Auction Auto Transport
Everything you need to know about shipping vehicles purchased at auction.
Auction Auto Transport: What It Is
Auction auto transport ships vehicles purchased from online or in-person auctions (eBay Motors, Copart, IAAI, Manheim) to your address. It costs the same as standard auto transport — $500 to $1,500 depending on distance — but timing is critical because most auction houses only hold vehicles for 3 to 5 days after sale. Get quotes before bidding and book immediately after winning.
If you've never had to search auction auto transport in Google before, that's okay. It's not a service that everyone uses; just the people who like to get a good deal on cars by buying them from an auction house - often online. When you buy a car online from an auction house like eBay, you're going to need to ship it, because if you're buying a car from an online auction that's happening down the street you should probably just go there in person. Auction car shipping allows people who like the ease and convenience of buying their cars online to actually enjoy their vehicles without having to fly across the country in order to do so. It saves time, money and it's a heck of a lot easier to find auction auto transport than it is to find a plane without a crying baby in front of you. Because we all know how that goes.
Auction Auto Transport: What To Watch For
Most companies will provide auction auto transport services, but the tricky part of it lies in actually picking up the vehicle. Many customers like to search out an auto shipper before they actually win the auction, but there's actually a good reason for this: auction houses that hold their auctions online won't often hold the vehicle you just won for longer than a few days. They want you to get it. So arranging shipment ahead of time is generally seen as a good idea...unless someone outbids you and you're left with an auction auto transport order and no car to ship. This often ends up in cancelled orders, so be sure to let your auto shipper know that you actually need auction auto transport and not just regular old auto shipping services, because there are plenty of carriers out there who ship to and from auction houses all the time. Watch out for companies who like to take money up-front when searching for auction auto transport services, because if you end up not shipping the vehicle it could take a few weeks to get that money back. Just a heads up.
Auction Auto Transport: Price and Availability
Auction auto transport typically doesn't cost any more than regular auto transport, but it could affect pickup availability if you're not specific in what you're looking to buy from the auction and actually shipping. Be sure to always let your shipper know that you need auto transport from an auction, and give them as much information as possible on what you're shipping. If you're shipping from an auction house that demands you get the vehicle quickly, perhaps spending a bit more for expedited transport - simply to get it out of there - might be a good way to go about it. Sure, you'll end up paying a bit more, but when you compare that to having your car sold to someone else because you didn't pick it up it seems like a good service to pay a bit extra for, no? Most auto shippers will provide auction auto transport services, but just be sure that you let them know which auction house it's coming from and - if you haven't won it yet - that you actually haven't won it.
Auction Auto Transport FAQ
After winning a vehicle at auction (eBay Motors, Copart, IAAI, Manheim, etc.), you arrange transport to pick it up from the auction house and deliver it to your address. Many auction houses only hold vehicles for 3 to 5 days after sale, so arrange shipping before the auction closes or immediately after winning.
Auction auto transport typically costs the same as regular auto transport — $500 to $1,500 depending on distance and vehicle type. However, if the auction house demands quick pickup, you may need expedited shipping which costs $200 to $500 more to ensure a carrier picks up within 1 to 3 days.
Get quotes before the auction so you know your total cost (vehicle + shipping), but do not book until you win. If you book before winning and lose the auction, cancellation can take weeks to refund. Let your shipper know it is an auction pickup — experienced carriers know how to coordinate with auction houses and their specific requirements.
Yes. Many auction vehicles are non-running (salvage, flood, or project cars). Non-running vehicles can be winch-loaded onto a carrier for an additional $100 to $300. Make sure to tell your shipper the vehicle is inoperable when requesting a quote so they can assign a carrier with winch equipment.