How To Ship a Car from Copart?

Winning a bid on Copart is only half the battle. The moment the auction ends, a strict countdown begins: you typically have exactly three business days (including the day of sale) to pay for and remove the vehicle from the yard. Miss that window, and Copart will hit you with daily storage fees – often $50 or more per day – that can quickly wipe out the great deal you just won.

Calculate Shipping Quotes

Shipping a car from a salvage auction is a completely different game than standard auto transport. You aren’t picking up a pristine, running vehicle from a dealership. You are dealing with specific lot numbers, strict yard hours, buyer release forms, and vehicles that may be “Non-runners,” requiring a winch or even a forklift to load onto a flatbed trailer.

In this guide, we cut through the fluff to show you exactly how Copart auto shipping works. We’ll break down the real costs of transporting salvage vehicles, the exact documents your driver needs to clear the gate, and how to book an FMCSA-licensed carrier equipped to handle the job before those storage fees kick in.If you are new to auctions, make sure you look at our “Tips for First-Time Auction Car Buyers.” It gives you key advice on how to budget and make good choices, which will help you set up shipping easily

Ready to get your Copart car delivered safely and efficiently? Let’s dive in!

How does Copart work?

How does Copart auto shipping work?

How Much Does Copart Auto Shipping Cost?

Top 5 Copart Shipping companies

What documents do you need when shipping from Copart Online Auto Auction?

FAQ

How Does Copart Work?

Copart is the world’s leading online auction site for used, salvaged, and clean certified vehicles. Copart Auto Auction has a lot to offer to used-car seekers, auto wreckers, dealers, and various auto repair shops.

For auto enthusiasts and repair shops, Copart offers a treasure trove of possibilities. Salvage titles might seem daunting, but with the right knowledge and repairs, they can be transformed into fantastic vehicles. For everyday drivers, Copart can be a budget-friendly option to find a good used car.

Before bidding, Copart members must upload a copy of a valid government-issued ID to their Copart account and pay the Basic or Premier membership fee. When registering as a legal entity, you must upload the ID of the company owner. Uploaded documents are reviewed in one to three business days, so try to upload them in advance so that your account is already activated by the time you want to place bets.

There are several bidding options available to bidders:

buyers have several auction options in Copart

Advance rates

Copart Members may place pre-bids on vehicles at any time, up to 2 minutes or 2 lots prior to the start of bidding for the lot they are interested in. When placing a preliminary bid, you determine the car’s value before the sale. Your pre-bid will be submitted during the online auction – it can win if it is the highest of the pre-bids and no bidder bids higher during the online auction. Please note that if there is a tie between the pre-bid and the online bid during the auction, preference will be given to the bidder who bid during the online auction, not the pre-bid.

Online betting

With the help of patented online auction technology, participants are involved in the online buying process from their computers or mobile devices. Bets can be placed from a computer, phone, or through a broker by selecting the automatic bidding feature or by offering your own bet – a giant bet.

Buy It Now

You can bypass the bidding process for certain vehicles in the Buy It Now section. While these items can be bid on if you wish, you can also redeem them in advance at the listed price. All purchases made in the Buy It Now section must be collected from the warehouse within 3 business days, including the day of sale. Otherwise, an additional charge ($20.00 per day) will apply for each additional day of storage.

To ensure that you are well-prepared for every aspect of the auto auction process, we have included a helpful video with tips and advice on achieving success at auto auctions. It’s important to have all the necessary information before you jump into the world of auto auctions, and this video will guide you through the process.

Now that you are equipped with valuable tips for a successful auto auction experience, let’s dive into the specifics of shipping a car from Copart. Remember, proper planning is essential for a smooth and cost-effective transportation process.

How Copart Auto Shipping Actually Works?

Copart is an auction house, not a logistics company. They do not offer end-to-end vehicle delivery. Once you win a bid, you are entirely responsible for hiring a third-party auto transport company and coordinating the pickup.

