Schedule Your Transport Now, Dispatch is Open 24/7

Licensed, insured & bonded. Fast & reliable car transport nationwide

Shipping a car across the country? You came to the right place! 

Are you looking for a safe and secure way to ship your car with an actual carrier and not a broker? 

Are you looking for reliable car carriers or motorcycle towing companies that you can depend on? Ones that work to earn your business by delivering top-notch customer service and specialize in using the finest auto carriers in the country, that provide door-to-door auto transport service with free insurance included?

Cut out the middleman and use our auto shipping services like nationwide towing from our fleet of 9 car haulers. We are one of the only auto transport companies with our own network of car haulers that will state in writing (in our terms and conditions) that your price will NEVER change.

When you deal with auto transport brokers, every one of them have in the terms and conditions that the driver can change the price or ask for more money & they will then have a customer service rep give you a spiel that “we are just the broker” or “the carrier asked for more money, not us”. Don’t fall for it and speak with your driver the same day you book your order. 

Cut out the brokers & speak direct with our carriers. Call (800) 216-6045

Loading the Form...

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
1
2
3

Auction Vehicle Transport: Copart & IAAI Shipping

Auction Vehicle Transport: Copart & IAAI Shipping | LDT

{
“@context”: “https://schema.org”,
“@type”: “Article”,
“headline”: “Auction Vehicle Transport: How to Ship Cars from Copart & IAAI”,
“description”: “Complete guide to transporting vehicles purchased at Copart and IAAI auctions. Covers pickup logistics, storage fees, timelines, costs, and how to choose a transport company.”,
“author”: {
“@type”: “Organization”,
“name”: “Long Distance Towing”,
“url”: “https://longdistancetowing.com”
},
“publisher”: {
“@type”: “Organization”,
“name”: “Long Distance Towing”,
“url”: “https://longdistancetowing.com”,
“logo”: {
“@type”: “ImageObject”,
“url”: “https://longdistancetowing.com/logo.png”
}
},
“datePublished”: “2026-03-04”,
“dateModified”: “2026-03-04”,
“mainEntityOfPage”: {
“@type”: “WebPage”,
“@id”: “https://longdistancetowing.com/blog/auction-vehicle-transport/”
}
}

{
“@context”: “https://schema.org”,
“@type”: “FAQPage”,
“mainEntity”: [
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “How much does it cost to ship a car from Copart?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Shipping a car from Copart typically costs between $300 and $1,500 for carrier transport or $800 to $4,000+ for flatbed towing, depending on distance and vehicle condition. Most Copart vehicles are non-running and require flatbed towing, which costs more than standard carrier transport. Additionally, Copart charges a gate or lot release fee of $50-$75 that is paid separately.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “How long do I have to pick up a car from Copart before storage fees start?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Copart typically allows 3-5 business days of free storage after payment clears. After that, daily storage fees of $10-$40 per day apply depending on the lot location and vehicle size. Storage fees can accumulate quickly, so it is important to arrange transport before or immediately after winning the auction.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Can you ship a non-running car from an auction?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Yes, non-running vehicles are commonly shipped from Copart and IAAI auctions. Flatbed tow trucks equipped with winches are the standard method for picking up non-running auction vehicles. The transport company will load the vehicle directly from the auction lot. Non-running vehicles typically cost $100-$300 more to transport than running vehicles.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “How do I arrange shipping for a Copart or IAAI auction vehicle?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “To arrange shipping: 1) Win the auction and complete payment, 2) Receive the gate pass or release authorization from the auction house, 3) Contact a transport company like Long Distance Towing with the lot number, vehicle details, and delivery address, 4) Provide the gate pass information so the driver can pick up the vehicle, 5) The driver handles pickup directly from the auction lot.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What is the difference between Copart and IAAI for vehicle shipping?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “From a transport perspective, Copart and IAAI operate very similarly. Both require a gate pass for vehicle release, charge storage fees after a grace period, and allow transport companies to pick up directly from their lots. The main difference is lot locations and yard hours, which can affect scheduling. Long Distance Towing picks up from both Copart and IAAI locations nationwide.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “How long does it take to ship a car from a Copart or IAAI auction?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “After the gate pass is issued, pickup from the auction lot can typically be arranged within 1-3 business days for flatbed towing or 3-7 days for carrier transport. Total transit time depends on distance: a 500-mile shipment takes 1-4 days after pickup, while cross-country moves take 5-10 days. Plan for 5-14 days total from auction win to delivery.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Do I need a broker license to buy from Copart or IAAI?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Copart requires a dealer or broker license to buy directly in most states, though their CashForCars.com platform and some membership tiers allow public buyers. IAAI also has buyer qualification requirements that vary by state. Many individuals use licensed broker services to purchase on their behalf. Regardless of how you buy, Long Distance Towing can handle the transport once you have a gate pass.”
}
}
]
}

