Auto auctions can be a great way to get a buy your next car. Auto auctions have a wide variety of cars to choose from, and the prices can be very attractive. If you’re searching for a new automobile at a reasonable price, online auto auctions are an excellent choice.
Nowadays, most auto auctions are done online. Everything is – from the showing to the bidding to the booking of transport, it’s all done online these days. There are still in-person auctions, of course, but these aren’t as popular as Copart or Mannheim auctions, which are the two most popular auto auction locations.
Understanding auto auction transportation services and what is available to you when you buy a vehicle from an auto auction is important. This is why we’re writing this article – to give you the rundown on what to expect when you buy a car at an auction and need to transport it.
All About Auto Auctions
Many people don’t realize that auto auctions have a long and storied history. Like any auction, auto auctions started just as a bunch of people gathering to bid on cars for sale. These auctions were often held in parking lots, weren’t well advertised, and could be kind of shady.
Over time, though, major auctions such as Copart, Mannheim, Adesa, and IAA began to sprout up. These are big auctions with multiple locations that advertised their services on the web. Over time, they became major go-to auctions for anyone looking to buy a vehicle online.
While you can bid on items from the comfort of your own home, one downside to online auctions is that you can’t drive your vehicle home, as it might be located in another state. This is where auction auto transportation services come in, and why they’re important.
Every major auto auction works with auto transporters on behalf of their customers. But auctions won’t arrange transport for you; that is your job. If you have to arrange auto shipping services from an auction, it’s important to know who to go to and what is available to you.
Finding Reputable Auto Auction Transportation
When it’s time to transport your valuable purchase home, you’ll want to be sure that you’re working with an effective and reliable car auto shipping company. Choosing a car transportation company doesn’t have to be difficult, and with just a little bit of effort, you’ll be able to find a experienced company that you can trust to deliver your new car to your doorstep.
We should of course let you know that we here at American Auto Shipping are well-versed in auto auction transportation services. As an industry leader we know all the ins and outs of transporting a vehicle from an auction.
But it’s important still to make sure you feel comfortable with your shipper. You want to make sure any potential shipper is fully licensed and bonded, and only works with top-rated carriers. You should also be sure that your chosen shipping company has a good reputation – make sure to check out reviews of their services from other customers.
Of course, most people are worried most about prices, so we highly recommend getting a quote from anyone you are thinking of booking a shipment with. Low prices can leave your car sitting at the auction for weeks, while high prices can leave you paying hundreds more than you should have to.
How Auto Auction Transportation Works
Auto auction transportation pretty much the same way as it does when shipping from your home. You find a shipping company such as American Auto Shipping, book your order, and they assign a carrier to pick your vehicle up. There are, however, some differences. The most important one being identification. Auctions don’t just release their vehicles to anyone – there is a specific set of procedures they have to follow.
When you buy a vehicle at an auction, you get two numbers: a buyer number, and a lot number. Different auctions call them different things, but they serve a specific purpose: the buyer number identifies the customer (you), and the lot number identifies where the vehicle is located at the auction.
These are important; no auction will release a vehicle to a carrier without that information. Luckily, they provide it to you when you win the auction, so all you have to do is give it to your representative. Also, all taxes and fees must be paid before a carrier can pick up. If you’ve won an auction but you haven’t paid for the vehicle, the auction will not release it.
Auto Auction Transportation Options
We said that auto auction shipping works the same as shipping to or from anywhere else. And that’s true. You still have the option to ship open or enclosed, and your carrier will still have to do an inspection at pickup and delivery, and they’ll still need to be paid.
Open car transport is the most common and economical way to ship your car. Your car will be shipped on an open carrier, which is similar to the trucks that you see carrying new cars from the dealership. This type of carrier can hold up to 10 vehicles, so your car will likely be sharing the ride with other vehicles. Open transport is best for any kind of vehicle that you plan on driving. This means it is great for auto auction transportation services, as most just need an open hauler.
However, if you bought a classic car, sports car or luxury vehicle, you’ll want to be sure to opt for enclosed shipping. Enclosed car transport is more expensive, but it offers added protection for your car. Your car will be shipped in a covered trailer, which protects it from the elements and road debris. This is the best option for shipping luxury or classic cars, as it offers the most protection.
Buying luxury vehicles at auction is rare, so most customers opt for open transport. You can read more about it on our other pages as well.
Interested? Let's get in touch!
For auto auction transport services, contact American Auto Shipping.
Since 2007 Dave has written all the content and blogs for American Auto Shipping and during this time added the duties of customer support and transport logistics.
He currently resides in Washington with his three kids and their mom and cat. A fan of Marvel movies and good stories, when not shipping cars Dave can be found working on his novel, enjoying a good book or playing some tournament HALO.
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