Car auctions have become very popular in the US, and thanks to the internet, there are no geographical limitations if you want to participate. According to the National Auto Auction Association (NAAA), 7.3 million vehicles were sold through auction in 2023, representing an 11% growth over the previous year. These figures highlight the widespread acceptance of this type of car purchase.
There is, however, one small sticking point for anyone looking for their dream car online or out of state. Theoretically, your prized vehicle could be on the other side of the country, leaving you with the challenge of getting it home.
Fortunately, auto auction transport, provided by companies like Passport Transport, can pick up, transport, and deliver your vehicle from the auction to your doorstep. We specialize in providing enclosed auction car transport, protecting your valuable purchase from the weather, road grime, dust, and dirt, and keeping it safe from prying eyes.
This guide covers everything you need to know about auction vehicle transport, from the different types, benefits, and factors that affect the cost to choosing the right vehicle auction and preparing your car.
If you purchase a vehicle at an auto auction and want it transported to your home, this service is called auto auction transport. You might also hear it called auction car transport or auction vehicle transport.
How does the process work? It’s straightforward:
When you book auction vehicle transport, you can avoid the hassle of driving your newly purchased home. Once you’ve booked the auto auction transport, the carrier takes care of the rest, making it much more convenient, safer, and cost-effective.
This is especially important if you’re purchasing a salvage vehicle to restore and resell, or if you’ve found a rare or classic car that’s difficult to source elsewhere. In such cases, auction car transport is far more suitable than driving a long distance.
If you want to ship your latest purchase, there are two shipping methods: open and enclosed transport. Each has its pros and cons, which you’ll find below.
Open transport is an affordable shipping option for short and long distances and is suitable for most standard vehicles. Carriers use an open-air trailer to ship up to 10 cars simultaneously. This type of trailer does leave vehicles open to the elements, dirt, and debris, but such exposure is no different from daily driving.
Enclosed transport is the safest way to transport delicate or valuable vehicles, such as luxury, classic, exotic, antique, and customized cars. Vehicles are transported in completely enclosed trailers, which provide increased protection. However, this type of car transport service is more expensive.
The price for shipping your auction vehicle varies, depending on several factors:
If you want to find out the exact cost of your auto auction transport, contact Passport Transport and request a personalized quote.
When you’re shipping your auction vehicle home, the carrier takes care of most of the details, but you can do a few things ahead of time to smooth the process.
Once you’ve won your bid, the next step is to select a transport company you can rely on. Picking the right one can make all the difference between a smooth delivery and a stressful experience. Here are some tips to help you make your selection.
Firstly, check that the carrier is licensed and insured. They should be able to give you a US DOT number issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This number proves the company is authorized to transport vehicles across state lines. Ask for proof of insurance to confirm what kind and level of coverage is provided during transport.
You can look for customer feedback in many places, such as Google, TrustPilot, TransportReviews, and the Better Business Bureau. Look closer at the detailed feedback rather than just the star rating. Pay special attention to delivery times, communication, customer satisfaction, and how issues relating to delays, damages, and claims are handled.
While picking the carrier with the lowest quote might be very tempting, you should compare more than just prices. Ask several companies for quotes and check what services are included in the price. Check whether there are any fuel surcharges, terminal storage fees, or insurance costs and whether they relate to open or enclosed shipping.
Before you sign the contract, read it carefully. Look for clauses relating to cancellation, refund terms, and what happens if there are any delays or damage. Look for a transparent company about all these critical car shipping aspects.
A reliable auto auction transport company will inform you of your vehicle’s progress throughout the journey. You should be able to reach them by phone, email, text, or live chat with any questions.
When transporting auction vehicles, you need more than a basic carrier. You need a company that understands the unique value of auction vehicles and the intricacies of moving newly purchased vehicles.
With over 5 decades of industry experience, Passport Transport has a nationwide reputation for excellence in enclosed vehicle shipping. We’ve transported everything from collector cars and classics to freshly won auction vehicles with utmost care and professionalism. Our fleet of custom-built, fully enclosed trailers is perfectly designed to provide the optimum protection for your investment from start to finish.
Whether you bought your car at a high-end collector auction or a wholesale online sale, we offer tailored services to meet your needs. We coordinate directly with auction houses, schedule pick-up windows, and ensure safe loading for running and non-running vehicles. Our team is well-versed in handling rare, valuable, and one-of-a-kind autos.
Our clients regularly share positive feedback about their seamless experiences with us. From first-time auction buyers to seasoned collectors, our customers value the peace of mind of knowing their new purchase is in trusted hands. Many have praised our transparent communication, punctual deliveries, and the pristine condition in which their vehicles arrived.
At Passport Transport, we don’t just move cars—we safeguard them. Every vehicle we transport is insured, handled by trained professionals, and monitored throughout the journey. Our commitment to on-time delivery, clear communication, and careful handling have made us a preferred partner for auction buyers nationwide.
In general, transporting a vehicle from an auction takes between 1 and 7 days. The exact timeframe depends on distance, route, type of vehicle, time of year, shipping option, and carrier availability.
All vehicles transported by Passport Transport are fully insured under our carrier’s cargo insurance, from pick-up to delivery.
We provide regular updates and can coordinate communication with the driver for real-time tracking.
It’s no problem if your vehicle is inoperable. We can accommodate non-running vehicles using specialized loading equipment.
We transport most vehicle types, but they must be free of hazardous materials and excessive personal items.
When you win a vehicle at auction, getting it home safely and efficiently is just as important as securing the best bid. Choosing a trustworthy auto auction transport provider ensures your new purchase arrives in top condition, on time, insured, and handled with care.
At Passport Transport, we specialize in enclosed vehicle shipping and have decades of experience and a strong reputation for reliability. From coordinating with auction houses to providing white-glove delivery, we make the process easy and worry-free.
Are you ready to ship your auction vehicle with confidence? Request a free, no-obligation quote today, or contact our customer service team to discuss your transport needs. Passport Transport is here to help every step of the way.
With over 55 years of trusted service, Passport Transport is the leader in enclosed auto shipping. We’re committed to delivering your vehicle safely, securely, and on time – every time. Get your free quote today and ship with confidence.
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