What documentation do I need to transport a salvage car for sale at an auction?

You’ll need a bill of sale, salvage title, and proof of ownership. For international transport, export declarations and auction authorization may also be required.

Are there special considerations when shipping a car with a salvage title for sale?

Yes, salvage titles often require extra documentation and inspections. Customs may also treat these vehicles differently, depending on the destination country.

Do salvage cars need to be operable to be shipped?

No. We routinely ship non-operable vehicles. Just inform us in advance so we can arrange the proper equipment (forklifts, winches, etc.).

Salvage Car Shipping with West Coast Shipping

Ship Salvage Cars from the USA – Get Instant Shipping Rates

Ship salvage cars with a trusted US partner specializing in salvage car transport from auctions, insurance companies, and dealerships. Since 2007, we’ve helped thousands ship repairable and inoperable vehicles across the globe with secure, cost-effective solutions.

Use our consolidated container service from California, Florida, and New Jersey to ship salvage vehicles worldwide. Get instant quotes for salvage car shipping using our calculator.

Frequent Importer? Request wholesale container shipping rates below.

West Coast Shipping

Why Choose Us to Ship Your Salvage Car?

With nearly two decades of experience in salvage car transport, we help buyers, dealers, and exporters ship salvage vehicles from US auctions like Copart and IAA to destinations worldwide. Whether it’s a damaged car, inoperable vehicle, or salvage title car, we offer reliable, cost-effective solutions for every shipment.

Nationwide pickup from auctions and insurance yards
Shared and dedicated container options
Forklift loading for non-running or totaled vehicles
Save up to 50% with our shared container shipping
US export documentation and salvage title handling
Weekly container departures from CA, FL, and NJ
Support with customs and port paperwork

We make shipping salvage cars simple — from auction lot to destination port. Use our calculator to get your salvage car shipping quote instantly.

We arrange pickup of your salvage vehicle from any location in the US using open or enclosed auto transporters, including forklift-ready trailers for non-running cars.

Your inoperable or damaged car is then transported to the nearest export warehouse in California, Florida, or New Jersey for loading and international shipment.

Prefer to handle delivery yourself? You’re always welcome to drop off your salvage car directly at one of our locations.

With nearly 2 decades of experience in loading containers, we make sure that your cars are safely secured for their journey overseas.

Our team works closely with US Customs to clear salvage cars for export.

For a seamless salvage car import experience, we work with reliable partners worldwide to ensure your cars arrive safely and are properly cleared with import customs.

AIRPLANE

Need your vehicle fast? Air freight delivers in just 3-10 days, making it the quickest shipping option—significantly faster than container or RoRo shipping. Exact timing depends on customs and documentation.

SHIPPING CONTAINER

Our containers fit 1-4 vehicles—running or non-running—and offer cost-saving consolidation shipping. For high-value cars, we provide dedicated 20ft or 40ft containers.

RORO VESSEL

RoRo shipping requires vehicles to be operational and empty. Available ports and rates vary. Note: This method is only available for oversized cars

Salvage Car Shipping Costs

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Salvage Car from the USA?

The cost to ship a salvage car from the US starts at just $900 per vehicle using our consolidated container shipping service. Rates vary depending on pickup location, shipping method, and whether the car is inoperable, damaged, or includes loose parts.

We offer discounted salvage auto transport rates when shipping 4 or more salvage vehicles per delivery. Ideal for dealers, auto auction buyers, and repairable car exporters.

Keep in mind: destination charges like unloading, customs clearance, and port fees are handled by the receiving agent and not included in our US-based quote.

Our salvage car transport service includes optional cargo protection, forklift handling for non-running cars, and end-to-end support throughout the shipping process.

“Excellent communication and genuine interest in our vehicles well being throughout the whole process. Highly recommend them for all your vehicle shipping needs!”

Alexander

San Francisco, California

Vehicle Protection for Salvage Car Shipping

Keep your salvage car protected throughout the shipping process with our optional Cargo Damage Protection. This added coverage helps safeguard non-running vehicles, repairable cars, and auction purchases from the time they’re received at our US warehouse through to final delivery overseas.

Many salvage vehicles contain loose parts or prior damage, which makes protection especially valuable when shipping from auctions like Copart or IAA.

