Copart Shipping Cost Guide
Copart does not include shipping or transportation in its auction fees. Once you win a vehicle, getting it from the Copart yard to your location is entirely your responsibility, and the cost is separate from the buyer fees, gate fee, and other auction charges. Transportation costs depend primarily on distance, vehicle condition, and the transport company you choose.
Factors That Affect Shipping Cost
Several variables determine how much you will pay to ship a vehicle purchased from Copart:
Distance
Distance is the single biggest cost factor. A vehicle picked up from a yard 50 miles away will cost a fraction of one shipped 1,000 miles. Most carriers charge per mile, with rates decreasing slightly on longer routes because the fixed costs of loading and unloading are spread across more miles.
Vehicle Operability
Many Copart vehicles are salvage titles that do not run or drive. A non-running vehicle requires a winch or forklift to load onto the transport, which adds $100 to $300 or more to the shipping cost. If the vehicle starts and drives, it can be driven onto the carrier, keeping the price lower.
Open vs. Enclosed Transport
Open carriers (the type you see on highways carrying 6-10 cars) are the standard and cheapest option. Enclosed carriers protect the vehicle from weather and road debris but typically cost 40-60% more. For salvage vehicles, open transport is usually sufficient since the vehicle will likely need repairs anyway.
Location Accessibility
Remote pickup or delivery locations cost more because the carrier must make a detour from their typical route. Urban areas with easy highway access tend to be cheaper. Some Copart yards are located in industrial areas that may have restricted access for large carriers.
Estimated Cost Ranges by Distance
The table below shows general industry estimates for vehicle transportation costs. These ranges are based on typical rates charged by auto transport carriers in the United States and are not specific to Copart. Your actual cost may fall outside these ranges depending on the factors listed above.
| Distance | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 0 – 100 miles | $150 – $350 |
| 100 – 300 miles | $300 – $600 |
| 300 – 500 miles | $500 – $800 |
| 500 – 1,000 miles | $700 – $1,200 |
| 1,000+ miles | $1,000 – $2,000+ |
These are general industry estimates. Actual costs vary by carrier and vehicle condition. Non-running vehicles typically cost $100-$300 more per shipment.
Copart's Own Transport Service vs. Third-Party Options
Copart offers a transportation service that can arrange shipping for vehicles purchased through their auctions. This is convenient because it integrates directly into the purchase process, but it may not always be the cheapest option. Third-party auto transport brokers and carriers often compete on price, and shopping around can save you money.
Copart Transport is worth considering if you want a single point of contact and do not want to coordinate logistics yourself. However, always compare their quote against at least two or three independent carriers before committing.
Third-party carriers include national brokers (who subcontract to actual carriers) and direct carriers (who own their trucks). Direct carriers sometimes offer better rates on specific routes. Look for companies with good reviews on transport review sites and verify that they carry adequate insurance for your vehicle's value.
3 Tips for Reducing Shipping Costs
- Pick up the vehicle yourself if possible. If you live within 100-200 miles of the Copart yard, renting a tow dolly or trailer is almost always cheaper than hiring a carrier. U-Haul and similar rental companies offer tow dollies for around $45-$55 per day and car trailers for $55-$75 per day, plus mileage. Even with gas and rental fees, a local pickup can save you hundreds compared to a professional transport.
- Be flexible with timing. Carriers offer lower rates when they can fit your vehicle onto a truck that already has a scheduled route through your area. If you can wait one to three weeks for pickup instead of demanding immediate service, you may get a significantly better price. Expedited shipping commands a premium.
- Get multiple quotes. Never accept the first quote you receive. Prices can vary by 30-50% between carriers for the same route. Request quotes from at least three companies, and make sure each quote includes insurance coverage, estimated transit time, and any fees for a non-running vehicle. Use the quotes to negotiate — carriers will often match a lower competitor price.
Shipping vs. Auction Fees
Remember that shipping costs are separate from and in addition to Copart's auction fees. Use our Copart fee calculator to estimate the auction-side costs (buyer fee, internet fee, gate fee, and additional fees), then add your estimated shipping cost on top to get a realistic picture of your total investment. For example, if the calculator shows $4,500 in auction fees and total for a vehicle, and you need to ship it 800 miles, budget an additional $700-$1,200 for transportation.