:root {
–primary: #1a3c5e;
–primary-light: #2874a6;
–accent: #d4740e;
–accent-hover: #b8620a;
–text: #2c3e50;
–text-light: #5d6d7e;
–bg: #ffffff;
–bg-light: #f8f9fa;
–bg-blue: #e8f0f8;
–border: #dee2e6;
–success: #1e8449;
}

* { margin: 0; padding: 0; box-sizing: border-box; }

body {
font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ‘Segoe UI’, Roboto, ‘Helvetica Neue’, Arial, sans-serif;
color: var(–text);
line-height: 1.7;
background: var(–bg);
}

.article-container {
max-width: 820px;
margin: 0 auto;
padding: 40px 20px;
}

.breadcrumb {
font-size: 14px;
color: var(–text-light);
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.breadcrumb a { color: var(–primary-light); text-decoration: none; }
.breadcrumb a:hover { text-decoration: underline; }

.article-meta {
font-size: 14px;
color: var(–text-light);
margin-bottom: 16px;
}

h1 {
font-size: 36px;
line-height: 1.2;
color: var(–primary);
margin-bottom: 16px;
}

h2 {
font-size: 28px;
color: var(–primary);
margin-top: 48px;
margin-bottom: 16px;
padding-bottom: 8px;
border-bottom: 2px solid var(–bg-blue);
}

h3 {
font-size: 22px;
color: var(–text);
margin-top: 32px;
margin-bottom: 12px;
}

p { margin-bottom: 16px; }

.key-takeaway {
background: var(–bg-blue);
border-left: 4px solid var(–primary-light);
padding: 24px 28px;
margin: 24px 0 32px 0;
border-radius: 0 8px 8px 0;
}
.key-takeaway strong {
display: block;
font-size: 18px;
color: var(–primary);
margin-bottom: 8px;
}

.toc {
background: var(–bg-light);
border: 1px solid var(–border);
border-radius: 8px;
padding: 24px 28px;
margin: 24px 0 32px 0;
}
.toc h2 {
font-size: 20px;
margin-top: 0;
border-bottom: none;
padding-bottom: 0;
}
.toc ol { padding-left: 20px; }
.toc li { margin-bottom: 6px; }
.toc a { color: var(–primary-light); text-decoration: none; }
.toc a:hover { text-decoration: underline; }

table {
width: 100%;
border-collapse: collapse;
margin: 20px 0;
font-size: 15px;
}
th {
background: var(–primary);
color: #fff;
padding: 12px 16px;
text-align: left;
font-weight: 600;
}
td {
padding: 12px 16px;
border-bottom: 1px solid var(–border);
}
tr:nth-child(even) { background: var(–bg-light); }
tr:hover { background: var(–bg-blue); }

ul, ol { margin: 12px 0 20px 24px; }
li { margin-bottom: 8px; }

.cta-box {
background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(–primary) 0%, var(–primary-light) 100%);
color: #fff;
padding: 32px;
border-radius: 12px;
margin: 40px 0;
text-align: center;
}
.cta-box h3 {
color: #fff;
font-size: 24px;
margin-top: 0;
}
.cta-box p { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.9); font-size: 17px; }
.cta-box .cta-phone {
font-size: 28px;
font-weight: 700;
margin: 16px 0;
color: #fff;
}
.cta-box .cta-phone a { color: #fff; text-decoration: none; }
.cta-box .cta-button {
display: inline-block;
background: var(–accent);
color: #fff;
padding: 14px 36px;
border-radius: 6px;
text-decoration: none;
font-weight: 600;
font-size: 17px;
transition: background 0.2s;
margin-top: 8px;
}
.cta-box .cta-button:hover { background: var(–accent-hover); }

.faq-section { margin-top: 48px; }
.faq-item {
border: 1px solid var(–border);
border-radius: 8px;
margin-bottom: 16px;
overflow: hidden;
}
.faq-question {
font-weight: 600;
font-size: 17px;
padding: 18px 24px;
background: var(–bg-light);
color: var(–primary);
cursor: pointer;
}
.faq-answer {
padding: 16px 24px;
border-top: 1px solid var(–border);
}

