Shipping a Salvaged Car: How to Transport a Damaged Vehicle

Transporting a salvaged vehicle is trickier due to the special handling requirements and potential damage. If you want to successfully ship a damaged car, you'll need an experienced salvage vehicle transport company on your side. Understanding the challenges of damaged vehicle transport and preparing adequately for it is crucial for a successful shipping experience.

This guide on shipping salvaged cars explains the process, equipment needed, and key steps to safely and efficiently ship a damaged vehicle.

Why Salvaged Car Shipping Requires Special Care

A salvaged car is any vehicle deemed a total loss by an insurance company, typically due to accident damage or other factors that make repairs uneconomical. While some salvaged cars may still run or steer, others may be entirely inoperable. These conditions create unique challenges during transport.

Inoperability Issues: Cars that cannot roll, brake, or steer require specialized equipment for loading and unloading.

Structural Damage: Loose parts, sharp edges, or other damage can make handling dangerous without proper preparation.

Safety Concerns: Leaking fluids or unstable components pose hazards during transport, both for the car and the driver shipping the inoperable vehicle.

Delivery Logistics: Ensuring appropriate unloading equipment is available at the destination is critical to avoiding delays in salvage vehicle transport.

Essential Equipment for Damaged Vehicle Transport

1. Forklift:

· Necessary for cars that cannot roll, steer, or brake.

· Long forklifts are especially useful for lifting heavily damaged vehicles directly onto carriers.

2. Flatbed Trucks:

· Ideal for moving cars that are too damaged to be towed conventionally.

· Often used in combination with forklifts for efficient loading and unloading.

3. Tow Trucks/Wreckers:

· Useful for vehicles with moderate damage that can still roll.

· Ensures safe loading and unloading without further damaging the car or the carrier.

4. Winches and Cables:

· Winches can pull them onto the carrier for salvaged cars that roll but do not drive.

· These tools must be available at both the pickup and delivery locations, and their use should be coordinated with the shipping company.

Salvage Vehicle Transport from Auctions

Salvage auctions like Copart and IAA are popular sources for purchasing and selling salvaged vehicles. They specialize in handling damaged cars and have the necessary equipment to load vehicles onto vehicle transport carriers.

Equipped Auction Facilities: These auction houses are well-equipped to manage salvage cars with forklifts or other tools.

Buyer Responsibilities: While auctions manage to load a vehicle onto car carriers, it’s up to the buyer to ensure delivery is executed at the desired destination point.

Key Steps to Ship a Salvaged Car

Step 1: Assess the Vehicle’s Condition

· Understanding the car's condition inside and out is the trick to a smooth shipping process.

· Determine whether the car rolls, steers, or brakes.

· Identify loose parts or debris that could detach during salvage car transport. Secure or store them inside the vehicle.

· Check for leaks, particularly fuel or oil, which must be addressed before shipping.

Step 2: Prepare the Pickup Location

· Ensure the pickup site has the necessary tools to load the vehicle.

· If the car is inoperable, arrange for loading assistance. This includes forklifts and flatbed trucks.

· If possible, ensure the vehicle is set to neutral with the parking brake on.

Step 3: Prepare the Delivery Location

· Ensure you're just as prepared for unloading a vehicle as you are for loading.

· Confirm that the destination has sufficient space and the appropriate equipment (forklift, wrecker, or flatbed).

· If delivering to a repair shop, coordinate with them to ensure the vehicle can be unloaded safely on site. If not, work out an alternative salvage delivery plan.

Step 4: Work with a Reliable Carrier

· Selecting an experienced auto transport company is essential for salvaged vehicle shipping.

· Look for damaged vehicle transport carriers with expertise in handling inoperable vehicles.

· Provide detailed information about the car’s condition to ensure they bring the right equipment.

Step 5: Verify Documentation and Safety

· Before automotive transport, ensure all required documents are in order, including proof of ownership and salvage titles.

· Double-check for any remaining loose parts or leaking fluids.

· Take photos of the vehicle to document its condition before shipping.

The Challenges Of Damaged Car Transport

1. Not Assessing Vehicle Condition Properly

If the vehicle's condition is not accurately described, a damaged car transporter might arrive without the necessary tools, leading to delays and additional shipping costs.

Solution: Be thorough and transparent when describing the car’s condition to the shipping company.

2. Unprepared Delivery Sites:

Without proper unloading equipment, the car may be stranded on the carrier without a way off.

Solution: Arrange for unloading assistance at the destination in advance.

3. Damage During Transport:

Loose parts or unsecured components can worsen damage during transit.

Solution: Secure all loose parts and inspect the vehicle thoroughly before shipping.

4. Storage Fees at Auctions:

Delays in picking up vehicles from auctions can result in costly storage fees.

Solution: Work with a transport company experienced in auction pickups to avoid delays.

Additional Tips for Salvaged Vehicle Shipping

1. Inspect Auction Vehicles Carefully:

· Check photos and request additional images if necessary, especially of the undercarriage.

· Ask auction staff about any undisclosed damage or potential issues.

2. Plan for Repairs:

· If delivering to your home garage, ensure it is ready to receive the vehicle.

· For professional repairs, coordinate with the shop to confirm they have the space and tools for unloading.

3. Budget for Additional Costs:

· Factor in the cost of loading and unloading assistance and potential repairs after delivery.

· Be prepared for unforeseen expenses like storage fees or extra equipment rentals.

Ship a Damaged Car With Confidence

Shipping a salvaged car requires careful planning, the right equipment, and an experienced transport company. Professional salvage vehicle transport will help ensure your vehicle reaches its destination safely and without unnecessary headaches.

Let a reputable damaged vehicle transport service handle your inoperable car shipping. Secure your free, instant quotes with our car shipping cost calculator. Within seconds, you can schedule a shipment online or call (224) 218-2949 for immediate assistance.

Let us handle the complexities of salvage car transport so you can focus on restoring your dream vehicle. Reach out today for a customized quote and dedicated customer care from a car transportation expert.