Skip to main content
Auction Transport

You Won the Bid. We Handle Everything After.

Auction vehicle transport is not standard car shipping. Storage fee clocks start ticking the moment you win. Gate passes expire. Release documents get rejected over name mismatches. Approved Auto Transport handles all of it — so your vehicle moves before the fees start stacking up.

Ready to move your auction vehicle?

Get a Quote Or call (888) 594-2804
Section 1

Auctions We Work With — Nationwide.

Auctions We Work With

Copart

The largest salvage and used vehicle auction in the US. Copart requires a Gate Pass PIN generated through your member dashboard. Storage fees begin after 7 days. Non-running vehicles are common and we coordinate forklift or winch loading on your behalf.

We ship from here

IAA (Insurance Auto Auctions)

Specializes in insurance loss, salvage, and clean-title vehicles. IAA requires a vehicle release form. Storage fees begin after 5 days. We coordinate the release authorization and ensure the carrier name matches exactly to avoid access denials.

We ship from here

Manheim

The largest dealer-only wholesale auction network in the US with 100+ locations. Manheim handles releases through their dealer network. We work directly with Manheim coordinators at each location to ensure clean gate authorization.

We ship from here

ADESA

A major wholesale auction platform operating physical and digital lanes nationwide. ADESA release coordination requires buyer number and lot authorization. We handle the documentation directly.

We ship from here

ACV Auctions

A growing digital-first dealer auction platform. ACV vehicles are typically located at dealer lots and require coordinated pickup with the selling dealer. We manage that communication on your behalf.

We ship from here

Bring a Trailer (BaT)

The premier online marketplace for collector, enthusiast, classic, and vintage vehicles. Bring a Trailer buyers are typically purchasing higher-value vehicles where enclosed transport is strongly recommended to protect against road debris, weather, and UV exposure. BaT vehicles are sold by private sellers and pickup is coordinated directly with the seller. We manage that communication on your behalf and recommend enclosed transport for most BaT purchases. Contact us to discuss the right transport option for your specific vehicle before booking.

We ship from here

OpenLane (formerly OPENLANE)

A digital wholesale platform used by dealers and fleet sellers. We coordinate pickup from OpenLane selling locations nationwide.

We ship from here

Independent & Regional Auctions

We handle pickups from hundreds of independent auction houses, dealer auctions, and salvage yards nationwide. If it has a lot number and a gate, we can get your vehicle out.

We ship from here

Approved Transport Group LLC is an independent licensed auto transport broker. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an official partner of any auction platform listed. All platform names are referenced for identification purposes only.

Section 2

The clock starts when you win. Here is what most buyers do not know.

Why Auction Transport Is Different

Storage Fees Start Immediately

Copart charges approximately $20 per day after 7 days. IAA begins fees after 5 days. Most auction houses impose daily storage charges that apply whether or not your carrier has been assigned. Every day of delay costs real money. We target dispatch within 24 to 48 hours of receiving your booking to protect your timeline and minimize storage exposure.

Gate Pass and Release Documentation Is Everything

The single most common cause of carrier delays at auction lots is documentation errors — wrong name on the gate pass, missing buyer authorization, or expired release window. At Copart, the gate pass name must match the authorized pickup party exactly. At IAA, the vehicle release form must be current and properly issued. We coordinate all of this before the carrier arrives at the gate.

Non-Running Vehicles Need Specialized Equipment

A significant portion of auction vehicles — particularly from Copart and IAA — are non-running, salvage, or have structural damage. We dispatch carriers equipped for winch loading, forklift coordination, and low-clearance vehicles. Non-running vehicles are not a problem — they just need to be disclosed upfront so we match the right equipment.

