Shipping a car from a dealer or auto auction works like any other car shipment, with three extra steps: getting the release paperwork from the seller, picking up the car before storage fees start, and telling the carrier whether the car runs. Most open-carrier moves cost about $500–$1,900 and take 1–3 days for short trips or 7–10 days coast to coast. The fastest auction pickups happen when the buyer books transport the same day they win the car.
Key takeaways
- Book transport as soon as you win or buy. Many auction lots start charging storage after just a few days.
- Get the gate pass, release form, or buyer number ready. The driver can't pick up the car without it.
- Be honest about condition. Non-running cars need a winch or forklift and cost more.
- Titles often travel separately by mail, not with the car.
- Dealers moving several cars can often save with multi-car loads on the same route.
Who this guide is for
This guide covers four common situations:
- Private buyers who won a car at an online or in-person auction, such as salvage, insurance, repo, or public auctions.
- Retail buyers who bought from a dealer in another city or state.
- Licensed dealers who buy at dealer-only auctions and need cars moved to their lot.
- Dealers doing dealer trades, wholesale moves, or delivering sold cars to customers.
The basics are the same. The details, especially paperwork and timing, are what make a dealer or auction move go smoothly. Our dealer and auction car shipping service is built around these steps.
Auction pickups: the clock starts right away
At most auctions, you have a short window to pay and pick up before storage fees begin. The exact deadline differs by auction, location, and sale type, so read your buyer terms. In general, plan on a few business days at most.
What to do the day you win
- Pay for the car so the auction will release it.
- Get your release document. Depending on the auction, it may be called a gate pass, release form, or pickup order. It usually includes a lot or stock number and a PIN or release code.
- Book transport with the vehicle's lot number, yard address, and condition notes.
- Send the release document to your shipper so the driver can show it at the gate.
- Check yard hours. Some yards have limited pickup hours or need appointments.
Storage fees and delays
Storage fees can add up quickly, and they're charged by the auction, not the carrier. The best way to avoid them is to book transport right after you buy. If the deadline is tight, ask about same-day pickup, available in most metro areas, or expedited car shipping.
Running vs. non-running cars
Many auction cars, especially salvage or insurance units, don't run. That's fine, but the carrier needs to know before they're dispatched.
| Condition | What the carrier needs | Effect on price |
|---|---|---|
| Runs and drives | Standard loading | Standard rate |
| Doesn't start, but rolls and steers | Winch on the trailer | Usually an added fee, often $100–$300 |
| Doesn't roll (locked wheels, flat tires, missing wheels) | Forklift at the yard or special equipment | Higher; may limit which carriers can take it |
| Heavy damage or missing parts | Photos and details up front | Quoted case by case |
Many large auction yards can load cars onto the truck with a forklift. Ask the yard whether they offer loading help, and share their answer with your shipper. If you're not sure the car runs, mark it as non-running. A surprise at the gate can mean a wasted trip and a re-booking fee.
Buying from an out-of-state dealer
Dealer pickups are usually easier than auctions. Dealers ship cars all the time and know the routine. Still, a few things help:
- Confirm the pickup contact. Get the name of the salesperson or the person who handles deliveries.
- Check hours. Many dealers close early on weekends. Make sure someone can release the car during the pickup window.
- Ask for fresh photos on the day of pickup. They help as a baseline for the inspection.
- Clear out dealer items. Ask the dealer to remove plates, if required, and confirm whether a temporary tag is needed.
- Know the title plan. Many dealers mail the title or registration paperwork separately, or handle it with your state.
Bought the car online? See our guide to shipping a car you bought online.
For dealers: moving inventory efficiently
Dealers ship cars for many reasons: auction buys, dealer trades, wholesale deals, and home delivery for customers. Here's how to keep costs and delays down.
Batch your shipments
If you buy several cars from the same auction or region, ship them together. A carrier that can fill more of a truck from one stop can often offer a better rate per car.
Keep good records
Send each car's VIN, year, make, model, lot number, and running status in one list. Clear info means faster dispatch and fewer mistakes.
Plan around auction days
Big auctions create a rush of pickups the day after the sale. Booking the same day you buy helps you get on a truck before storage fees start.
Protect higher-value units
For luxury, exotic, or classic inventory, ask for enclosed car shipping. It typically costs $800–$2,900 but keeps the car clean and protected. See luxury and exotic car shipping.