.info-box {
background: #fef9e7;
border-left: 4px solid var(–accent);
padding: 20px 24px;
margin: 24px 0;
border-radius: 0 8px 8px 0;
}
.info-box strong { color: var(–accent); }

.comparison-highlight {
background: #eafaf1;
border-left: 4px solid var(–success);
padding: 20px 24px;
margin: 24px 0;
border-radius: 0 8px 8px 0;
}

.step-box {
background: var(–bg-light);
border: 1px solid var(–border);
border-radius: 8px;
padding: 20px 24px;
margin: 16px 0;
}
.step-box .step-number {
display: inline-block;
background: var(–primary);
color: #fff;
width: 32px;
height: 32px;
border-radius: 50%;
text-align: center;
line-height: 32px;
font-weight: 700;
font-size: 16px;
margin-right: 12px;
}
.step-box h4 {
display: inline;
font-size: 18px;
color: var(–primary);
}
.step-box p {
margin-top: 10px;
margin-bottom: 0;
}

.internal-links {
background: var(–bg-light);
border: 1px solid var(–border);
border-radius: 8px;
padding: 24px 28px;
margin: 40px 0;
}
.internal-links h3 { margin-top: 0; }
.internal-links a { color: var(–primary-light); text-decoration: none; }
.internal-links a:hover { text-decoration: underline; }

@media (max-width: 768px) {
h1 { font-size: 28px; }
h2 { font-size: 22px; }
.article-container { padding: 20px 16px; }
table { font-size: 13px; }
th, td { padding: 8px 10px; }
.cta-box { padding: 24px 20px; }
.cta-box .cta-phone { font-size: 22px; }
}

Auction Vehicle Transport: How to Ship Cars from Copart & IAAI

Key Takeaway
Transporting a vehicle from Copart or IAAI costs $300 to $4,000+ depending on distance, vehicle condition, and towing method. Most auction vehicles are non-running and require flatbed towing. To avoid daily storage fees of $10-$40/day, arrange transport before or immediately after winning the auction. Long Distance Towing specializes in Copart and IAAI pickups nationwide. Call 800-216-6045 or get a free quote.

Buying vehicles at online auctions through Copart and IAAI has become one of the most popular ways to find affordable cars, trucks, and SUVs. Whether you are a licensed dealer building inventory, a rebuilder looking for a project, or an individual buying a lightly damaged vehicle at a deep discount, the real challenge often begins after you win the auction: how do you get the vehicle to your location?

Unlike buying from a dealership where you can drive the car off the lot, most auction vehicles are salvage-title, flood-damaged, or otherwise non-running. They cannot simply be driven home. They need to be professionally transported from the auction lot to your garage, shop, or dealership, sometimes across the entire country.

At Long Distance Towing, we have been picking up vehicles from Copart and IAAI lots nationwide since 2010. We know the auction transport process inside and out, from gate passes and lot hours to the best methods for moving damaged and non-running vehicles. Here is everything you need to know.

How Auction Vehicle Transport Works

Transporting a vehicle from an auto auction involves a few key steps that differ from standard vehicle shipping. Understanding this process will help you avoid costly mistakes, particularly storage fees that accumulate when vehicles sit on the lot too long.

The basic process works like this:

  1. You win the auction and complete payment to the auction house (Copart or IAAI).
  2. The auction house issues a gate pass (also called a release authorization), which authorizes the transport company to pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
  3. You contact a transport company and provide the lot number, gate pass details, vehicle information, and delivery address.
  4. The transport company dispatches a driver to the auction lot, presents the gate pass, loads the vehicle, and transports it to your location.
  5. You receive the vehicle and inspect it upon delivery.
Critical timing: Auction houses begin charging daily storage fees after a short grace period (typically 3-5 business days after payment clears). At $10-$40 per day, these fees can add $300+ to your total cost if you wait too long to arrange transport. The smartest approach is to contact a transport company before you bid so you have a plan in place the moment you win.

Step-by-Step: From Auction Win to Delivery

1

Win the Auction and Pay

Complete your payment to Copart or IAAI as soon as possible. The sooner payment clears, the sooner your gate pass is issued, and the sooner transport can be arranged. Both auction houses accept wire transfers, cashier’s checks, and certain online payment methods.

