Every year, the rendering industry plays a critical role in sustainability by giving new life to materials that would otherwise go to waste. Massive volumes of animal by-products are transported to rendering facilities, where they are converted into valuable fats and proteins. These materials are then recycled into everyday products, including pet food and other essential goods. Additionally, renderers also collect billions of pounds of used cooking oil (UCO) from restaurants and food manufacturers. Instead of being discarded, this oil is processed into new products and renewable fuels such as biodiesel, helping reduce waste while supporting cleaner energy solutions.
Moving these large quantities of material in and out of rendering plants requires a reliable transportation network. While trucking handles much of this movement, rail transportation remains a vital part of the industry. Finished rendered products are often shipped by rail across the United States and transported to ports for export to international markets.
Because transportation is so central to its operations, the rendering industry strongly supports a safe, efficient, and competitive infrastructure. The North American Renderers Association (NARA) continues to advocate for investments that modernize and expand the nation’s surface transportation systems, including highways, roads, and ports. The industry also encourages Congress to increase the permitted maximum interstate truck weight limits, allowing greater volumes to be transported safely and efficiently.
A strong transportation network doesn’t just keep the rendering industry running, it supports sustainability, economic growth, and the responsible reuse of valuable resources.
