February 4, 2024

The Realities of Auction Car Hauling: What I Wish I Knew Earlier

The Realities of Auction Car Hauling: What I Wish I Knew Earlier

As someone who's been in the auction car hauling business, I've learned a lot through trial and error. It's a tough business where time and money are always tight. What I didn't realize when I started was how complex it can be. It's [read more] not just about driving cars from one point to another. It's about adapting to sudden schedule changes, dealing with cars that might have issues no one told you about, and planning your routes smartly.

Here's a personal story to give you an idea: Once, I picked up a car from an auction, thinking it was a quick job. Halfway to the delivery, I found out the car had a slow oil leak that no one had noticed before. I had to find a mechanic on the go and deal with the delay in delivery. This taught me to always do a thorough check before hitting the road.

If you're considering getting into auction car hauling, remember to look for cars at reliable sources. I often use Car Auctions USA to find local auctions, which has been a reliable resource for me. It's a good starting point for finding deals without spending too much.

Remember, each day in this business can bring new surprises. So, stay flexible and plan, but be ready to adapt. It might save you from a lot of trouble down the road.

Understanding Auction Processes

I've had my share of experiences at car auctions, which play a big role in my hauling business's success. It's not just about showing up and bidding; it's about knowing how to handle the unpredictable nature that comes with these events.

One time, I arrived at an auction ready to bid on a car I'd been eyeing, only to find it had been moved without notice. I spent valuable time searching for it, which was frustrating and cost me other opportunities. And when it comes to the condition of vehicles, I've learned to expect the unexpected. Once, I won a bid on a car that looked fine on the outside, but it had serious engine problems that weren't mentioned before. That incident taught me a lesson.

Auction houses and dealers are focused on their profits, not the troubles buyers face, like unexpected damages that can affect our earnings. To stay ahead, I've made it a point to thoroughly inspect vehicles before bidding. I also https://autoworldsite.com/used-cars/car-shipping-and-auto-transport/ build relationships with auction house staff to get timely information about vehicle location and condition. This inside knowledge has become vital to avoid losses and ensure my business thrives.

Calculating True Profit Margins

To figure out my real profit when transporting cars for auctions, I need to consider how dealers want to pay less for shipping. Dealers like to use stingers—those are trucks that can carry several cars at once—because it's cheaper for them. When I drive a smaller rig, like a hotshot, I can't offer the same low prices as stingers.

Here's a specific example from my own experience: I once tried to compete on price with these stingers by lowering my rates. But I soon realized that my costs for fuel, upkeep, and insurance didn't change. To know if I was actually making money, I'd to calculate my expenses accurately. I made a detailed list of every cost involved in a haul, from the diesel per mile to the wear and tear on my tires.

After that, I compared it to what the dealer was willing to pay. This showed me clearly which jobs were worth taking and which would leave me at a loss. So, my advice is to know your costs down to the penny and price your services based on that, not just on what the dealer wants to pay.

Mastering Vehicle Logistics

Handling car transport for auction vehicles is a key part of my job. I've learned that having a clear plan is necessary, or else you risk wasting time. Car dealers often charge a fixed shipping fee, regardless (click for more info) of the transport quality. For those of us in hauling, this presents a challenge.

Competing with large carriers can be tough because they transport multiple vehicles at lower costs. With my smaller hotshot truck, it's hard to offer such low prices. Auction sites can be chaotic, with vehicles spread out, and I've to quickly locate the ones I'm assigned to.

I remember one time, I was scheduled to pick up what I thought was a top-condition car. When I arrived, it was full of scratches. No one wanted to take responsibility for the damage. So, learning to manage car auctions involves expecting surprises and adapting to them.

Here's a specific tip: always take photos of the cars before loading them onto your truck. This one time, this saved me from a dispute. I picked up a car that looked fine, but when I delivered it, the buyer pointed out a small dent. I showed them the photo I took at the pickup, proving the dent was already there, and it wasn't my fault. Always document the vehicle's condition to avoid such conflicts.


I am a veteran used car dealer having a decade of expertise in the business. John commenced their career serving in the car auction sector, where he picked up essential skills into how to acquire reliable used cars for reasonable prices. Now, she specializes on wholesaling cars as well as providing expert advice on the best ways to succeed in the complex world of auto auctions. The author shares his expertise on his website, hoping to assist readers secure smart decisions in used cars.