US hides are graded primarily by the Hide, Skin and Leather Association (HSLA) standards, which assess weight class, brand damage, holes, and preservation method. Heavy native steers command the highest prices for full-grain leather production, while branded or damaged hides are downgraded to corrected-grain or split leather uses. Tanneries specify grade requirements precisely, so misrepresentation of grade is a significant commercial and contractual risk.

The three main preservation methods are wet-salting (most common for export, extends shelf life several months but adds weight and requires brine-resistant containers), drying (lighter but more susceptible to damage and insect infestation), and chilling (shortest shelf life, used for nearby markets). The choice of preservation method affects freight cost, container type, transit time constraints, and destination-country import conditions.