Auction Vehicle Transport: How to Ship Cars from Copart & IAAI
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 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.
How Auction Vehicle Transport Works
The basic process works like this:
- You win the auction and complete payment to Copart or IAAI.
- The auction house issues a gate pass (release authorization) authorizing the transport company to pick up the vehicle.
- You contact Long Distance Towing and provide the lot number, gate pass details, vehicle info, and delivery address.
- Our driver picks up the vehicle from the auction lot and delivers it to you.
Step-by-Step: From Auction Win to Delivery
Win the Auction and Pay
Complete payment immediately. The sooner payment clears, the sooner your gate pass is issued.
Receive Your Gate Pass
After payment clears, you’ll receive a gate pass with the lot number and yard location. This is required for pickup.
Contact Long Distance Towing
Call 800-216-6045 or submit a quote request. Provide lot location, lot number, vehicle condition, and delivery address.
Schedule Pickup
Flatbed pickup is typically arranged within 1–3 business days. Our driver coordinates with the yard’s schedule and gate pass requirements.
Track and Receive Your Vehicle
We provide transit updates. Upon arrival, inspect the vehicle and sign the delivery receipt.
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.
Copart vs. IAAI: Key Differences
| Feature | Copart | IAAI |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Auction Vehicle Transport Costs
Flatbed Towing (Non-Running Vehicle)
| Distance from Auction Lot | Flatbed Cost | Est. Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Under 100 miles | $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 |
Open Carrier (Running Vehicle)
| Distance | 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 |
Storage Fees and Deadlines
- Days 1–5 (grace period): Free storage after payment clears. Arrange transport now.
- Days 4–14: $10–$25/day. Adds $70–$250 per vehicle.
- Days 15–30: Fees increase to $20–$40/day at many locations.
- Beyond 30 days: Maximum daily rates, additional admin fees, or re-listing risk.
Pro Tip: Plan Transport Before You Bid
Get a quote before auction day. If you win, we can dispatch as soon as the gate pass is ready, keeping your vehicle within the free storage window. Call 800-216-6045 to pre-arrange transport.
Shipping Non-Running Auction Vehicles
The majority of Copart and IAAI vehicles are non-running — salvage-title, flood-damaged, or mechanical failures. Our flatbed trucks use heavy-duty winches to load inoperable vehicles of any type including missing wheels, severe frame damage, and fire-damaged vehicles.
Popular Copart and IAAI Locations We Service
| 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 | 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 |
Tips for First-Time Auction Buyers
- Get a transport quote before you bid. Factor transport into your total budget. A vehicle that looks like a great deal may be less attractive after adding $1,500–$3,000 for cross-country transport.
- Pay immediately after winning. Every day of delay is a day closer to storage fees.
- Know your vehicle’s condition. “Run and Drive” vs “Stationary” affects transport method and cost.
- Budget for all costs. Include buyer premium, gate fee ($50–$75), transport, and potential storage fees.
- Photograph at delivery. Compare to auction listing photos and note any discrepancies on the delivery receipt.
Why Long Distance Towing for Auction Transport
- Auction lot expertise: We pick up from Copart and IAAI yards daily across all 48 contiguous states.
- Non-running vehicle specialists: Heavy-duty winch-equipped flatbeds for inoperable, damaged, and salvage vehicles.
- Fast pickup: 1–3 business days after gate pass receipt, minimizing storage fees.
- All-inclusive pricing: No hidden fees. Our quote covers pickup, transport, and delivery.
- Dealer volume discounts: Call 800-216-6045 to discuss volume pricing for multiple monthly shipments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Auction Vehicle Transport
Shipping a car from Copart costs $300–$1,500 for carrier transport or $800–$4,000+ for flatbed towing, depending on distance and vehicle condition. Copart also charges a gate release fee of $50–$75 paid separately.
Copart allows 3–5 business days of free storage after payment clears. After that, $10–$40/day applies depending on location and vehicle size. Arrange transport immediately after winning.
Yes. Non-running vehicles are our specialty. Flatbed trucks with heavy-duty winches load inoperable vehicles directly from the auction lot. Non-running vehicles typically cost $100–$300 more than running vehicles.
Win the auction, pay, receive your gate pass, then call 800-216-6045. Provide the lot number, yard location, vehicle details, and delivery address. We handle the rest.
Plan for 5–14 days total from auction win to delivery, depending on payment processing speed and distance. Flatbed pickup is usually 1–3 days after gate pass receipt; carrier transport takes 3–7 days for pickup.
Related Resources
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.