Section 3

What to have ready when you contact us

What We Need From You to Get Started

  1. 1Auction platform name — Copart, IAA, Manheim, ADESA, ACV, or other
  2. 2Auction location — full lot address, not just the city. Auction facilities have multiple yards in the same metro area.
  3. 3Buyer number — your registered buyer ID on the auction platform
  4. 4Lot number or stock number — the specific vehicle identifier on the auction platform
  5. 5VIN — the vehicle identification number for the specific vehicle
  6. 6Vehicle condition — running and driving, non-running, or salvage with damage description. Be specific. A carrier arriving for a running vehicle that is actually non-running will result in a failed pickup and a rebooking delay.
  7. 7Gate pass or release document — how you will provide carrier authorization at the specific auction. If you are unsure how to generate this, contact us and we will walk you through it.
  8. 8Storage fee deadline — the specific date storage fees begin or have already begun. This determines dispatch priority.
  9. 9Delivery address — full destination address including any delivery notes or access restrictions
  10. 10Link to the vehicle listing — optional but helpful. A direct link to your auction listing helps us verify condition reports and coordinate with the auction yard.

Not sure about any of these? Call us at (888) 594-2804 before you book. We will walk you through it.

Section 4

Platform-specific requirements we handle for you

Auction-Specific Notes

Gate Pass PIN is generated through your Copart member dashboard under the specific lot. The PIN authorizes the carrier to enter and remove the vehicle. The name on the gate pass must match the authorized party — if you want us to coordinate pickup under our name, you must authorize third-party pickup through your Copart account. Storage fees begin approximately 7 days after purchase. Non-running vehicles are common — Copart provides forklift service on-site for vehicles that cannot be driven onto a carrier.

IAA requires a vehicle release form issued by IAA for each vehicle. Third-party pickup authorization must be set up through your IAA account before the carrier arrives. Storage fees typically begin 5 days after the auction date. IAA facilities vary in gate hours — we confirm access windows before dispatch to prevent carrier wait charges.

Manheim operates as a dealer-only network. Release is coordinated through Manheim's system and requires your buyer credentials and lot authorization. Manheim facilities typically have defined gate hours and appointment requirements at high-volume locations. We contact the specific Manheim location directly to confirm access requirements before dispatch.

ADESA release requires buyer number and lot authorization through their system. Physical ADESA locations have their own gate procedures. We coordinate directly with each location.

ACV vehicles are typically held at selling dealer locations rather than a centralized lot. Pickup coordination involves contacting the selling dealer to arrange access. We handle that communication on your behalf once you provide the ACV lot information.

BaT vehicles are sold by private sellers, not from a centralized auction yard. Pickup coordination requires direct communication with the individual seller to confirm vehicle location, availability window, and any specific handling requirements. Many BaT vehicles are collector or vintage cars that have not been driven regularly — disclose any known mechanical or operational limitations when booking. We strongly recommend enclosed transport for BaT purchases given the typical vehicle values involved. Open transport is available but enclosed is the right choice for most collector vehicles. We will advise you on the best option for your specific vehicle when you contact us.

Requirements vary significantly by facility. Some independent auctions require appointment-only pickup. Others have open gate hours with minimal documentation. We contact the facility directly when you provide the lot address and release information.
Section 5

Book within 24 hours of winning. Here is why.

Storage Fee Urgency

Storage fees at major auction houses are real and they compound quickly. A $20 per day storage fee on a vehicle sitting at Copart for two extra weeks adds $280 to your total cost before the vehicle moves an inch. On higher-value vehicles at Manheim or ADESA, fees can be significantly higher. We prioritize dispatch for customers who provide complete documentation at the time of booking. The faster you give us everything on the checklist above, the faster we can get a carrier to the gate.

Section 6

What auction transport typically costs

Pricing

Route / ServiceTypeTypical Cost
Regional routes under 500 milesOpen transport$550 to $900 typical range
Mid-range routes 500 to 1,500 milesOpen transport$800 to $1,500 typical range
Cross-country routes over 1,500 milesOpen transport$1,300 to $2,400 typical range
Non-running vehicle surchargeAny route$150 to $400 depending on equipment needed
Enclosed transportAny route30 to 50% above open transport rate

Important: The ranges above are rough general estimates only and are provided for planning purposes. They are not quotes. They are not offers. They do not reflect your actual shipment cost. Auction vehicle pricing is affected by a wide range of factors including current carrier availability on your specific route, vehicle condition and operability, auction location and gate access requirements, time sensitivity and storage fee deadlines, seasonal demand, and fuel surcharges. Your actual quote may be higher or lower than the ranges shown above. No rate is confirmed and no carrier is assigned until you speak with an agent and receive a formal transparent, itemized quote. All confirmed quotes are transparent and itemized with no hidden fees. No deposit is collected until a carrier has been assigned to your shipment. To get your actual quote contact us at (888) 594-2804 or submit the quote form below.

