Do you weigh your scrap before you take it?

Don't you need a scale when you buy scrap? Thats the first point.

Also, when you prepare your packages of scrap to load a shipping container you should know their weights. I assume you would use gaylords for your packages of scrap? (Pallets with cardboard walls around them). Know the weight of the container so you know the weight of what is in it.

Knowing your weights is a big thing when you ship stuff around. It keeps the receiving people a little more honest, as they can't tell you that they received 1000kg when you know you shipped 1200 kg.



If you drive around picking up stuff you need a portable scale. Back at the shop, you might consider a scale big enough that you can weigh pallets of stuff, if you use a forklift to move stuff around.

To satisfy yourself that your scale is correct, you need to make sure it is clean around and under the scale at all times. Its surprising how quickly stuff will accumulate under a scale and block the movement of the scale deck. Ensure the scale deck is sitting solidly on all four corners and is level.

Make sure the scale will read zero when unloaded and have a test weight close to the upper end of the scale capacity that is easy to put on the scale. Make sure it reads the test weight properly. Do that once a day if you are using the scale constantly.

All of my discussion here is assuming you are using an electronic scale. If you happen onto an older balance beam type scale you need to account for the mechanical workings of the scale but the ideas are the same.

But, to answer your question about weights: trust no one. Know your weights. In Kg or lbs. If you must use tons, or tonnes, clarify with your buyer which type of ton it is....2000 lbs, 1000kg, 2200lbs, 2240 lb, etc. Don't get hosed by misunderstanding or confusion.

Jon.

PS--You probably have a lot to learn about shipping the stuff, too. International shipping to scrap yards in the US or elsewhere will be a whole other learning experience.

Thanks for all of the info,
Filling up a shipping container, would be a,most impossible (not only me storing the scrap, but also packing it in there...) I was aiming for a ball park of 5 tons. As a tester. I get about 535 lbs of copper tubing into one 50 gal drum, bronze is at 300lbs and drum isn't even a 1/4 full.... Brass just the same.

Think I'm going to invest in a ground scale, and a drum loader/carrier that way I can just wheel the drum onto the scale and deduct the weight of the drum from the number.

Appreciate all the insight.

i actually don't buy any of it, I ask around and do free haul always and "dumpster dive".

I was was actually going to use 50 gallon steel drums, that way they can get scrapped too, keeping my overheads down to a min. That and old aluminum fuel tanks. I work in a boat yard as a Mech, so I can get my hands on them.

And yes yes I have allot to learn...... So I really appreciate all this.