Unlike picking up a car from a private seller, retrieving a vehicle from a Copart salvage yard requires strict adherence to their dispatch protocols. Here is exactly how the process works on the ground:

What to consider when choosing a shipping company

Clearing the Account: Your transporter cannot pick up the car if you owe Copart a single cent. Ensure the vehicle, buyer fees, and any accumulated storage or gate fees are paid in full directly to Copart before dispatching a driver.

Providing the Right Data: You cannot simply send a tow truck to the yard. You must provide your auto transport carrier with two critical pieces of information: your Copart Buyer Number and the specific Lot Number of the vehicle.

The Gate Pass & Dispatch: Professional carriers use the Copart Transporter App or an electronic gate system. They input your Buyer and Lot numbers to schedule a pickup time and generate a digital Gate Pass. Without this pass, the yard security will not let the driver in.

Strict Yard Cut-off Times: Copart yards generally operate Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, most locations strictly stop loading vehicles at 4:30 PM. If your driver arrives at 4:35 PM, they will be turned away, which could push your shipment into another day of storage penalties.

Loading the Vehicle: Buyers and drivers are strictly prohibited from entering the commercial lot to retrieve cars. Copart staff uses heavy loaders to bring the vehicle to the designated staging area. If the car rolls, your driver will use a winch to secure it to the trailer. If it is severely damaged, Copart staff will use a forklift to place it directly onto the driver’s flatbed.

How Much Does Copart Auto Shipping Cost?

The average cost to ship a running vehicle from Copart is between $0.60 and $1.50 per mile, depending on the total distance. However, because you are buying from a salvage auction, your final quote will almost always include additional surcharges based on the vehicle’s condition.

When budgeting for your transport, you must factor in these Copart-specific costs:

Inoperable Vehicle Fee (Winch Fee): If the vehicle is listed as “Non-runner” or “Engine Defective,” the driver must use a winch to pull it onto the trailer. Expect an additional $50 to $150 added to your quote.

Forklift Loading: If the car has severe suspension damage, missing wheels, or cannot roll at all, the Copart yard must use a forklift to place it on the transport trailer. This requires booking a specialized Flatbed carrier rather than a standard multi-car hauler, which generally costs 20% to 30% more per mile.

Gate Fees/Buyer Fees: While not a shipping cost, remember that your carrier cannot leave the yard if there are outstanding balances on your lot. Ensure all gate and loading fees are paid directly to Copart beforehand so your driver isn’t turned away at the gate.

Storage Penalties: If you hire a cheap, unreliable carrier who misses the 3-day pickup window, Copart will charge late fees. Paying an extra $50 upfront for a reliable, on-time transporter will save you hundreds in yard storage penalties.

To get an accurate rate, always provide your transporter with the specific Lot Number and the vehicle’s operational status (Run & Drive vs. Inoperable) so they can dispatch the correct equipment.

Get Free Quotes for Your Auction Car Shipping

While pinpointing an exact cost upfront might be tricky, understanding these factors empowers you to make informed decisions.

Ready to get a more accurate estimate for your Copart haul?

The company is licensed in the market. It employs only experienced drivers with at least 5 years of experience behind them. No prepayments, hidden fees and deadline violations – everything is clear, fast and without delay.

17940903 removebg preview1 How To Ship a Car from Copart? 18

Check Reviews

Get Shipping Quotes

Choosing the right partner for shipping a car from Copart can be as critical as the bid itself. The companies listed above represent the zenith of auction car shipping, each bringing its unique strengths to the table. Whether your priority lies in speed, coverage, customization, or security, these elite service providers set the benchmark for excellence in Copart auto shipping. Engage with any of these industry leaders, and rest assured, your prized acquisition is in expert hands.

What Documents Do You Need When Ship a Car From Copart Online Auto Auction?

Conquered a fantastic deal at a Copart auction? Now comes the not-so-thrilling part: paperwork!

Fear not, fellow car enthusiasts! This section will be your one-stop guide to understanding the essential documents required for smooth Copart auto shipping.