2

Receive Your Gate Pass

After payment clears, the auction house will issue a gate pass or release authorization. This document is required for any transport company to pick up the vehicle from the lot. Make sure you have the lot number, gate pass number, and the yard location where the vehicle is stored.

3

Contact Long Distance Towing

Call 800-216-6045 or submit a quote request online. Provide the auction lot location, lot number, vehicle year/make/model, condition (running or non-running), and your delivery address. We will provide an all-inclusive quote within minutes.

4

Schedule Pickup

Once you confirm the quote, we will schedule pickup from the auction lot. For flatbed towing, pickup is typically arranged within 1-3 business days. The driver will present the gate pass at the yard, load the vehicle, and begin transport. Auction lots have specific hours for vehicle release, so we coordinate with their schedule.

5

Track and Receive Your Vehicle

We provide tracking updates during transit so you know when to expect delivery. Upon arrival, inspect the vehicle and sign the delivery receipt. For non-running vehicles, the driver will unload using a winch or ramps at your specified location.

Won an Auction? We Handle Pickup and Delivery

Long Distance Towing picks up from every Copart and IAAI location in the country. Non-running, salvage, flood, and damaged vehicles are our specialty.

Get a Free Auction Transport Quote

Copart vs. IAAI: What You Need to Know

Copart and IAAI (Insurance Auto Auctions Inc.) are the two largest salvage vehicle auction companies in the United States. From a transport perspective, they operate similarly, but there are some differences worth noting:

Feature Copart IAAI
Number of U.S. locations 200+ yards 190+ branches
Free storage period 3-5 business days 3-5 business days
Daily storage fee $10 – $40/day $10 – $35/day
Gate/release fee $50 – $75 $50 – $75
Yard hours (typical) Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm
Public buyer access Limited (license required in most states) Limited (broker required in some states)
Buyer premium Tiered, based on price Tiered, based on price

Regardless of which auction house you use, the transport process is essentially the same. Long Distance Towing picks up from every Copart and IAAI location in the country. Our drivers are familiar with yard procedures, gate pass requirements, and lot access protocols at each facility.

Auction Vehicle Transport Costs

The cost to transport an auction vehicle depends on three main factors: distance from the auction lot to your delivery address, the vehicle’s condition, and the transport method used.

Cost by Distance (Flatbed Towing, Non-Running Vehicle)

Distance from Auction Lot Flatbed Towing Cost Est. Transit Time
Under 100 miles (local) $250 – $500 Same day
100 – 300 miles $400 – $1,000 Same day – 1 day
300 – 500 miles $800 – $1,500 1-2 days
500 – 1,000 miles $1,200 – $2,500 2-3 days
1,000 – 1,500 miles $2,000 – $3,500 3-4 days
1,500 – 2,500 miles $2,800 – $5,000 4-6 days
2,500+ miles (cross-country) $3,500 – $6,500 5-8 days

Cost by Distance (Carrier Transport, Running Vehicle)

If your auction vehicle is running and can be driven onto a carrier, multi-car carrier transport offers significant savings:

Distance from Auction Lot Open Carrier Cost Est. Transit Time
Under 500 miles $350 – $700 2-4 days
500 – 1,000 miles $600 – $1,000 4-6 days
1,000 – 2,000 miles $800 – $1,300 6-9 days
2,000+ miles $1,000 – $1,600 8-12 days
Important consideration: While carrier transport is cheaper, keep in mind that it takes longer. If your auction vehicle is incurring daily storage fees at the lot, the slower carrier pickup window (3-7 days) could result in $100-$300 in storage charges that offset the savings. For most auction vehicles, flatbed towing with its faster 1-3 day pickup is the most cost-effective option overall.

Additional Auction-Specific Fees

Beyond the transport cost itself, be aware of these additional fees associated with auction vehicle purchases:

Fee Type Typical Cost Paid To
Gate/lot release fee $50 – $75 Auction house
Buyer premium $1 – $800+ (tiered) Auction house
Daily storage (after grace period) $10 – $40/day Auction house
Title processing $50 – $100 Auction house
Non-running vehicle surcharge $100 – $300 Transport company
Environmental/documentation fee $0 – $50 Auction house

Storage Fees and Deadlines

Storage fees are one of the most commonly overlooked costs when buying from auto auctions. Both Copart and IAAI charge daily storage fees that begin after a short grace period.

