Salvage Car Transport

Shipping a salvaged car will usually require special equipment. For those that roll and steer, they can be pulled using winch or cable on to a carrier similar to inoperable car transport. Some salvaged cars even run and drive. A forklift or flatbed truck would be used to safely load and unload a salvaged car that does not roll, brake or steer because of heavy damage or a locked up drivetrain. This equipment should be available at both the pickup and delivery.

salvage car transport vehicle in yard awaiting pickup

Many look for a salvaged car they as a great way to obtain cars they always wanted. This is most easily done by scouring auctions for that diamond car in the rough they can repair to its pre accident value.

Dealers also take advantage of salvage title cars. Many dealers that specialize in low cost vehicles will buy salvage cars as they sell them to those that don’t mind having vehicle that was rebuilt from an accident as it is much more affordable.

However, shipping a salvaged vehicle or otherwise inoperable car, isn’t a task all auto transport companies can do well. Most auto regular car shipping involves handing over the the keys to the auto transport company, and the they will drive it up onto the truck. Pretty simple right? But a salvaged vehicle is a different story. In many cases these types of cars do not even roll because the wheels are completely damaged or they are locked in place. That's where the right auto transport company makes all the difference.

car on long forklift at salvage
forklift salvaged car

Why National Chose National Express As Your Salvage Transport Company?

At National Express Auto Transport we are with you through the entire shipping process. We know how salvage vehicle transport works. The shipping process begins at National Express with specific questions about your salvage car transport so we can tailor the service around you and your specific transport situation. We can move any salvaged car for an affordable price. You will never pay more than you have to with your services, regardless of the distance.

Unlike a fully operable vehicle, salvage car with specific kinds of damage poses several challenges you your may not be aware of. That's why we have to be. We know what questions to ask so we know to have special equipment like a breakdown truck or forklift available, as well as the right vehicle carriers that are specifically trained to handle salvage car transport.

A usual situation is that the car shipping company that came to the location did not assess the situation correctly. That means your delivery is delayed and if the vehicle is waiting any of the major auto auctions, these delays could cost money in the form of storage costs. We know when specialized equipment is needed like a tow truck or forklift or flatbed truck is necessary on both ends.

Salvaged Vehicle Transport From Auctions / Salvaged Auction Transport

Most commonly if the auto transport for a salvage vehicle is from an auction such as Copart & IAA, then they will help load the vehicle by forklifting it on for the carrier. Since they handle salvaged cars that have damage preventing them from moving day in and day out, they have all the equipment there at their disposal. But they have not done all the work for you. You have to be ready to receive cars in this condition.

The carrier has to have equipment ready at the delivery location as well that will allow for the unloading of a salvaged vehicle. There have been many situations where customers were not aware that the transporter requires help at the delivery and it ends up with the shipping process resulting in being a total mess.

Special Equipment Needed for Damaged Vehicles

As previously mentioned, that equipment is a tow truck or a forklift or flatbed truck. A salvaged car that cannot roll must have this available. It is known as loading assistance. If the vehicle just has front end damage like the van pictured, a simple forklift with attachment will grab the front and pull it along to the carrier, leaving the wheels that roll on the ground. For cars with serious damage that don’t roll, brake or steer in any way, then a long forklift specifically used for moving vehicles can pick them up and load them on the carrier straight on, or a smaller standard forklift will load it from the side of the truck.

The trick is the delivery. If you are having a vehicle shipped to you that cannot roll or is otherwise sitting on the ground, unless it is at a repair shop with the right equipment or if delivering to your home garage, you may need to hire a wrecker to unload it for you, which will add tot the cost of transport.

Most long and short distance carriers that handle salvage car shipping won’t let you drag a salvage vehicle off their trailer because pieces can get hooked on to the trailer and damage the vehicle being dragged as well as the trailer.

Consider everything having to do to ship the car. For example, if you do not have keys the car, then make sure the vehicle is in neutral with just the parking brake on so it can be easily maneuvered.

Steps Necessary for Salvaged Car Shipping

It's very important to know the steps to shipping a salvaged car. As you may have noticed, the main concern here with salvaged car shipping, is that they can roll and steer. Remember, salvaged does not mean not running. A vehicle can be considered a salvaged car, but due to some other damage that has exceeded its value to repair or more than an insurance company is willing to pay to do so.

Before getting a free quote to ship your salvage car with our advisors, be sure to have the taken the following steps so we can give you the right price. Remember it is your responsibility to be properly represent the vehicle so we know how to answer all your questions and have you get the right transporter there for you. You also don't want to pay for the wrong service.

Step 1

Check if the car's wheels roll and steer, if it is an inoperable vehicle. If the car is not, will loading assistance available via a forklift, flatbed, or wrecker for it to ship? If not, this must be arranged and is needed at both pick up and delivery. Do your own inspection. Not everything always disclosed.

Step 2

Verify there aren't any loose car parts during transport. If so, they must be put inside the vehicle or fastened back on for it to ship. If the car is an an auto auction, they do a decent job of taking pictures all around the cars they have on the lot. Be sure to check the undercarriage as well. If you are not present, ask for photos.

Step 3

Check for leaks and if possible, have fluids completely drained out of cars. Fuel leaks or oil leaks are potential hazards. A carrier may refuse to load cars that are leaking a lot of fluid.

Step 4

Set up your plan for receiving the car especially if it is a damaged vehicle. Are you having the car shipping carrier it to a repair shop or are or your home garage? If so, does the car shipping company have room to deliver?  Did you arrange the unloading assistance in the form of a wrecker fork lift?

Get Started

Reach out to us today. We'll be sure you answer any and all questions for you and help you get it all done right the first time.