Follow the steps below to organize your shipping process quickly and efficiently:

What Documents Do You Need When Ship a Car From Copart Online Auto Auction

Pay for the item in FULL and send a payment order OR notice of payment to buyer.ar@copart.com

Choose one of the shipping options and contact the vehicle shipping company.

Fill out, sign and upload the power of attorney to your account:
– Notarized power of attorney (for buyers who bought a car in the following states: Arkansas, Arizona, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Washington, West Virginia or Wyoming.
– Power of attorney without notarization (for buyers who bought a car in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, or Wisconsin.

Please note that the downloaded Power of Attorney will be valid for ALL future purchases in the states listed therein.

After sending a notification of payment and uploading a power of attorney to your account, you can pick up the car from the site and the documents for it. Please provide the shipping company with your membership number and lot number. This information will need to be provided to the site staff in order to pick up the car.

Pro tip: Don’t wait until the last minute! Prepare the necessary documents beforehand to avoid delays.

Separately, you should settle issues with the company that will provide transport services. Here we are talking about auto insurance, as well as the responsibility of the company for the safety of the car. This will require a contract and a bill of lading.

We’ve covered the Copart-specific documents, but there are other items involved in the overall shipping process. For a complete breakdown, see our Vehicle Shipping Document Checklist.

Navigating the complexities of shipping a vehicle from Copart auctions doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right knowledge and a reliable partner like Compare The Carrier, you can ensure a smooth and cost-effective transport experience. From understanding how Copart works to choosing the best auto transport companies, this guide aims to equip you with all the necessary information.

Remember, successful Copart auto shipping hinges on making informed decisions and planning ahead. Whether it’s for personal use, dealership inventory, or restoration projects, entrusting your vehicle transport services to experienced professionals guarantees peace of mind. Always consider factors like company reputation, pricing, and service quality. In the end, the goal is to have your auction vehicle delivered safely, efficiently, and at a reasonable cost.

Find Out the Copart Shipping Cost

FAQ

How long does it take to deliver a car from a Copart auction?

Dispatching a driver typically takes 1 to 3 days. Once loaded, a commercial auto hauler legally covers 400 to 500 miles per day. A cross-country Copart delivery takes 7 to 10 days, while regional transport takes 1 to 3 days. Always book immediately to meet Copart’s strict 3-day pickup window.

How much does it cost to transport a car from a Copart auction

Standard auto transport costs $0.60 to $1.50 per mile. However, Copart vehicles usually incur salvage surcharges. Expect to pay an additional $50 to $150 if the car requires a winch (non-runner), or 20% to 30% more per mile if it requires forklift loading onto a flatbed trailer.

Can I ship multiple vehicles from Copart at once?

Yes. Booking multiple vehicles on a single 3-car or 9-car hauler is highly cost-effective for dealers. Ensure all vehicles are at the same Copart yard and specify their condition. Mixing running cars with forklift-loaded salvage vehicles requires a specialized step-deck or flatbed trailer.

How does cargo insurance work for Copart salvage cars?

FMCSA-licensed carriers provide cargo insurance, but coverage on salvage vehicles only applies to new transit damage (e.g., a rollover or fire). The driver will document all existing auction damage on the Bill of Lading (BOL). Standard policies do not cover loose parts falling off severely damaged vehicles.

Can I request expedited shipping to avoid Copart storage fees?

Yes. Expedited shipping guarantees dispatch within 24 to 48 hours, which is crucial for beating Copart’s daily $50+ storage penalties. This premium service typically costs 30% to 50% more than standard rates, but it often saves money by preventing accumulated yard storage fees.

Do I need to be present at Copart for vehicle pickup?

No, buyers are generally not allowed in the commercial loading area. The transport driver handles the physical pickup. However, you must provide the carrier with your Copart Buyer Number and Lot Number, and ensure all gate fees are paid so the driver can receive the Gate Pass.