Here is a breakdown of how storage fees typically work:

  • Days 1-3 (or 1-5 at some locations): Free storage after payment clears. This is your window to arrange transport.
  • Days 4-14: Storage fees of $10-$25 per day apply. For a standard vehicle, this adds $70-$250 to your total cost.
  • Days 15-30: Storage fees may increase to $20-$40 per day at many locations.
  • Beyond 30 days: The auction house may charge maximum daily rates, apply additional administrative fees, or in extreme cases, re-list the vehicle for auction.

Pro Tip: Plan Transport Before You Bid

The savviest auction buyers contact a transport company before they bid. This way, if you win, your transport is already arranged and the pickup can happen within the free storage window. At Long Distance Towing, we encourage customers to get a quote before auction day so we can dispatch as soon as the gate pass is ready. Call 800-216-6045 to pre-arrange your transport.

Shipping Non-Running Auction Vehicles

The majority of vehicles sold at Copart and IAAI auctions are non-running. They may have been in accidents, experienced flood damage, suffered mechanical failure, or been declared total losses by insurance companies. Transporting these vehicles requires specialized equipment and experience.

How Non-Running Vehicles Are Loaded

Flatbed tow trucks equipped with heavy-duty winches are the standard method for loading non-running auction vehicles. The process works like this:

  1. The driver positions the flatbed at the auction lot next to the vehicle.
  2. A steel cable winch attached to the flatbed is connected to the vehicle’s frame or tow hook.
  3. The winch pulls the vehicle onto the flatbed deck.
  4. The driver secures the vehicle with chains and straps for transport.
  5. At delivery, the process is reversed to unload.

Vehicles with certain types of damage may require additional considerations:

  • Missing wheels or flat tires: The driver may use skates or dollies to slide the vehicle onto the flatbed. This adds time but is a routine procedure.
  • Severe frame damage: Vehicles with significant structural damage need careful loading to avoid further damage. The driver will assess the safest attachment points.
  • Flood vehicles: These are often non-running but otherwise structurally intact, making them straightforward to load with a winch.
  • Fire-damaged vehicles: Severely burned vehicles may have compromised structural integrity. The driver will assess safety before loading.

Long Distance Towing picks up from Copart and IAAI locations in all 48 contiguous states. Here are some of the highest-volume auction yards we service regularly:

State Major Copart Yards Major IAAI Branches
Florida Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Ft. Pierce
Texas Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin Houston, Dallas-Ft. Worth, San Antonio
California Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, Rancho Cucamonga Los Angeles, San Diego, Bay Area
Georgia Atlanta North, Atlanta South, Savannah Atlanta, Macon
New York Long Island, Newburgh, Albany Long Island, Medford
Illinois Chicago North, Chicago South Chicago-North, Chicago-South
Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pittsburgh Philadelphia, Pittsburgh
North Carolina Charlotte, Raleigh, Mebane Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham

No matter which yard your auction vehicle is located at, we can arrange pickup. If you do not see your location listed, contact us. We service every auction yard in the country.

Picking Up from Any Copart or IAAI Yard

Tell us the lot number, yard location, and your delivery address. We will handle the gate pass process, pickup, and delivery so you do not have to worry about a thing.

Get Your Free Auction Transport Quote

Tips for First-Time Auction Buyers

If you are buying from Copart or IAAI for the first time, these tips will help you navigate the transport process smoothly and avoid costly mistakes:

  1. Get a transport quote before you bid. Factor transport costs into your total budget. A vehicle that looks like a great deal at auction may be less attractive once you add $1,500-$3,000 for transport on top of the purchase price and buyer premium.
  2. Pay for the vehicle immediately after winning. The sooner payment clears, the sooner your gate pass is issued, and the sooner you can arrange pickup. Every day of delay is a day closer to storage fees.
  3. Know your vehicle’s condition. Read the auction listing carefully. Look for codes like “Run and Drive” (the vehicle can move under its own power) versus “Stationary” or “Starts” (which may mean it moves but not reliably). This affects which transport method you need and the cost.
  4. Budget for the full cost. Beyond the auction price, budget for the buyer premium (which can be hundreds of dollars), gate fee ($50-$75), transport cost, and potential storage fees. On a $5,000 auction purchase, total all-in costs including transport could be $6,500-$9,000.
  5. Take photos at delivery. When your vehicle arrives, take detailed photos and compare the condition to the auction listing photos. Note any discrepancies on the delivery receipt.
  6. Choose a transport company experienced with auctions. Not every tow truck operator is familiar with auction lot procedures, gate passes, and yard protocols. An experienced company like Long Distance Towing knows the process and can avoid delays.