Delivering sold cars to customers
Home delivery has become a normal part of car sales. When you ship a sold car to a customer, set expectations early. Give the buyer a realistic delivery window, the driver's call-ahead plan, and clear instructions for the inspection at delivery. A clean, photographed car at pickup and a smooth hand-off reflect well on the dealership.
Salvage, rebuilt, and project cars
Auction buyers often pick up salvage, flood, theft-recovery, or rebuilt-title cars. These can ship just like any other car, with a few extra notes.
- Describe the damage honestly. Missing glass, open body panels, or loose parts can affect how the car is loaded and secured.
- Secure loose parts. Ask the yard to place loose parts inside the car, or remove them. Anything that can fly off at highway speed is a hazard.
- Check for leaks. Carriers may refuse cars that leak fluids onto other vehicles, especially on a lower deck.
- Know the title rules. Salvage and rebuilt title rules vary by state, including what inspections are needed before the car can be registered. Typically, salvage cars must pass a state inspection before they can be driven on public roads. Check with your state DMV before you buy.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting to book. Every day of delay can mean another day of storage fees.
- Marking a non-runner as running. This can cause a dry run and a re-booking fee.
- Forgetting the release document. Without it, the yard won't release the car to the driver.
- Not checking yard hours. A driver who arrives after hours may have to come back another day.
- Skipping the delivery inspection. Signing a clean Bill of Lading makes later claims hard.
- Leaving personal items or extra parts unsecured. Carrier insurance generally doesn't cover them.
Paperwork checklist
Missing paperwork is the most common reason for a failed auction or dealer pickup. Before dispatch, make sure you have:
- The release document, gate pass, or pickup order from the auction or dealer.
- The lot or stock number, VIN, and the yard or dealer address.
- Yard or dealer hours and any appointment requirements.
- Running status and any special loading notes.
- A contact name at pickup and a contact name at delivery.
- A plan for the title, which is often mailed separately.
Our general vehicle shipping checklist covers the rest.
A simple habit saves a lot of trouble: as soon as you get the release document, forward it to your shipper in the same message as the lot number and yard address. Drivers often pick up several cars from the same yard on one trip, and having everything in one place helps them get your car out the gate quickly.
Inspection and the Bill of Lading
Auction cars often already have dents, scratches, or missing parts. That's why careful inspection matters so much. At pickup, the driver will note the car's condition on the Bill of Lading (BOL). Since you may not be there, ask the driver or your shipper for pickup photos.
At delivery:
- Compare the car to the auction listing photos and the pickup BOL.
- Note any new damage on the BOL with the driver present, and take photos.
- Don't sign a clean BOL if you see new damage. It can make a claim much harder.
Learn more about each step in how car shipping works.
Cost and timing at a glance
| Trip | Typical transit | Open carrier cost |
|---|---|---|
| Under 500 miles | 1–3 days | Lower end of $500–$1,900 |
| 500–1,500 miles | 3–6 days | Middle of the range |
| Coast to coast | 7–10 days | Upper end of the range |
Prices vary with distance, vehicle size, condition, season, and how close the pickup is to major highways. Try our car shipping cost calculator for a quick estimate.
With CTS, there's $0 deposit to book, 24/7 in-transit updates, and access to 100,000+ licensed and insured carriers. Shipments are arranged by Niki Auto Transport (USDOT 4535689, MC 1799148). If you find a lower written quote for the same service, our Best Price Guarantee means we'll match or beat it.
Frequently asked questions
How fast can you pick up a car from an auction?
It depends on the yard's hours and carrier availability. Same-day pickup is available in most major metros. Book as soon as you win so you can beat storage deadlines.
What do I need to send for an auction pickup?
Usually the release document (gate pass or pickup order), the lot number, the VIN, the yard address, and whether the car runs.
Can you ship a car that doesn't run?
Yes. Tell us when you book. Cars that roll and steer need a winch. Cars that don't roll may need a forklift at the yard.
Does the title ride with the car?
Often it doesn't. Auctions and dealers commonly mail titles separately. Ask your seller how they handle it.
Do you offer multi-car shipping for dealers?
Yes. Send us your list of vehicles and we'll quote them together, which can lower the cost per car.
Do I need to be at the auction yard for pickup?
Usually not. Most auctions release cars to the driver with a valid release document or gate pass. Check your auction's rules, since a few locations require the buyer or an authorized agent to sign. At delivery, someone 18 or older should be there to inspect the car and sign the Bill of Lading.
Just won a car or buying from a dealer out of state? Get a free quote and get on a truck before storage fees start.
Updated November 4, 2026