new member

Hello,
I just joined so I could learn a little more about something I know very little about. We work with insurance companies to help them determine fair value on vehicles going through salvage auctions. Many of those vehicles are rebuilt or repaired, we have a pretty good handle on what those vehicles should go for at auction. But there are thousands that we know go to scrappers...either on junk title, or because they are so damaged any repairs don't make sense. Many of those cars are parted out...with the rest being sold to scrap yards. We kind of have a pretty good handle on most of those. But we frequently see things that just hit that gray area. I have one now...looking for feedback. It is a 2022 48' Timpte hopper/grain truck. It is a rollover...pics show some frame damage, crossbeam support damage, damage to the walls (bowing) and some twisting. This unit should probably not be repaired...and I suspect most folks would not try. We try to put a fair value on it...understanding that whoever buys it has to make some money too...but we don't often see such new pieces go through auction. I know scrap prices don't care if it is new or old aluminum...but I'm wondering about axles etc. This unit is currently in Syracuse KS...not yet at the salvage yard, and not set for auction. But what is a reasonable expectation for such trucks. One of my recent grain truck rollovers that went to scrap was a 2017 (ins company paid owner 17K) and it sold for 2300. I just had one go through Dallas area that had a cash value (what the insurance company paid) of 27493. It was a rollover, but did not appear as damaged in the pics...it sold for 6000. It may not have gone the scrap route...we don't always know who buys them.
Any input would be helpful. We also see lots of heavy farm equipment...lots of total burns this time of year, but lots of metal. Transport costs kill those returns...but if you are in the area (we watch cars for a number of companies, all over the country)...who knows.



I should add that we do not own the units...so I am no trying to sell anything, I'm just trying to better understand your side of the market.. We are consultants to these insurance companies and help them maximize returns at salvage auctions. All units are sold through one of the largest auto salvage auction companies in the country. The insurance companies own them (they pay the owner and get the units titled in the name of the insurance company so they can sell them. They contract with us to put minimums on the units and approve or decline bids.