Lafayette Auto Parts And Metal Recyclers

Net vs Gross ton? What's the difference?

There is some confusion in the industry right now. Some scrap buying places have gone to using a "Gross ton", which is based off of a 2,240# ton, instead of the standard 2,000# ton. What does that mean to you?

If you are selling scrap to a place that uses Gross ton, you need to have 2,240# to actually get their per ton price. Why do they do this? So they can offer a "Higher" per price ton than places (Like us) that use an honest "Net" ton of 2,000#

Let's look at some real numbers...  Say we are paying $200 a net ton, and "Place B" is offering $225 a gross ton.  You take in a load of scrap metal that weighs 2,000# (For simplicity sake). 

At Lafayette Auto Parts, you would receive $200 for your load. At Place B, you would receive $200 also, even though they are advertising paying $225. That's where they get you, by using a 2,240# ton! Legal? Sure... Ethical? You decide!  But if they are trying to confuse you about this, what else are they trying to pull on you? 

So when you are comparing prices, make sure you are comparing apples to apples, NOT apples to oranges! We use an honest NET 2,000# ton at Lafayette Auto Parts. Make sure when somewhere offers more per ton, it is net, not gross. Easy way to remember which way you want, is Gross is GROSS!!!