As you're searching for salvage trailers for sale, you’ve likely come across the terms scrap and salvage. While the term salvage is probably well known, when it comes to looking for salvage trailers, understanding the difference between the two is important. Our experts at Heavy Salvage have put together this guide to help you navigate the difference between scrap and salvage when it comes to buying a commercial grade trailer. 

What is a Scrap Trailer? 

Trailers that are categorized as scrap have either reached the end of their life, or have been damaged beyond repair. Most trailers deemed as scrap are only good for the parts and materials that make up the trailer. When used for scrap metal, trailers are only worth the price of the metal used to make them, making it easier to recycle the scrap trailer. 

Because scrap trailers cannot be restored to working condition, most people buy them in hopes of using the parts and materials to rebuild a commercial vehicle. For those looking for scrap trailers for sale, it’s most often to buy the parts and materials of the trailer to use rather than the trailer as a whole. 

When it comes to buying scrap, check to be sure that the scrap yard you are buying from is licensed. Ideally, you’ll want to buy your trailer from a reputable scrap recycling center that is licensed and in compliance with state and local regulations. 

What is a Salvage Trailer?

If a trailer is deemed as salvage it has usually been in an accident or damaged and the repair cost outweigh its market value. This normally happens when an insurance company writes off the vehicle as unrepairable.

The threshold for what is considered damaged beyond repair varies by state. Some of the more common reasons why a trailer might be considered salvage is accident-related or weather damage. In some cases, salvage trailers are in better condition than one may think, but their negative reputation can reduce their market value. 

When it comes to looking for salvage trailers for sales, one of the benefits is that salvage trailers have the ability to return to working condition. While there are varying conditions to salvage, many times all it takes are some repairs to restore the trailer back to its former glory. 

Scrap vs. Salvage

The main difference between salvage and scrap is that salvage has the potential to be repaired and returned to working order. Whereas scrap trailers can not be restored and are sold for their materials and parts. When it comes to looking for salvage trailers for sale, choosing to buy between a scrap yard or salvage auction depends on your needs. If you’re looking for a project to rebuild over time, a scrap yard is a great place to get parts and materials for your trailer at a low cost. However, if you are looking to get something on the road in a timely manner, buying a salvage trailer is a great way to get started. 

Buy Your Salvage Trailer with Heavy Salvage

Heavy Salvage offers the industry’s most trusted system of buying and selling transportation salvage. We specialize in connecting verified buyers to certified sellers of wrecked or salvaged semi-trucks, trailers, equipment or other heavy duty specialty vehicles with insurance companies and certified sellers. Check out hundreds of certified heavy salvage today.