Shipping from an Auto Auction (Copart, IAA, Manheim)
Bought a car at Copart, IAA, or Manheim? Here's how to arrange auto transport from an auction lot, including release forms, storage deadlines, and special handling for salvage vehicles.
Auction Car Shipping at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Most common auctions | Copart, IAA (Insurance Auto Auctions), Manheim, ADESA |
| Average cost above standard | +$0-$150 (most routes) |
| Required document | Gate pass / lot release form |
| Typical pickup window | 1-3 business days after release |
| Storage fees | Most lots charge after 2-5 free days |
| Inoperable vehicles | Very common, winch carriers available |
How Auction Car Shipping Works
Step 1: Win the Auction and Pay
Your vehicle won't be released to a carrier until you've paid the auction and all associated fees (buyer's premium, gate fee, title fee, etc.).
Step 2: Get Your Gate Pass / Lot Release
Once payment is cleared, the auction issues a gate pass or release form. This document authorizes a third-party carrier to pick up the vehicle on your behalf. You must provide this to your carrier or give us permission to obtain it.
Step 3: Book Transport Quickly
Most auction lots offer 2-5 free storage days before charging daily storage fees. Book transport as soon as your vehicle is paid for.
Step 4: Carrier Coordinates with the Lot
Your assigned carrier will schedule an appointment with the auction lot, present the gate pass, and load your vehicle. Most auctions require scheduled appointments; walk-up pickups are often not accepted.
Step 5: Delivery to Your Address
Your vehicle is delivered door-to-door to the address you specify, home, mechanic, body shop, or storage facility.
What You Need to Provide When Booking
- Auction name and lot location (city, state)
- Lot number of your vehicle
- Buyer ID / buyer number
- Contact information for the lot (or permission for us to coordinate directly)
- Vehicle condition: does it run, roll, steer, brake?
Inoperable Auction Vehicles
Most salvage and insurance-total vehicles from Copart and IAA are inoperable. This is standard. we handle inoperable auction pickups routinely with winch-equipped carriers. See Shipping an Inoperable Vehicle for full details.
Auction Lots We Regularly Service
| Auction | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Copart | All U.S. locations |
| IAA (Insurance Auto Auctions) | All U.S. locations |
| Manheim | All U.S. locations |
| ADESA | All U.S. locations |
| Barrett-Jackson | Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Las Vegas |
| Mecum | All event locations |
| eBay Motors / private sellers | Nationwide coordination |
Q&A
Q: Do I need to be at the auction lot during pickup?
No. The carrier handles lot pickup on your behalf with your gate pass. You don't need to be present.
Q: What if the auction charges storage fees before my carrier arrives?
Book transport immediately after paying for the vehicle. If storage fees are charged before pickup, they're typically your responsibility as the buyer. We move fast to minimize this window.
Q: Can I ship directly from auction to a mechanic?
Absolutely! Many of our auction pickups deliver directly to repair shops. Just provide the shop's address and contact name.
Q: What if my Copart lot requires a specific carrier type (flatbed, rollback)?
Some lots have equipment requirements. Let us know the lot's rules and we'll assign a compliant carrier.
Q: I'm an international buyer. Can I ship to a port?
Yes. We can deliver your auction vehicle to any major U.S. port for export coordination.
Won a vehicle at auction? Book transport now to avoid storage fees. Call (760) 932-2886 / (760) WEB-AUTO, use LiveChat or get a quote at webautotransport.com. Email: info@webautotransport.com | USDOT# 4574725 | FMCSA Licensed and Bonded.