Without this protection, our maximum liability is capped at $500 under the Carriage of Goods at Sea Act.

Wholesale Car Import & Export Solutions

We provide high volume dealers, auctions, wholesalers and event organizers turn-key shipping solutions for their vehicles.

End-to-End solutions between the US and the world
Vehicle collection & export clearance
Private warehouses in CA, FL, NJ
Vehicle and parts consolidation
Use our carrier bookings or your own
Ability to choose your own import agent when shipping dedicated containers
Expedited Air Freight options

Documentation Required to Ship Salvage Cars from USA

Shipping a salvage car from the United States requires clearing US customs and providing documents that confirm ownership and export eligibility. These are especially important for vehicles purchased at salvage auctions like Copart and IAAI.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Bill of Sale from the auction or seller
Salvage Title (or Lien Release if applicable)
Power of Attorney (international and US residents)
Passport copy (for international shippers)
EIN Letter (for US residents)
Completed Export Declaration
Import declaration for destination customs
Registration records (if available)

Please note: Some states do not issue salvage titles for older vehicles. Check with your DMV or auto auction provider to confirm title eligibility before shipping.

Shipping Cost & Duties:

Base consolidated shipping cost: Starts at $900 per vehicle, with rates varying based on pickup location, container type, and whether the salvage vehicle is operable.

Additional mandatory fees:

Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF): 0.125% of cargo value (except air freight)
Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): 0.3464% of cargo value
(minimum $31.67, maximum $614.35)

Special Considerations:

Vehicles must be cleared for export with a salvage title and supporting documents
Loose or missing parts must be noted for customs
Non-running vehicles may require forklift loading
Destination countries may apply additional inspection or compliance fees

Calculate Cost

Salvage Car Export Process from USA

Shipping salvage cars from the USA involves a simple and proven process we’ve refined over 17 years. Whether you’re shipping a damaged vehicle, a non-running car, or a salvage auction purchase, we handle every step — from pickup to delivery.

Our consolidated container shipping service makes transporting salvage vehicles cost-effective and efficient. With thousands of cars shipped annually from the US to global destinations, we specialize in handling inoperable vehicles, loose parts, and salvage title documentation.

Key Benefits of Our Salvage Car Shipping Process:

Door-to-door shipping service from any US location
Weekly container loading from California, Florida, and New Jersey
Forklift service for non-operational cars
Complete export paperwork and customs clearance
Secure container transport with optional damage protection

Frequently Asked Questions About Salvage Car Shipping

Salvage car transport involves picking up the vehicle from a yard or storage facility, securing it for shipment, and delivering it to the designated auction site — either in the U.S. or abroad.

Shipping costs start around $900 for consolidated container service. Pricing depends on vehicle size, operability, pickup location, and final destination.

Yes, we specialize in transporting non-running and inoperable salvage vehicles. Forklift loading is used when needed, and we work with Copart, IAAI, and other major auctions.

Consolidated container shipping is the most cost-effective. For high-value or delicate vehicles, enclosed transport may be recommended.

Remove loose parts, disconnect the battery, and make sure key paperwork is secured. Let us know if the car is non-drivable or missing wheels for special handling.

Yes, we ship salvage vehicles worldwide for resale or auction. Destinations include Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Central America.

Transit times range from 30–45 days for international shipments. Domestic transport to local auctions is usually completed within 5–7 business days.

Look for companies with forklift-ready capabilities, experience with salvage auctions, and transparent quotes. Bonus if they manage customs and title clearance too.

Yes, we offer discounted rates for 2–4 salvage vehicles shipped together in a consolidated container. Perfect for dealers and frequent buyers.

While not standard insurance, we offer cargo damage protection to cover incidents during handling or shipment. Highly recommended for valuable or incomplete vehicles.

Yes. We can handle pickup directly from auction lots, load the vehicles, and ship them to any eligible international port.

Most countries treat salvage cars like regular imports, but duties and VAT may vary. Some destinations require repair verification or a resale declaration.

No, as long as you have legal documentation (bill of sale and salvage title), you’re eligible to export or transport the vehicle.

Consolidated container shipping offers the best rate per vehicle — especially when shipping 3 or more salvage cars at once.

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Documentation Required to Ship Salvage Cars from USA

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Salvage Car Export Process