Getting a vehicle through an auction is an amazing idea, thats whether the purpose is for personal use, resale, or a business venture. But after you have obtained your car, the very next step is to know how it will be brought to you. Thus an essential question arises: Can I ship a car from an auction directly?
The answer is yes! Car shipping directly from an auction to where you want to be is a handy option that can make you save both your time and your effort. This detailed instruction will show you how to carry out the procedure in an auction, what the process is, and which factors should be taken into account when choosing a way of shipping.
1. Understanding the Process of Shipping a Car from Auction
In general, a car that is shipped from an auction is treated the same as any other vehicle, which means the same transport process should apply. However, there are some additional factors to consider because the vehicle is coming from an auction setting. Most of the time, auctions, notably the online ones, have their own set of rules when it comes to vehicle pickups and transports. So, get ready to:
1.1 Coordinate with the Auction House
Basically, the very first step after buying a car at an auction is to contact the auction house so they can hand over the car to you. There is normally a time slot for picking up the car at the auctions, and a few of them may have a shipping program that can be accessed via their platform. But, in case you are in charge of the transport, it means that you will be doing the shipping by yourself.
At Automobile Shipping, we always suggest that the client should call the auction house to confirm the car’s condition, time of pickup, and the instructions related to the auction before arranging transport.
1.2 Determine the Pickup Process
After being successful with your bid, the auction house will send you the details on how the car can be picked up. It is common that there will be a special place at the auction where the vehicles are kept until the new owners come to get them or the cars are loaded for transportation. In some online auctions, you might be allowed to hire a shipping company to deliver your vehicle.
In case you want the car to be shipped from the auction directly, then you should:
- Get the exact date and time for pickup
- Locate the yard or facility of the auction
- Find out whether there are any storage fees for the vehicle
1.3 Selecting the Right Shipping Method
After you have successfully gone through the auctions pickup process, the next step will be to choose a shipping method. The most common options are:
Open Transport: This is the cheapest shipping option where your car is taken on an open carrier. Although the car is exposed to the air, open transport is the most used way for auction cars and is a great value.
Enclosed Transport: Enclosed transport is a high-end option providing extra safety to the car. The vehicle is carried in a fully protected trailer that prevents the car from weather and dirt.
Flatbed Transport: If the car is not working or has special loading requirements, then flatbed transport is the way to go. This method allows a flatbed truck to carry one or several vehicles, thus, a more personalized service is provided.
At Automobile Shipping, we have several transport options to fit your requirements. Whether you are shipping a classic car or a regular auction vehicle, we will find the perfect solution for you.
2. How to Prepare Your Auction Car for Shipping
There are a few things that need to be done before a shipping process for your auction car. Make sure to follow this checklist:
2.1 Remove Personal Belongings
If you bought a car that has some personal items in it, make sure that the items are removed before shipping. Usually, shipping companies are not liable for personal items inside the car, and also, some of them may have restrictions on carrying such items.
2.2 Document the Condition of the Vehicle
Planning to inspect a car and take pictures of the car with a detailed report regarding the cars condition is advisable. It will be used as a document in case your car will be damaged in the shipping process. Auction cars are “as-is” most of the time, so by documenting the vehicles condition, you can be better prepared to solve any conflicts that might happen later on.
2.3 See If There Are Any Unique Directions
It is possible that a vehicle at auction has some particular instructions or stipulations related to its transportation, like non-operability or needing a certain type of handling. Go through the auction listing and see if there are any such messages, and then pass the information on to the shipping company. For instance, in the case of a car that is not working, you might have to put it on a flatbed or use a winch to load it.
2.4 Make Sure the Fuel Level is Accurate
Generally, shipping firms request that vehicles be shipped with fuel not exceeding a quarter of a tank. This is done as a precaution in order to lessen the chances of fuel spilling during the transportation as well as for adhering to the allowable weight limits. It would be wise to ascertain the fuel level before your vehicle is picked up for delivery.
3. Consider the Costs of Shipping a Car from Auction
Transporting a vehicle from an auction via a freight service will vary in cost based on the size, weight, destination, and the means of transport you select. Nevertheless, there are methods to lower expenses and make sure that you get the best rate for the car transport services.
3.1 Shipping Distance
The difference in location between the auction house and the delivery address will be the main factor that affects the shipping cost. As the distance increases the cost will also be higher due to more fuel consumption and time of the carrier.
By way of example, it would be more expensive to have your old car dispatched from an auction in another state to your location than if the car was shipped within the same state.
3.2 Type of Transport
The transport method (open, enclosed, or flatbed) is, as previously stated, the main factor in deciding the shipping cost. An open transport is the most affordable option, while a closed one is more expensive due to the extra protection that is offered.
Anyway, if your car is a jewel or it is going to be treated as a delicate object, then you should be the first to decide whether it is worth paying for the closed transport service.
3.3 Vehicle Condition
The auction car in your bid if it happens to be a dead car with special needs (over-sized parts or customized equipment), then it probably will have to be supported by some additional equipment for the loading and unloading process. These materials could cause an increase of the total price since the company will not only have to deliver the vehicle but also the special carriers or lifting equipment.
At Automobile Shipping, we provide personalized estimates that address vehicle-specific requirements to make sure that the price is just.
4. How to Find a Reliable Auto Shipping Company
After deciding to ship a car bought at an auction, your next step will be locating a dependable auto transport company. The main criteria to consider when selecting the correct carrier are as follows:
4.1 Reputation and Reviews
Go for a business with a good name and a lot of positive reviews. Customer testimonials should be proof of a companys history of reliable service, on-time delivery, and good customer care.
4.2 Transparency and Communication
Every great auto shipping firm should be able to provide easy-to-understand and open communication, including all tracking updates, unambiguous pricing, and the availability of insurance. At Automobile Shipping, we take the greatest pride in our open communication, and we always make sure that our clients are informed throughout the shipping process.
4.3 Insurance Coverage
It is very important that you check the insurance coverage provided by the company in order to secure your vehicle while it is being transported. The majority of car shipping companies provide limited insurance as a standard part of their service; however, you may be interested in taking out more coverage especially if you have bought an expensive auction car.
5. Conclusion: A Vehicle from Your Auction Transported Conveniently
Car shipping from an auction go straight and simple once you know the steps required. It’s really a smooth and effective delivery process when you act as per the right way and thus be able to manage from the picking of the transport mode to coordinating with the auction house.
We at Automobile Shipping aim to make your car shipping experience from the auction as a simple and stress-free one. No matter what kind of vehicle you are transporting, whether it is a luxury car or a project car, we are always up to offer you custom-made, affordable, and reliable solutions.
