Many buyers purchase vehicles from salvage auctions and trade yards across the UK. These cars and vans are often damaged, non runners or classified as insurance write offs.

A professional vehicle transport service is usually the safest way to move these vehicles from the yard to your home, workshop or storage.

Why salvage and auction vehicles need specialist transport

Vehicles from salvage and auction sites often have:

• Accident damage to body panels or suspension
• Non working engines or gearboxes
• Flat tyres or missing wheels
• Broken steering or brakes

Driving them is unsafe or not allowed. Car transport on a flatbed truck or trailer is the correct way to move them.

Information you need from the yard

Before you book vehicle transport from an auction yard, collect key details:

• Buyer number or lot number for the vehicle
• Full yard name and address with postcode
• Opening hours and any collection rules
• Whether the vehicle is a runner or non runner
• Whether a forklift is available on site for loading

Yards often have strict time windows and rules, so clear information is essential.

Common rules at salvage and auction yards

Each yard is different, but many have rules such as:

• Collection by appointment only
• Vehicle must be paid for before collection
• Only one person per truck allowed inside the yard
• High visibility clothing required on site

A professional vehicle transporter is used to these rules and can work within them, as long as they know them in advance.

Runner vs non runner at auction

Runner status in auctions can be confusing. A car marked as “starts” may:

• Start but not drive
• Drive only a short distance
• Have serious mechanical or electrical issues

Always tell your transport company exactly what the yard has told you. If in doubt, treat the vehicle as a non runner for planning and safety.

Loading damaged or incomplete vehicles

Salvage vehicles may have missing wheels, severe damage or parts removed. In these cases, the yard may use a forklift to place the vehicle on the truck or trailer.

Professional salvage vehicle transport providers know how to:

• Position the truck correctly for forklift loading
• Secure damaged vehicles safely with straps and chains
• Protect loose parts as far as possible during transport

Where to move salvage vehicles

Buyers usually move salvage and auction vehicles to:

• Home address for storage or breaking for parts
• Workshops for repair and inspection
• Other yards or traders for resale

In all cases, vehicle transport keeps the vehicle off the public road in its damaged condition.

Costs and expectations for salvage transport

Transporting salvage vehicles can cost more than moving normal runners, because:

• Loading takes longer and needs more care
• Vehicles may need special securing
• Yards often have fixed time slots for collection

When you request a quote, mention clearly that the vehicle is from a salvage or auction yard and share all the details you have.

Safer and easier than doing it yourself

Trying to move a damaged or non running vehicle with a basic trailer is risky for you and for other road users.

By using a professional salvage and auction vehicle transport service in the UK, you make sure that your new project, breaker or rebuild arrives at its destination safely, legally and with minimum stress.