Why Long Distance Towing for Auction Transport

Long Distance Towing is the preferred auction transport partner for dealers, rebuilders, and individual buyers across the country. Here is why:

  • Auction lot expertise: We pick up from Copart and IAAI yards daily. Our drivers know the gate pass process, yard hours, and loading procedures at every major location.
  • Non-running vehicle specialists: The majority of auction vehicles do not run. Our flatbed trucks are equipped with heavy-duty winches designed to load inoperable, damaged, and salvage vehicles safely.
  • Fast pickup to avoid storage fees: We understand the urgency of auction pickups. We typically arrange pickup within 1-3 business days of receiving the gate pass, keeping your storage fees to a minimum.
  • All-inclusive pricing: Our quotes cover everything: pickup from the auction lot, transport, delivery, and insurance. No hidden fees or surprise surcharges.
  • Nationwide coverage: We service every Copart and IAAI location in all 48 contiguous states. No matter where you buy, we can get it to you.
  • Dealer volume discounts: For dealers and rebuilders who ship multiple auction vehicles per month, we offer competitive volume pricing. Call us to discuss your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Auction Vehicle Transport

How much does it cost to ship a car from Copart?

Shipping a car from Copart typically costs between $300 and $1,500 for carrier transport or $800 to $4,000+ for flatbed towing, depending on distance and vehicle condition. Most Copart vehicles are non-running and require flatbed towing, which costs more than standard carrier transport. Additionally, Copart charges a gate or lot release fee of $50-$75 that is paid separately to the auction house.

How long do I have to pick up a car from Copart before storage fees start?

Copart typically allows 3-5 business days of free storage after payment clears. After that, daily storage fees of $10-$40 per day apply depending on the lot location and vehicle size. Storage fees can accumulate quickly, adding hundreds of dollars to your total cost, so it is important to arrange transport before or immediately after winning the auction.

Can you ship a non-running car from an auction?

Yes, non-running vehicles are the most common type of vehicle shipped from Copart and IAAI auctions. Flatbed tow trucks equipped with winches are the standard method for picking up non-running auction vehicles. The transport company loads the vehicle directly from the auction lot. Non-running vehicles typically cost $100-$300 more to transport than running vehicles due to the extra equipment and time required for loading.

How do I arrange shipping for a Copart or IAAI auction vehicle?

The process is straightforward: 1) Win the auction and complete payment, 2) Receive the gate pass or release authorization from the auction house, 3) Contact Long Distance Towing at 800-216-6045 with the lot number, vehicle details, and delivery address, 4) Provide the gate pass information so our driver can pick up the vehicle, 5) Our driver handles pickup directly from the auction lot, loads the vehicle, and delivers it to your location.

What is the difference between Copart and IAAI for vehicle shipping?

From a transport perspective, Copart and IAAI operate very similarly. Both require a gate pass for vehicle release, charge storage fees after a grace period, and allow transport companies to pick up directly from their lots. The main differences are lot locations, yard hours, and buyer access requirements, which can affect scheduling. Long Distance Towing picks up from both Copart and IAAI locations nationwide and our drivers are familiar with both systems.

How long does it take to ship a car from a Copart or IAAI auction?

After the gate pass is issued, pickup from the auction lot can typically be arranged within 1-3 business days for flatbed towing or 3-7 days for carrier transport. Total transit time depends on distance: a 500-mile shipment takes 1-4 days after pickup, while cross-country moves take 5-10 days. Plan for 5-14 days total from auction win to delivery, depending on payment processing speed and distance.

Do I need a broker license to buy from Copart or IAAI?

Requirements vary by state and auction platform. Copart requires a dealer or broker license to buy directly in most states, though some membership tiers and their CashForCars.com platform allow public buyers. IAAI also has buyer qualification requirements that vary by state. Many individual buyers use licensed broker services to purchase on their behalf. Regardless of how you purchase the vehicle, Long Distance Towing can handle the transport once you have a valid gate pass.

Auction Vehicle Transport Made Simple

From Copart and IAAI lots to your door, Long Distance Towing handles the entire process. Non-running, salvage, and damaged vehicles are our specialty. Call today or get a free quote online.

Get a Free Quote

Scroll to Top
Ultimate Transport 123 · Long Distance Towing
6182 N State Road 7, Unit 206, Coconut Creek, FL 33073  ·  (800) 216-6045  ·  USDOT #2247479  ·  MC-724477  ·  Verify on FMCSA SAFER
A sister company of Ultimate Transport 123