United Recyclers Group, LLC (URG) Announces Recycled Automotive Parts Grading System for Industry Wide Use

AURORA, Ill., April 15 -- United Recyclers Group, LLC (URG) announces the release of a recycled automotive parts grading system for industry wide use. The ABC Parts Grading System(TM) has been developed and tested to be a viable quality system for used auto parts, and is applicable to all segments of the automotive industry. The implementation starts with the inventorying and quality control of the auto parts by the auto recycler and ends with the collision and mechanical repairer having a clear definition of what grade of used auto part that has been shipped.

For the collision repair and insurance industries the grading process employs proper training on a unit of damage on a recycled automotive part. A unit of damage is defined as the amount of damage not exceeding the surface area of a standard size credit card. An "A" grade part is defined for a collision part as having less than one unit of damage. A "B" grade part is allowed to have from one unit of damage to less than two units and a "C" grade part is defined as a collision part with two or more units of damage.

Mechanical parts are graded utilizing a mileage based system. An "A" grade mechanical part has less than 60,000 total miles, or if over 60,000 miles the part cannot exceed 15,000 miles per model year of age. "B" grade mechanical parts have more than 60,000 total miles on them and have exceeded 15,000 miles per model year of age. "B" grade parts cannot exceed 200,000 total miles regardless of age. Any part with more mileage than a "B" grade part is automatically grade as a "C" part.

Both systems, while simplistic in nature are necessary to provide a benchmark for proper classification of parts. An industry wide recycled automotive parts grading system is important for every segment of the automotive industry and the communication from one area of the industry to another regarding the standard grading system is key. United Recyclers Group, LLC has spent several years testing this grading process to ensure that the program provides accurate information to the repair industry. When asked to comment on the effectiveness of the system, one recycler commented, "Our company implemented the URG ABC Parts Grading System(TM) in 1999 and worked with our customers since then to educate them on how the grading system works. It has been remarkable at how well received the system has been and the positive difference it makes when communicating about the condition of a part."

URG is a partnership of approximately 300 auto recyclers that have worked to make changes in the automotive recycling industry. Changes they have been made include developing their own inventory management system, Pinnacle, creating a buying cooperative, offering group marketing options, and forming the Premium Recycled Parts Program.