Auction Car Shipping
Transport vehicles from Copart, IAAI, Manheim, ADESA, ACV Auctions, and every major auto auction in the country. Fast pickup, non-running vehicle handling, and gate fee coordination included.
How Auction Car Shipping Works
Buying vehicles at auction is exciting, but the logistics that follow can be stressful. Between storage deadlines, gate release procedures, and non-running vehicles, getting your purchase home requires a transport company that understands how auction yards operate. State Wide Auto Transport (SWA) has shipped thousands of vehicles from auction facilities across all 50 states. Here is how the process works when you book with us.
Win Your Auction & Book Transport
As soon as you win the vehicle, contact us with the auction name, yard location, lot number, and vehicle details. The sooner you book, the sooner we can get a carrier scheduled and avoid storage fees.
Gate Release & Payment
Pay any required auction fees and gate fees so the vehicle is cleared for release. We will need your buyer authorization number or release confirmation. Some yards require the buyer to call in and authorize a specific carrier company.
Carrier Pickup at the Yard
Our carrier arrives at the auction facility, checks in at the gate, loads your vehicle using the appropriate equipment (standard for running vehicles, winch or forklift for non-runners), and performs a condition inspection.
Delivery to Your Door
The carrier transports your vehicle to your home, shop, or dealership. You inspect the vehicle on arrival, sign the Bill of Lading, and you are all set. We provide real-time tracking updates throughout the journey.
Popular Auctions We Ship From
We pick up from every major auto auction in the United States. Here are the most common auction platforms our customers use:
Copart
The largest online salvage and clean-title vehicle auction in the U.S. with over 200 locations. We handle Copart gate releases, lot access, and their specific pickup windows daily. Copart charges storage fees after a short grace period, so fast pickup is critical.
IAAI (Insurance Auto Auctions)
The second-largest salvage auction platform with 200+ branches. IAAI has its own buyer release process and yard procedures. We coordinate directly with IAAI facilities to schedule pickup and ensure all paperwork is in order before the carrier arrives.
Manheim
The largest wholesale dealer auction in North America. Manheim auctions are primarily dealer-to-dealer, and we work with hundreds of dealerships to transport Manheim purchases. Manheim locations have specific carrier check-in procedures we handle seamlessly.
ADESA (now OPENLANE)
A major wholesale auction platform serving dealers and fleet companies. ADESA yards have their own release timelines and gate procedures. We pick up from ADESA locations regularly and understand their scheduling requirements.
ACV Auctions
A growing digital-first dealer auction platform. ACV vehicles are typically stored at the selling dealer lot rather than a centralized yard. We coordinate pickup directly with the selling dealership based on the ACV transaction details you provide.
Independent & Regional Auctions
Beyond the major platforms, we ship from hundreds of independent and regional auction houses including Mecum, Barrett-Jackson, Bring a Trailer consignment locations, government surplus auctions, and local dealer-only auctions.
Non-Running Auction Vehicle Shipping
A significant percentage of auction vehicles, especially from salvage auctions like Copart and IAAI, are non-running. These vehicles may have mechanical failures, flood damage, collision damage, or simply dead batteries. Shipping a non-running vehicle requires specialized equipment and experienced carriers who know how to safely load and secure these vehicles.
- • Carriers with winches can pull non-running vehicles onto the trailer when wheels roll but the engine does not start
- • Forklift loading is available for vehicles with locked wheels, flat tires, or severe frame damage
- • Flatbed transport is an option for heavily damaged vehicles that cannot be safely loaded onto a multi-car carrier
- • Non-running surcharge typically ranges from $100 to $250 depending on vehicle weight and yard conditions
- • Always tell us the exact condition at booking so we dispatch the right carrier with the right equipment
Gate Fees, Storage Deadlines & Auction Yard Rules
Every auction yard charges storage fees once the grace period expires. These fees can accumulate quickly and eat into your savings on the vehicle purchase. Here is what you need to know:
- • Copart: Storage fees begin 3 business days after payment clears. Fees range from $30-$75/day depending on the location and vehicle size. Gate fees of $50-$79 apply at most locations.
- • IAAI: Similar storage timeline with fees starting 2-5 business days after purchase. IAAI gate fees and lot fees vary by branch but typically run $50-$100.
- • Manheim: Dealer buyers usually have 3-5 days for pickup. After that, storage fees of $25-$50/day apply. Manheim is strict about their cutoff dates.
- • ADESA: Grace periods vary by location, typically 2-4 business days. Storage charges and potential re-listing if vehicles are not picked up promptly.
- • Pro tip: Book your transport the same day you win the auction. Do not wait for title processing to start the shipping process.
Auction Car Shipping FAQs
How quickly can you pick up my auction vehicle?▾
In most cases we can arrange pickup within 1-3 business days of receiving your order. For urgent situations where storage fees are accruing, we offer expedited pickup that can get a carrier to the yard within 24-48 hours for an additional fee.
Can you ship a non-running vehicle from an auction?▾
Yes. A large portion of auction vehicles are non-running, and we handle them regularly. We dispatch carriers equipped with winches and forklifts to safely load vehicles that do not start, steer, or brake. A non-running surcharge of $100-$250 typically applies depending on the vehicle weight and yard accessibility.
Do I need to be present at the auction yard for pickup?▾
No. You do not need to be at the auction yard. We coordinate directly with the facility using your buyer number and lot information. You will need to ensure the gate release is authorized and any required gate fees are paid before the carrier arrives.
What information do you need to ship from an auction?▾
We need the auction name and yard location, your lot number, the vehicle year/make/model, whether it is running or non-running, your buyer ID or authorization number, and the delivery address. Providing gate fee payment confirmation also helps speed things up.
How much does it cost to ship a car from an auction?▾
Auction car shipping typically costs between $400 and $1,800 depending on distance, vehicle size, and condition. Non-running vehicles cost $100-$250 more than running vehicles on the same route. Short-distance auction pickups under 300 miles usually range from $400-$700, while cross-country shipments run $900-$1,800.
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Won an Auction? Ship It Before Storage Fees Hit
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