Section 7

Auction transport questions answered

FAQ

No. Once you provide the gate pass or release authorization and we dispatch a carrier, you do not need to be present. The carrier handles the pickup directly with the auction facility.

Non-running and salvage vehicles are common in auction transport and we handle them routinely. Disclose the condition accurately when you book — including whether the vehicle rolls, steers, and brakes — so we can dispatch a carrier with the right equipment. Do not describe a non-running vehicle as running. A carrier that arrives for a running vehicle and finds it non-running will leave and you will be responsible for rebooking.

Contact us immediately at (888) 594-2804. We will assess the situation and prioritize dispatch as fast as carrier availability and documentation allow. The most important thing is to have all documentation ready when you call so we are not waiting on paperwork while fees accumulate.

Yes. We ship auction vehicles to all 50 states including Hawaii and Alaska. Hawaii and Alaska routes require additional coordination and lead time.

Gate access denials almost always come down to documentation errors — wrong name on the release, expired gate pass, or missing buyer authorization. We do our best to prevent this by confirming documentation before dispatch. If a carrier is turned away due to a documentation issue on your end we will work with you to correct it and reschedule as quickly as possible.

Yes. Provide the buyer credentials and release authorization for the registered buyer and we will coordinate pickup and delivery to whatever address you specify.
Section 9

Bought a Vehicle Somewhere Else? We Handle That Too.

Not every vehicle purchase happens through a traditional auction house. If you bought a car, truck, classic vehicle, or collector car through any of the channels below — we can move it. Same process. Same FMCSA-vetted carriers. Same transparent pricing.

Online Marketplace Purchases

Purchased a vehicle through an online listing? This is one of the most common transport scenarios we handle. The seller stays at their location. You stay at yours. We dispatch a carrier to pick up directly from the seller and deliver to your door. All we need is the pickup address, delivery address, vehicle details, and a confirmed pickup window with the seller. Works for any vehicle type including trucks, classics, project cars, and daily drivers.

Cars & Bids

Cars & Bids is a fast-growing enthusiast auction platform for modern performance and collector vehicles. Like Bring a Trailer, vehicles are sold by private sellers and pickup is coordinated directly with the seller. Given the vehicle values typically involved, we recommend enclosed transport for most Cars & Bids purchases. Contact us before booking and we will advise on the right transport option for your specific vehicle.

Hemmings and Classic Car Marketplaces

Purchasing a classic, vintage, or collector vehicle through Hemmings, ClassicCars.com, or a similar marketplace? These vehicles often require extra care — enclosed transport, soft-tie systems, and carriers experienced with low-clearance and non-driven vehicles. We specialize in this. Tell us the vehicle, the pickup location, and the condition and we will match the right carrier for the job.

Private Seller Purchases

Buying directly from a private individual — no platform involved? We handle private party vehicle transport nationwide. The seller does not need to be home for pickup in most cases as long as they can provide access and a key. We coordinate the logistics between you and the seller so neither of you has to manage the details.

Estate Sale and Inherited Vehicles

Purchasing a vehicle from an estate or managing the transport of an inherited vehicle? These situations often involve vehicles that have not been driven recently, may have unknown mechanical status, and require coordination with an executor or family member rather than the owner. We are experienced with this scenario and handle it with the appropriate care and communication. Disclose any known mechanical limitations when you contact us.

Out-of-State Dealer Purchases

Bought a vehicle from a dealership in another state? Dealers are familiar with transport coordination and most have a designated contact for carrier access. Provide us the dealer name, address, and your sales contact and we handle the rest.

No matter where you purchased your vehicle — if it has four wheels and an address, we can move it. Call us at (888) 594-2804 or get a quote below.

Ready to move your auction vehicle?

Have your lot number, buyer number, and gate pass information ready. We will handle everything else.

Get My Free Quote Call (888) 594-2804

Or call us toll-free: (888) 594-2804

Get My Free Quote