Hulk Hauler vs. Wrecker vs. Scrap Processor

“Hulk hauler” is the state’s term, and it is what we are. The role is narrow. Under WAC 308-65-080, vehicles a hauler holds “may only be sold to a licensed wrecker or scrap processor”. A hauler can remove only the parts needed to sell the salvage to a processor, such as “the upholstery, gasoline tank, and tires”, and only at a licensed wrecker’s or processor’s premises with permission, or at a department-approved location.

For you, that means two things. Nobody working as a hulk hauler should be stripping your car in your driveway. And when the truck leaves, the car has one kind of destination.

The trucks have rules as well: name, address and phone on both sides, a license certificate in the cab and special plates. Our license guide shows how to check them.

A wrecker keeps records you can expect to touch your sale. Under RCW 46.80.080, they include a bill of sale with the seller’s verified identity, the title number, last state, plate, VIN, date, disposition and yard number, kept for three years. So if you sell directly to a wrecker, expect to show ID.

Wreckers also have to report within 30 days after acquiring a vehicle (RCW 46.80.090), and must remove plates within 24 hours and destroy them before the monthly report. That duty does not replace yours. DOL still tells you, the seller, to remove the plates yourself and file your Report of Sale.

A processor is near the end of the line. It has the heavy equipment, and it sends the title, release or affidavit on to DOL with a monthly report under RCW 46.79.020. It must also destroy plates before sending that report.

Processors and wreckers have special payment rules when they buy a catalytic converter, including no cash payment (RCW 46.79.150, RCW 46.80.210). If your question is about the converter on a junk car, see how the catalytic converter affects an offer.

If you want to follow your car past the truck, read what happens after it is towed away.

Your duties as the seller stay the same no matter which of the three buys the car:

• Release your interest on the title or approved form, and hand it over.
• Take your plates off the car.
• File your Report of Sale within five business days. RCW 46.12.650 names sales and turning a car over to a wrecking yard.
• Keep your receipt, bill of sale and a photo of what you signed.

What does change is how you check the business. Ask “Which license do you hold?” and look that license up. If you are thinking of taking the car to a wrecker or processor yourself, RCW 46.79.110 says an individual can tow their own vehicle there without a hulk hauler license. This comparison helps you decide if that makes sense.

We are a licensed hulk hauler with Washington Vehicle Transporter endorsement #09770. We pay cash at pickup, tow the car on a flatbed for free, and send vehicles on to auto steel recyclers, where fluids are drained, tires and batteries are removed, and the car is crushed and melted down. Our license page has more, and scrap car removal explains the service.