Did you know that the salvage car auction industry in the United States generates over $3.21 billion in revenue annually? With millions of salvaged and non-running vehicles needing to be transported nationwide each year, understanding the cost of these specialized shipping services is crucial for car owners and businesses alike.
How Much Does Salvage Cars Auto Transport Cost Within the US?
Transporting salvage cars in the USA can be more expensive than regular door-to-door car shipping services.
On average, you can expect to pay $100 to $200 more for salvage car transport than for a standard automobile.
Several factors contribute to the increased cost of salvage auto transport, including:
- Additional labor hours are needed to load and secure the salvage vehicle properly
- Renting a forklift or other heavy machinery to lift and maneuver the non-running car
- Specialized straps, chains, and tie-down equipment to safely transport the salvage automobile
- Potential storage fees if the salvage car requires temporary holding before delivery
| Service | Average Cost |
| Regular Car Transport | $500 – $1,000 |
| Car Transport Salvage | $600 – $1,200 |
How Much is Salvage Cars USA Export Cost?
Exporting salvage cars from the USA can be costly. Generally, you might pay between $1,500 to $3,000 or more to export a salvage car from the United States.
| Cost Component | Estimated Range to Canada |
| International Shipping | $800 – $1,500 |
| Customs Clearance and Fees | $300 – $500 |
| Salvage Car Preparation | $200 – $400 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $1,300 – $2,400 |
Why Is Salvaged Vehicle Shipping Slightly Expensive Than Regular?
When getting salvage vehicle transport or non-running car shipping within the United States, the overall costs are typically slightly higher than regular car transport services.
Damaged Condition Requires Extra Care and Protection
Salvaged or non-running cars often have existing damage from an accident, natural disaster, or mechanical failure.
The car transport provider must take extra precautions to ensure the auto is securely loaded, protected, and transported without further harm. This includes using specialized equipment, padding, and tie-down methods to prevent additional damage during transit.
Specialized Equipment and Handling Procedures Needed
Transporting a salvaged car or non-running vehicle often requires specialized equipment and handling procedures that regular car transport services may not have.
This can include using car carriers with hydraulic lifts, winches, or other tools to load and unload the automobile without causing further damage.
More Time and Labor to Properly Prepare and Load
The additional care, protection, and specialized equipment needed for salvaged vehicle shipping mean the car transport process takes more time and labor than regular auto transport.
This added time and effort is reflected in the slightly higher rates for non-running car transport or salvage car shipping services. If you’re looking for affordable parts or to sell your non-running vehicle, searching for junk yards around me can help you locate nearby salvage yards that offer competitive prices for scrap cars and used car parts.
How to Save Money on Non-Running Car Shipping?
When transporting your non-running or salvaged vehicle, you can employ some strategies to minimize the cost.
| Tip | Description |
| Skip the Tow Truck | For more affordable shipping, use an open transport carrier instead of a tow truck. You can get terminal-to-terminal car shipping to save $50-$100 more. |
| Get Multiple Quotes | Compare rates from various shipping companies to negotiate the best deal. |
| Schedule During Off-Season | Transporting your auto during the off-season like fall can result in lower rates. |
| Ship Multiple Automobiles | Transporting multiple salvage vehicles together can qualify you for bulk rate discounts. |
| Leverage Backhaul Opportunities | Explore backhaul transport options with carriers to take advantage of discounted rates. |
Always Hire Specialized Salvage Vehicle Transport Companies:
Hiring specialized vehicle transport companies is not as easy as googling ‘transport my salvaged car’ and hiring any random hauler. Before pulling the trigger, do thorough background research on their license, accident history on FMCSA Company Snapshot, unsolved complaints on BBB, and specialization with salvaged vehicles.
