Copart Vehicle Shipping — Salvage & In-Op Specialists

Copart yards have strict protocols. We’ll confirm gate pass, yard hours, and load method. For non-runners, we dispatch winch-capable carriers or coordinate forklifts when permitted.

How Copart Shipping Works (3 Steps)

1) Get an Instant Quote with our Auction Transport Calculator..
2) We assign the right truck. Open (most common), enclosed (exotics/collectibles), or winch/forklift-ready for in-op/non-rolling. You’ll receive driver name + phone and ETA window on dispatch.
3) Pickup → Delivery with a digital BOL. Driver completes a photo inspection (BOL) at pickup and delivery. You review and sign.

What We Need to Schedule a Copart Pickup

Lot # and VIN
Gate Pass / Release (and release authorization if the yard requires it)
Exact yard address + hours (we confirm before dispatch)
Operability (runs/drives? steers? brakes? keys/no keys?)
Condition notes: flat/missing tires, locked steering, loose body panels, flood, biohazard, fluids leaking, low clearance, aftermarket aero
Any storage cutoff dates the yard gave you

Equipment & Handling (Match to Reality)

Open carrier — Standard choice for most Copart units.
Enclosed carrier — For higher-value, freshly painted, or collectible vehicles.
Winch loading — For in-op units that still roll/steer/brake or can be pulled.
Forklift coordination — For non-rolling units or when the yard policy requires forklifts. Fees vary by yard and are disclosed in your quote.
Low-clearance / long overhang — We assign lift-gate / low-deck where needed.
Securement — Soft-strap/wheel nets; drivers avoid chaining through suspension where avoidable.

Pricing You Can Trust (Copart-Specific Variables)

Pricing reflects: distance + lane demand, operability, trailer type (open vs. enclosed), equipment (winch/forklift/lift-gate), vehicle size/weight, storage urgency, residential access constraints, and market timing.

In-op/non-rolling: winch/forklift surcharges when applicable (itemized).
Storage: if the yard charges daily storage, we schedule against your cutoff to avoid overages.
Zero bait-and-switch: your quote lists known surcharges up front. No payment until a driver is assigned.

Day-of-Pickup: What Actually Happens

Driver checks in at Copart, presents release, and aligns with yard procedures.
Pull & load: yard/driver positions the unit; forklift used when required/authorized.
Inspection & BOL: driver photographs all sides (and any notable pre-existing damage).
Securement: proper strap points; loose parts noted or refused if not secure.
Depart: you get an updated ETA; coordination continues by text/call.

Delivery & Inspection

Meet the driver, inspect in daylight if possible, and compare photos to pickup BOL.
Note any exceptions on the BOL before you sign. That’s the evidence carriers/insurers require.

Common Copart Scenarios

No keys: Winch or forklift; steering/park status must be disclosed.
Locked steering / dead column: We’ll plan for it; expect added time.
Missing/flat tires or no wheels: Forklift required at yards that allow it; dollies by exception.
Flood/biohazard: Some carriers decline; disclosure required for environmental compliance.
Loose parts (bumpers, glass, aero): Must be secured in/on the vehicle; carriers don’t insure unfastened items.
Very low cars / long overhangs: Lift-gate or low-angle loading recommended; enclosed on request.
Export (auction → port): We coordinate TWIC-cleared carriers and terminal cutoffs; ask about auction-to-port service.

Insurance, Liability & What’s Not Covered

Cargo claims are filed with the carrier per the BOL.
Not covered: personal items inside the vehicle, pre-existing/hidden damage, mechanical/electrical issues, rust/undercarriage, fluids/contamination, acts of God.