How Does Auction Vehicle Transport Work?

From Winning the Bid to Getting It Delivered

Buying a vehicle from an auction—whether it’s a classic gem, a salvaged project, or a fleet-ready truck—can be exciting, but getting it home is where things get technical. That’s where auction vehicle transport comes in. If you're wondering how the process works after the gavel drops, here's a behind-the-scenes look at how vehicle transport from auctions is handled efficiently and professionally.

What Is Auction Vehicle Transport?

Auction vehicle transport refers to the service of shipping a vehicle purchased at an auction—either online or in-person—to its final destination. Whether the vehicle is headed to a dealership, mechanic, collector, or private driveway, a trusted transport specialist coordinates with carriers to ensure a smooth pickup and delivery.

Types of Auctions We Work With

At Finish Line Logistics, we coordinate transport from a wide variety of auto auctions across the country, including:

• Dealer-only auctions (e.g., Manheim, ADESA)

• Online auctions (e.g., Copart, IAAI)

• Public classic car auctions (e.g., Mecum, Barrett-Jackson)

• Government & repo auctions

• Salvage or insurance auctions

Each auction has its own requirements for pickup, and we make sure those boxes are checked before the carrier ever arrives.

Step-by-Step: How It Works

1. Win the Auction

Once you’ve secured your vehicle, you’ll be given a buyer number or invoice—this is required for release.

2. Send Us the Details

Provide us with:

• Auction location and contact info

• Lot or stock number

• Buyer ID or release form

• Any gate passes, if required

• Your preferred delivery location

3. We Dispatch a Carrier

We match your transport request with a vetted and insured carrier who can meet the auction’s pickup rules and timeline. Some auctions require appointments or have strict pickup windows—we handle that coordination.

4. Vehicle Inspection at Pickup

The driver completes a condition report and takes photos when picking up the vehicle. This is critical, especially for salvage or inoperable vehicles.

5. In Transit

The vehicle is secured and hauled, either on an open trailer or enclosed transport depending on your preference and vehicle type.

6. Delivered to You

On arrival, another inspection is completed and you (or your recipient) signs off on delivery.

What About Non-Running or Salvage Vehicles?

No problem. We routinely arrange transport for:

• Inoperable vehicles (requiring winch or forklift access)

• Salvage title vehicles

• Flood or fire-damaged units

Just let us know the vehicle condition so we can match it with the proper equipment (not all carriers are equipped for non-runners).

What to Expect From Finish Line Logistics

When you book auction transport with us, here’s what you get:

• Transparent communication from quote to delivery

• Assistance with auction paperwork & gate pass coordination

• Clear pickup/delivery instructions

• Trusted carrier network with insurance verification

• Real people ready to help when you have questions

Why It Matters

Auction vehicle logistics can get messy without the right help. From tight pickup windows to special handling needs, auction vehicles aren’t your average shipment—and we know the ropes. Whether you’re flipping cars, building your collection, or adding to your dealership inventory, Finish Line Logistics makes transport simple.

Ready to Ship Your Auction Win?

Let’s get your new purchase home safe and sound. Call us today or submit a quote request on our website.