RECYCLING
Sustainability is not only a highlight of Our Values in Action as a part of Caterpillar – it is an action we take into account every day in the communities where we live and work – whether recycling end-of-life components, railroad materials or repowering or refurbishing a locomotive. We continuously examine ways to create innovative and sustainable products and improve our processes to maintain our standing as a rail industry leader.
Progress Rail has strong roots in recycling – in fact, our business was founded on it. While we have broadened our industry expertise to cover the entire rail value chain, recycling is still the heartbeat of our company. Our ability to safely recycle material while extending the life of viable components allows us to provide incremental value for your scrap metal. Our global reach provides direct access to steel mills and foundries – enabling our clients to manage their scrap as an asset.
Integration distinguishes our service, setting us apart from others in the industry. When locomotives and railcars are retired, we refurbish the reusable parts, incorporating them into our extensive inventory, and recycling what remains. The proceeds on the sale of the scrap can then be used to offset new equipment purchases or other services, to help positively affect our customers’ cash flow.
We are committed to building a better world by applying environmental principles to our daily work.
CAPABILITIES
Scrap Handling & Processing
Our Recycling operations are capable of handling ferrous and non-ferrous grades of metal. We are able to process up to 1,200 tons of scrap per day through our large, shredder operations, whereas our mobile and stationary shears can process anywhere from 200 to 250 tons of material per day.
Inbound & Outbound Shipping Options
We are proud to offer a fleet of new and well-maintained trucks for your inbound shipping needs. We also own a large fleet of railcars for inbound and outbound shipping needs. For other outbound options, we not only have the ability to ship materials by rail or truck, but also by barge to make sure your material gets where it needs to go.
Service
We offer 24/7 container service – from the point of call in for service to actual container pickup. Our team is ready to serve you, ensuring you receive same-day payment for your scrap materials, and offers other payment options, as well.
Derailments are either high-profile or not. The high profile derailment requires an immediate response, which usually means the damaged and destroyed rail cars will be loaded whole onto a semi-tractor and low-bed trailer and hauled to a rail car repair facility, repaired and put back in service; or to a dismantling facility, where wheelsets and numerous other parts are removed, reconditioned to AAR specification and solid back to the railroads.
Derailments that are not restricting or interfering with the normal flow of highway traffic or creating an issue for private property or industry productivity, will be dismantled where they landed. We remove all the parts that can be reconditioned and ship them to one of our reconditioning shops.
Our non-ferrous processing is able to market material to meet domestic and international mill, foundry, smelter and refiners standards of quality. The processing capabilities at our locations include sorting, baling and shearing of products to upgrade material and meet quality standards.
Progress Rail’s strategic locations also allow for coverage and competition in multiple markets in the southeast region, including Birmingham, Huntsville, Chattanooga, Nashville and Atlanta.
RECYCLING CONTACTS
Joe Burke
Vice President - Recycling
