Auto dealers move vehicles constantly, whether from auction purchases, inter-lot transfers, or customer deliveries. Efficient transport logistics directly impact your bottom line. This guide covers everything dealers need to know about working with an auto transport partner.
Auction Pickup Logistics
Copart
Copart is the largest salvage and clean-title auction platform in the US. Key logistics for dealers:
- • Storage fees start quickly after the auction closes, usually within 3-5 business days
- • Most Copart yards require a gate pass or buyer number for carrier pickup
- • Many auction vehicles are non-running, requiring winch-equipped carriers
- • Copart locations are often in industrial areas with good carrier access
Manheim
Manheim is the largest wholesale auction for dealer-to-dealer transactions:
- • Manheim lots have dedicated transport staging areas for efficient loading
- • Post-sale storage is typically free for 3-5 business days, then fees apply
- • Vehicles are usually running and drivable, making transport straightforward
- • Some Manheim locations offer on-site transport coordination
IAAI (Insurance Auto Auctions)
IAAI specializes in total-loss and salvage vehicles:
- • Similar to Copart, storage fees accumulate quickly
- • Many vehicles are non-running or have significant damage
- • Carriers need the lot number and buyer authorization for pickup
- • Some IAAI locations have restricted hours for transport pickups
Why Storage Fees Matter
Auction storage fees typically run $15 - $50 per day after the free period expires. On a single vehicle, a one-week delay in transport can cost $100 - $350 in unnecessary storage fees. For dealers buying multiple vehicles monthly, this adds up fast.
The fix: Book transport immediately after winning the auction. At SWA, we prioritize auction pickups because we understand the urgency. Visit our [dealership services page](/dealerships) for more details.
Fleet and Volume Shipping
Dealers who ship regularly benefit from:
- • Volume discounts: Shipping 5+ vehicles per month qualifies for reduced per-unit pricing
- • Dedicated account manager: A single point of contact who knows your business and preferences
- • Priority scheduling: Repeat customers get priority carrier assignments during peak season
- • Consolidated invoicing: One monthly invoice instead of per-shipment billing
- • Standing routes: Regular routes (e.g., weekly auction-to-lot) can be pre-scheduled at locked rates
Handling Non-Running Auction Vehicles
A significant percentage of auction purchases, especially from Copart and IAAI, are non-running. Here is what dealers need to know:
- • Winch-equipped carriers are essential for vehicles that do not start or drive
- • Non-running surcharge is typically $100 - $250 per vehicle
- • Provide accurate condition details when booking: Does it roll? Does it steer? Any body damage affecting clearance?
- • Flatbed service is available for severely damaged vehicles that cannot be loaded on a standard carrier
Inter-Dealer and Lot-to-Lot Transfers
Beyond auction pickups, dealers regularly need:
- • Dealer trade transport: Moving vehicles between dealerships for trades
- • Lot-to-lot transfers: Moving inventory between your own locations
- • Customer delivery: Shipping sold vehicles to out-of-state buyers
- • Lease return transport: Moving off-lease vehicles to remarketing centers
Cost Considerations for Dealers
Dealer transport pricing differs from retail because of volume and frequency:
- • Single vehicle, one-time: Standard retail pricing applies
- • 5-10 vehicles/month: 5-10% volume discount
- • 10-25 vehicles/month: 10-15% volume discount
- • 25+ vehicles/month: Custom pricing based on routes and volume
Additional cost factors:
- • Auction yard fees if the carrier has to wait for gate processing
- • Non-running surcharges for inoperable vehicles
- • Expedited pickup to beat storage deadlines
- • Enclosed transport for high-value inventory
Setting Up a Dealer Account
To establish a dealer account with State Wide Auto Transport:
1. Contact our dealer services team at (855) 469-8090 2. Provide your dealer license number and business information 3. Discuss your typical volume and routes 4. We assign a dedicated account manager 5. Set up invoicing terms (net-15 or net-30 available for qualifying dealers)
Tips for Dealers
- • Book transport the same day you win an auction to avoid storage fees
- • Batch shipments on the same route for better per-unit pricing
- • Provide accurate vehicle conditions to avoid re-quoting and delays
- • Build a relationship with one transport partner rather than shopping every load. Consistency gets you better service and pricing
- • Keep your account current as payment history affects carrier priority
Get Started
Whether you are buying one car a month from Copart or running 50 vehicles a week through Manheim, State Wide Auto Transport has the logistics infrastructure to keep your inventory moving. Visit our [dealerships page](/dealerships) or call (855) 469-8090 to set up your dealer account.