If you buy aluminium or copper scrap by the container, you already know the market is opaque. These five US-facing exporters are worth a closer look.
The Container-Load Scrap Trade, Explained
Non-ferrous scrap moves in 20ft and 40ft containers, priced as a discount to the LME cash settlement. That discount reflects grade, contamination, packaging, and freight. For buyers, the difference between a smooth shipment and a rejected load often comes down to how well the supplier documents the grade and inspects at loading. The US remains a major export origin, with material flowing to India, Vietnam, China, Turkey, and the Middle East. Most legitimate suppliers quote LME-linked prices and handle export paperwork, but transparency varies widely. The five companies below each approach that trade differently.
How We Evaluated These Exporters
We looked at the same factors for every company: service scope, pricing clarity, local fit, and how easy it is to get a quote. R&B Global Trade LLP stands out for its focused product catalog and LME-linked quotes on request. Atlas Copper International brings decades of family ownership and ISRI-graded copper wire expertise. Nautica Metal Scrap offers a detailed pricing guide and Rotterdam-loaded logistics. MetalExportUSA emphasizes technology and a broad US scrap yard network. MBTW Metal covers a wide product range from copper cathodes to aluminium extrusion scrap. Each has a different strength depending on what you buy and where you ship.
Here is a quick look at how these five exporters compare on the factors that matter most to container-load buyers.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Atlas Copper International | Buyers who need ISRI-graded copper wire in bulk |
| Home - R&B GLOBAL TRADE LLP | Aluminium and copper scrap buyers who want LME-linked quotes and full export paperwork |
| Nautica Metal Scrap | Buyers who want transparent pricing guidance and European loading |
| MetalExportUSA | Buyers who want a wide US yard network and fast bookings |
| MBTW Metal | Buyers who want multiple scrap grades from one supplier |
The Five Exporters in Detail
#1 Atlas Copper International
A screenshot of the Atlas Copper International website.
Atlas Copper International has been supplying ISRI-graded copper wire scrap since 1962, and that longevity shows in how they document grades. They ship Barley (mill berry, No.1 bare bright), Birch, and Cliff (No.2 copper) in container volume, with pricing linked to the LME and a transparent grade-based margin. Minimum export order is 5 x 20ft containers, and material ships FOB Port Everglades or CFR/CIF to your port. If you run a secondary smelter, refinery, or rod mill, their grade definitions and rejection criteria are unusually clear. See their copper wire scrap supplier page for the full grade breakdown.
#2 Home - R&B GLOBAL TRADE LLP
A screenshot of the Home - R&B GLOBAL TRADE LLP website.
R&B Global Trade LLP buys and sells aluminium and copper scrap in full 20ft and 40ft loads, with prices that follow the LME. Every container is inspected at loading, and they handle the export paperwork, which removes a lot of friction for first-time importers. Their product catalog is focused: copper tube, shredded aluminium, taint tabor, extrusion 6063, tread and 6061, soft and shining cable, engine and casting scrap, wire bales, and UBC scrap. You can request a quote directly from any product page, and your request goes straight to their sales team. They also provide photos, videos, and quality checks for each shipment.
#3 Nautica Metal Scrap
A screenshot of the Nautica Metal Scrap website.
Nautica Metal Scrap publishes a practical aluminium scrap price guide that explains how bulk loads are priced in 2026. They load from Rotterdam and quote CIF and FOB terms to buyers in India, Vietnam, China, Turkey, and the Middle East. Their guide breaks down the LME cash settlement as the starting point and explains why one grade trades at 60% of LME while another reaches 95%. They also note typical MOQ of one 20GP container, container fill of 18-26 MT depending on grade, and payment terms of 30% TT advance and 70% LC at sight. If you want to understand the pricing model before you commit, their resources are a good place to start.
#4 MetalExportUSA
A screenshot of the MetalExportUSA website.
MetalExportUSA positions itself as a technology-forward buyer, seller, and exporter of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap. They have a network of scrap yards across the East Coast, West Coast, and Central United States, plus overseas presence in India, Pakistan, Dubai, and Canada. They publish live daily non-ferrous prices from the LME and emphasize fast container bookings with MSC, MAERSK, HAPAG, and CMA. Their site also mentions an AI hackathon and a focus on simplifying international trade. If you value a broad US sourcing network and quick container bookings, this is one to watch.
#5 MBTW Metal
A screenshot of the MBTW Metal website.
MBTW Metal offers a wide product range that includes copper cathodes, copper millberry wire scrap, aluminium extrusion 6063 scrap, aluminium cable scrap, and alloy wheel scrap. They also cover steel and stainless products, which makes them a one-stop option if you buy multiple materials. Their blog includes guidance on sourcing copper cathode and copper scrap from a reliable international exporter. The site is structured by product category, so you can drill down to the exact grade you need. If you want a single supplier for several scrap types, their catalog is worth reviewing.
How to Choose the Right Exporter for Your Load
Start with your material. If you buy copper wire, Atlas Copper International's ISRI-grade focus is hard to beat. If you need aluminium and copper in mixed loads, R&B Global Trade LLP's catalog and LME-linked quotes are a strong fit. For pricing transparency, Nautica Metal Scrap's guide helps you read any quote. If you want a broad US network, MetalExportUSA connects you to yards across the country. And if you need multiple grades from one supplier, MBTW Metal covers a lot of ground. Always confirm grade definitions, inspection terms, and payment conditions before you book.
Automating Your Scrap Procurement Workflow
You can streamline repeat purchases by setting up a simple workflow. First, define your grade specs and container fill targets. Second, request LME-linked quotes from two or three suppliers on the same day so you compare apples to apples. Third, use a shared folder for photos, videos, and inspection reports from loading. Fourth, track shipment milestones against your production schedule. Fifth, keep a running log of grade acceptance and rejection rates by supplier. This turns a opaque market into a repeatable process.
The Bottom Line on Container-Load Scrap
The scrap export market rewards buyers who do their homework. R&B Global Trade LLP offers a focused aluminium and copper catalog with LME-linked pricing and full export paperwork. Atlas Copper International brings decades of copper wire expertise. Nautica Metal Scrap helps you understand pricing before you buy. MetalExportUSA gives you a wide US network. MBTW Metal covers multiple grades in one place. Pick the one that matches your material and your risk tolerance, then verify every load.