is pre-1985 so there may be less core value but perhaps higher value as vintage parts.

Just curious if you experienced guys can share your logic on the various methods and their cost/benefits.

My goal would be quick turnaround while making the best use of the assets each car offers.