Auction Buyers
Shipping a Vehicle You Bought at Auction
Buying a vehicle at auction, whether in person or online, adds a few extra layers to the transport process compared to shipping a car from a private residence. Auction yards operate on their own schedules and release procedures, and coordinating transport around those requirements takes some specific planning. Here's what auction buyers should understand before arranging pickup.
Understand the auction's release process first
Before arranging transport, confirm exactly what the auction house requires to release your vehicle to a carrier, since requirements vary between auction companies and locations. This typically includes proof of purchase or a release document, and sometimes a specific authorization naming the carrier or broker who will be picking up the vehicle. Get this information directly from the auction yourself rather than assuming it matches a previous experience with a different auction.
Provide accurate lot and location details
Auction facilities can be large, with vehicles organized by lot number, row, or specific storage areas that aren't always obvious from the outside. Provide your carrier with the exact lot number, any gate or release codes, and the specific auction location, since auction companies sometimes operate multiple yards in the same metro area. Inaccurate or incomplete location details are a common cause of delayed pickups at auction sites.
Confirm the vehicle's actual condition
Auction vehicles are sometimes sold with limited condition disclosure, and you may not have inspected the vehicle in person before purchase. If you're unsure whether the vehicle runs, rolls, or steers normally, find out before requesting a transport quote, since this affects which carriers can accept the job. If you genuinely don't know, say so, and expect that the carrier may need to assess the vehicle's condition upon arrival at the yard.
Plan around auction release windows
Many auctions release purchased vehicles only during specific business hours or after certain administrative steps are completed, which may not align with a carrier's preferred pickup schedule. Confirm the auction's release hours and any required advance notice, and communicate this clearly to your broker so pickup can be scheduled within a window the auction actually allows.
Storage fees and pickup timing
Auctions commonly charge storage fees for vehicles left on their lot beyond a certain number of days after purchase. Arranging transport promptly after your purchase is finalized helps you avoid these accumulating charges. If you know your purchase date in advance, it's reasonable to request quotes and select a carrier before the sale closes, so pickup can be scheduled as soon as the vehicle is released.
Paperwork the carrier or driver may need
In addition to whatever the auction itself requires for release, make sure the person handling pickup on your behalf, if it isn't you personally, has the documentation needed to complete the pickup, including any power of attorney or written authorization the auction requests. Confirm this with the auction ahead of time so nothing is missing on pickup day.
Multiple vehicles from the same auction
If you're purchasing more than one vehicle from the same auction, mention this when requesting quotes, since it may be possible to coordinate a single pickup trip for multiple vehicles, which can simplify scheduling. Provide accurate lot details for each vehicle individually, since auction inventory systems track them separately even if they're purchased together.
When you are ready, request a written quote or contact us with questions about your specific vehicle and route.
Velocity Auto Transport Group LLC is an auto transport brokerage. We arrange vehicle transportation through qualified motor carriers and coordinate your shipment from quote to delivery — the carrier assigned to your vehicle operates the truck.
Checklist
Work through this before pickup day
- Confirm the auction's release requirements: Ask what documentation is needed before a carrier can take the vehicle.
- Get exact lot and location details: Include gate codes and specific yard location if the auction has multiple lots.
- Determine the vehicle's actual condition: Confirm whether it runs, rolls, and steers before requesting a quote.
- Check the release hours: Confirm the auction's business hours and any advance notice required.
- Arrange transport promptly: Avoid accumulating storage fees by scheduling pickup soon after purchase.
- Provide authorization paperwork: Make sure the person handling pickup has what the auction requires.
Questions
Common questions
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