Top Tips for Transporting Cars from Auction to Port

Shipping Cars Internationally - Getting There

The auto auction business, like most others, has been transformed by advances in technology. For instance, Copart now has an app that allows a user to bid on several vehicles at once, all from the comfort and convenience of a smart phone. But don’t be misled – when transporting cars from auction to port, there remain basics you should know about, including what’s required to move vehicles from the auction lot to your port of departure without costly delays.

See list of US car auctions 

West Coast Shipping’s Top Tips on transporting vehicles, including cars, boats, motor-cycles and heavy equipment from major auction lots like Manheim, Copart, IAAI and Ritchie Brothers, to the loading dock.

1.   Make sure the vehicle is paid in full. It’s possible you might be able to arrange an alternative method with the auctioneer, but it's standard practice to pay for the vehicle in advance. If this is not done prior to picking your vehicle up, it may result in delays and increased costs.

2.   Choose your transporter wisely.  Look at the fine print and examine the coverage details. You want to be with a carrier that offers coverage on both loss and damage.

3.   Double check the details. It sounds simple but an error can be costly. Check and double check to see that the transporter has the correct pickup address and knows what hours the lot is open. Operating hours can vary widely so don’t make assumptions.

4.   Don’t get left out. Many auction lots require a carrier to possess a “gate pass” before they will be granted entry. In addition, the auctioneer needs to be notified that the carrier is coming; the transporter can’t just show up unannounced and expect to leave with the vehicle.  

5.   Watch your watch. If a transporter is picking up a vehicle from a salvage auction lot, such as Copart or IAAI, time is of the essence. For instance, Copart begins charging $20 per day if the vehicle is still on their property after 7 days while IAAI allows only 5 days before it institutes a similar penalty.

6.   Be informed. Your transporter needs specific information in order to deliver your vehicles.

            For shipping a car the minimum data required is:

                        Lot# of the vehicle purchase

                        Buyer# under which it was purchased

                        VIN# of the automobile

                        If the car starts, runs or drives

            For shipping a motorcycle the minimum data required is:

                        Lot# of the vehicle purchased

                        Buyer# under which it was purchased

                        VIN# of the vehicle

                        If the bike starts, runs or drives

            For shipping a boat the minimum data required is:

                        Lot# of the boat purchased

                        Buyer# under which it was purchased

                        VIN# of the boat

                        If it starts, runs or drives

            For shipping heavy equipment such as a truck, tractor or excavator you need:

                        Lot# of the equipment purchased

                        Buyer# under which it was purchased

                        VIN# of equipment

                        To know if a trailer is included with the vehicle purchase

                        If the equipment is towable, starts, runs or drives

These guidelines are offered from West Coast Shipping to help make your vehicle transport experience as worry free as possible. Please contact us today with any questions or see current car shipping rates.

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