Post-Auction Logistics · All Major Auctions
Auction Car Shipping
Before Storage Fees Stack Up
Copart, IAAI, Manheim, Barrett-Jackson — we pick up from every major auction in the country. Fast carrier matching to beat storage deadlines, condition documentation at pickup, and door-to-door delivery for running and non-running vehicles.
- Auction Pickups/Year
- 6,000+
- Auction Locations
- 200+
- Avg. Pickup Speed
- 1-3 Days
- Inop Vehicles Handled
- 40%
The Process
From Winning Bid to Your Driveway
Auction logistics have specific timing pressures that standard auto transport does not. Here is exactly how the process works when you ship through us.
Win the Auction
You win a vehicle at Copart, IAAI, Manheim, Barrett-Jackson, or any auction house. Complete payment and title transfer through the auction's process.
Book Transport Immediately
Contact us the moment payment clears. Every day a vehicle sits on the auction lot accrues storage fees — typically $15-$50/day. We start carrier matching within hours.
We Coordinate Gate Pickup
We handle the auction's release process, gate schedules, and pickup requirements. Many auctions require advance scheduling and specific carrier credentials — we manage all of it.
Condition Documentation
The carrier documents the vehicle's condition at pickup with photos and a detailed Bill of Lading. This is critical for auction vehicles that may have undisclosed damage.
Transit & Tracking
Your vehicle moves on a standard open or enclosed carrier depending on value. You receive tracking updates and an ETA for delivery.
Delivery & Inspection
Inspect the vehicle against the pickup BOL at delivery. Note any new damage before signing. This is your legal record if a claim is needed.
Why Timing Matters
Storage fees don't wait.
Neither should your carrier.
Copart and IAAI give buyers a short grace period after payment — typically 3-5 business days — before daily storage charges begin. At $25-$50/day, a two-week delay adds $350-$700 to the cost of your purchase. That often exceeds the transport cost itself.
We treat auction pickups with urgency because the economics demand it. The moment your payment clears and the auction releases the vehicle, our carrier matching process begins. On high-volume corridors, we often have a carrier assigned within 24 hours.
For collector auctions like Barrett-Jackson and Mecum, the calculus is different — there the priority is protection, not speed. We assign enclosed carriers with verified high-limit insurance and coordinate directly with the auction's vehicle release team.
3-5 Days
Typical Grace Period
$15-$50
Daily Storage Cost
24-48 Hrs
Carrier Match Speed
All Major
Auctions Covered
Common Questions
Auction Shipping FAQ
How soon after auction can you pick up my vehicle?
On major auction corridors, we can typically arrange pickup within 1-3 business days after payment clears and the auction releases the vehicle. Copart and IAAI locations on high-volume routes often have carriers available the same week. The key is booking transport before the vehicle is released — this minimizes storage fees.
Do you pick up from Copart and IAAI locations?
Yes. We pick up from all Copart, IAAI, Manheim, ADESA, and independent auction facilities nationwide. Each auction has specific gate procedures, hours, and carrier requirements — we handle the coordination so you don't have to call the yard yourself.
What about storage fees while I wait for pickup?
Auction lots charge $15-$50/day in storage after the free grace period (typically 3-5 business days post-payment). This is why booking transport immediately after winning matters. We prioritize auction pickups precisely because the cost of delay is real and measurable.
Can you ship a vehicle that doesn't run from auction?
Yes. Many auction purchases — especially from Copart and IAAI — are salvage or non-running vehicles. Inoperable vehicles require a carrier with a winch, which adds $150-$300. Flag the vehicle's condition when booking so we assign the right equipment on the first attempt.
How do you handle condition documentation for auction cars?
The carrier photographs the vehicle and completes a detailed Bill of Lading at pickup, documenting every scratch, dent, and missing part. This is especially important for auction vehicles where the listing photos may not reflect current condition. You receive copies of all documentation.
Do you ship from Barrett-Jackson or Mecum to my home?
Yes. We handle post-auction logistics from all major collector auctions including Barrett-Jackson, Mecum, RM Sotheby's, and Bonhams. For high-value collector auction purchases, we recommend enclosed transport with lift-gate loading and verified high-limit insurance.
From Our Blog
Further Reading for Auction Buyers
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car in 2026?
Factor transport costs into your auction bidding strategy with real pricing data.
Read article TipsHow to Prepare Your Car for Shipping
What to do before your auction vehicle ships — including condition documentation.
Read article TipsHow Long Does Auto Transport Take?
Plan around auction storage deadlines with realistic transit time expectations.
Read articleWon an Auction?
Get Your Auction Vehicle Moving
Fast carrier matching to beat storage deadlines. Running or non-running vehicles. Open and enclosed options. Book before the fees start.