Auto Auction Car Shipping: Copart, IAAI, Manheim & More (2026)

You won the auction. Now what? Getting a vehicle from Copart, IAAI, Manheim, or SmartAuction shipped to you is more straightforward than most buyers expect — but there are a few things you must do in the right order.

How Auto Auction Car Shipping Works

1. Win the auction and pay: Complete payment through the auction platform before anything else.
2. Complete title transfer: For most auctions, title must be in your name (or properly assigned) before the vehicle can leave. Copart and IAAI issue titles — confirm they've been processed.
3. Book transport: Provide us the auction lot number, auction location address, and your delivery address. We coordinate directly with the auction release desk.
4. Carrier pickup: Our carrier shows up at the auction, presents credentials, and loads your vehicle.
5. Delivery: Door-to-door to your address with a condition report at both pickup and delivery.

Auction-Specific Tips

Copart

Copart requires a licensed broker or individual with a Copart membership to remove vehicles. Transport companies are pre-approved. We have existing broker relationships with Copart locations nationwide — pickup is usually within 2–5 days of booking.

IAAI (Insurance Auto Auctions)

IAAI operates similarly to Copart. Vehicles must be paid for and title cleared before release. Many IAAI vehicles are salvage/flood — disclose condition at booking so we dispatch the right carrier (often a rollback flatbed for non-runners).

Manheim

Manheim is a dealer-only auction but vehicles purchased by dealers are shipped by our carrier network regularly. Provide the lot number and Manheim location — pickup is coordinated with the Manheim lot team.

SmartAuction / Online Dealer Auctions

Running vehicles, often with valid titles. Standard transport process — seller (dealer) releases to our carrier.

What Most Buyers Get Wrong

• Booking transport before title is cleared — Your carrier will show up and be turned away. Title must be processable before transport.
• Not checking storage fees — Copart and IAAI charge daily storage fees after a grace period. Book transport immediately after your auction win to minimize storage costs.
• Not disclosing non-running condition — Most auction vehicles run. But flood-damaged and salvage cars often don't. Disclose condition at booking so we send the right equipment.

Cost to Ship from Major Auctions

Same rate structure as any transport — based entirely on distance from the auction location to your delivery address. Copart/IAAI vehicles that are non-runners add a $100–$200 surcharge for winch loading.