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Core parts are an integral part of the trucking industry, and they are among the key players in the transportation industry’s push toward a sustainable future. Cores also offer very practical advantages by keeping costs for replacement parts and repairs down. It’s a win-win situation.
With core parts, suppliers and consumers can maximize the use of parts, lower costs and enjoy a steady supply of high-quality replacement components. But what are core parts? Which truck components come with core parts? And which ones are refundable? We’re going to take you through everything you need to know about core parts. Specifically, what they are, why they come with an extra fee and how to eventually return them.
What Is a Core?
A core is a catchall term for parts or components of parts that you can return to suppliers and manufacturers after they’ve been used. While usually worn out, these parts can be remanufactured and resold or recycled for their materials.
When returned, core parts undergo rigorous inspections and cleaning, and any worn or damaged components of the parts are replaced, so that the core part can be resold and function like new. All cores must meet the original equipment manufacturers’ (OEM) specifications to ensure that the remanufactured parts they resell are of the highest caliber, and safe to use.
The primary reason why core parts are reused is the high quality of these products. Trucking components must meet high standards to keep the industry safe. By reusing these parts, both consumers and suppliers can reduce costs and related repairs, and contribute to environmental sustainability by preventing potentially hazardous parts from ending up in landfills.
What Is a Core Charge?
A core charge, also called a core fee or core price, is the deposit customers pay when purchasing a new or remanufactured core part. It encourages customers to return their old, used cores, helping to ensure that more core parts are reused or properly recycled. Core charges may be applied to new parts as well as remanufactured parts because the materials and the core part have value to the manufacturer, whether the part is new or remanufactured. The core charge is based on the value of the materials used in the part as well as the ability to reuse the old core.
If a customer doesn't return a used core, the seller keeps the core deposit from the original purchase. In other words, the core charge acts as compensation for the missing recyclable part.
Once the customer returns their old core part, they will get their deposit back. If they purchase a new part to replace the core they are returning, they will not have to pay the core charge for the replacement. This system helps manufacturers and suppliers maintain a steady supply of parts through returns.
Core Charge Example
As an example, let’s say you buy a new battery for your truck for $350. This price includes the cost of the battery as well as a $30 core charge. When the battery eventually dies, you bring the used battery with you when you go to purchase a new one. You won’t have to pay the core charge, so, instead of paying $350, the cost of the new battery is reduced to $320. If you don’t return the used battery, you will be charged the full $350 for a replacement.
What Parts Come with a Core Charge?
There are a few trucking parts that often come with core charges. These parts are considered high-value parts in their own right and as remanufactured or recyclable materials.
Common cores include:
- Batteries: Core charges encourage customers to return dead batteries so that proper disposal protocols can be followed.
- Engines and Engine Components: Both diesel and gasoline engines are valuable because of their high manufacturing costs.
- Transmissions: Both automatic and manual transmissions are built using returned cores.
- Alternators/Starters: Most alternators and starters are remanufactured, making them highly valuable.
- Turbochargers: Turbochargers tend to come with high core charges because they are expensive to produce. To lower costs, manufacturers encourage core returns that can be remanufactured.
- Brake Calipers: Heavy-duty brake components are regularly rebuilt and resold as remanufactured parts.
Expect to pay a core charge anytime you purchase any of these parts for your truck.
Core Return Tips
The core return process is all about keeping things organized and functional. Every time a manufacturer receives a core part, it is inspected to determine its condition. If the part is in good shape, they will take it and remanufacture or recycle it. Here are a few tips to ensure that your core is accepted, so you receive your deposit, or don’t have to pay another core charge if you’re purchasing a replacement part.
- Return the Correct Core: The core part you return must match the core part you bought. For example, a starter for a starter. And it’s always a good idea to keep the original receipt or order confirmation as proof of purchase.
- Ensure that the Core Part is in Good Condition: The core part must have all essential components. Missing pieces could nullify the refund. The core part also can’t have excessive wear and tear, or any sort of damage that can’t be repaired.
- Stay in the Return Window: The part’s manufacturer might have a designated return window to ensure that parts aren’t too old when they’re returned. Make sure you understand the return window, and stay within it to receive your refund.
Shop Truck Parts for All Makes and Models at Rush Truck Centers
Remanufacturing reduces expenses, and improves overall sustainability, helping the industry and truck owners do their parts for the environment. Whether you’re a fleet manager or an owner-operator, understanding core charges and how to maximize them is critical to making smarter purchasing decisions.
At Rush Truck Centers, our goal is to have the part you need, when you need it. You can find genuine OEM and aftermarket replacement parts in-store at our more than 140 Rush Truck Centers locations nationwide, or shop online 24/7 using Parts Connect.
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