US Auto Auctions

How it works

Swift Auto Import helps you buy cars at US auto auctions — Copart and IAAI — at the best value and ship them safely to Georgia. We run the full cycle: pre-checks and selection, bidding, inland transport, ocean container, customs, and delivery in Tbilisi.

Why auctions?

• Wide selection with transparent VIN history
• Competitive prices in open bidding
• Fully documented processes

Step-by-step plan

1. Consultation and budget
2. Vehicle selection and evaluation
3. Bidding and purchase
4. Inland transport to port and ocean container
5. Customs clearance in Georgia and delivery

Want to see the full import process? Visit Car Import.

Deep guide — how to prepare for auctions

Success at auctions starts with a clear use case, a disciplined budget, and rigorous checks. We define must‑haves (safety packages, drivetrain, mileage), set a hard cap including all platform fees, and cross‑check VIN history, photos and auction records to avoid hidden risks.

What we analyze in photos and records

• Panel gaps, paint match, flood/hail/theft recovery indicators.
• Frame / structural mounts, rails, bumpers and underbody hints.
• Interior condition, airbags status, odors, traces of water.
• Engine/transmission clues — leaks/foam/masking agents.
• Run & Drive vs Non‑Runner consistency with the description.

Bidding strategies

• Pre‑bid — gauge interest; do not reveal the true max early.
• Live — stick to the agreed cap (includes all fees); no emotion.
• Buy It Now — use only when price is objectively fair and time matters.
• Seller type — institutional sellers/liquidators are often more predictable.

Risk management

• Independent inspection for higher‑value lots.
• Gate/Storage mitigation — rapid pickup and pre‑booked containers.
• Documents (Title/Bill of Sale/Export Release) verified before transit.

Budget examples (structure)

Final bid + platform fees + Gate/Storage (if any) + inland transport + ocean container + customs/registration + 5–10% contingency. Run a detailed estimate in our auction calculator.

Buyer personas

• Daily driver — economical sedan/crossover, container for predictable timelines.
• Family — 5–7 seats, ADAS, AWD where needed; protected transit in a container.
• Premium — low mileage, strict condition criteria; container is a must.
• EV/Hybrid — battery health diagnostics; temperature considerations in transit.

Pre‑bid checklist

• Full VIN checks (Carfax/Autocheck or equivalent) + photo analysis.
• Hard budget cap including all platform fees.
• Container schedule pre‑booked and inland logistics aligned.
• Consider potential yard/port fees (Gate/Storage).

Next step

Visit Cars from USA and Used Cars, then contact us — we’ll shape the bidding plan, container schedule and a transparent budget for your goals.

Platform deep comparison — Copart vs IAAI in detail

Both platforms operate with transparent rules and VIN records, but differ by categories, yard types, fee structures and bidding modes. Copart often has more Run & Drive inventory; IAAI can be more stable in some locations. Buy It Now can be attractive when the listed price is objectively fair — timing is key.

• Documentation — Title/Bill of Sale/Export Release: timelines vary by location.
• Seller type — dealers/finance companies often manage risks more predictably.
• Bidding modes — Pre‑bid/Live; the correct cap includes all platform fees and inland transport.
• On‑Approval — seller confirmation may be required to finalize price.

Loading process — packing, loading, monitoring

We plan container bookings in advance to secure predictable timelines and reduce Gate/Storage fees. Before loading we take photo/video evidence; we add extra securing (straps, bracing) when needed to minimize transit risk. Tracking data is shared once loaded.

1. Booking — per schedule.
2. Inland sync — yard to port on time.
3. Loading & securing — by safety protocol.
4. Tracking — progress shared with you.

Safety and insurance

For higher‑value lots we offer extended insurance and, where useful, independent inspections. Documents are verified before transit to avoid customs delays. Container operations are transparent — photos, tracking and an ETA upfront.

Budget examples — three scenarios

• Economy — compact sedan/crossover, essential equipment; focus on a lower hammer price.
• Mid — family SUV with safety suites (ADAS), low mileage; balance price/comfort.
• Premium — lower mileage, stricter inspection; container is recommended for max protection.

In all scenarios the structure is: auction price + platform fees + Gate/Storage (location‑dependent) + inland transport + ocean container + customs/registration + 5–10% contingency. For a detailed estimate see our auction calculator.

Questions to ask a dealer

• When was the last service and are there records?
• Any signs of water/hail/theft in photos/records?
• Is third‑party pre‑inspection possible?
• Estimated price/timeline for inland transport from this yard?
• Which port/container schedule is optimal for this period?

Next steps

Visit Cars from USA, Used Cars and Car Import; then contact us to align the budget, bidding strategy and a container schedule for your goals.

Categories, statuses and lot fields

Correct interpretation of platform terms is essential. “Run & Drive” means the vehicle starts and moves in the yard; “Engine Start Program/Starts” — engine starts but does not move; “Stationary/Non‑Runner” — does not move and requires special loading or a container. Pay attention to: Primary/Secondary Damage, Keys: Yes/No, Odometer: Actual/Not Actual/Exempt.

VIN decoding and history sources

• VIN decoder — equipment/engine/transmission basics.
• History checks — Carfax/Autocheck.
• Compare photos/records — ensure description consistency.

Customs and registration in Georgia — practical guide

1. Receive docs — Title/Bill of Sale/Export Release and invoice.
2. Estimate duties — with a preliminary calculator.
3. Customs clearance — per rules and timelines.
4. Registration — technical inspection and plates where required.

We plan each step in advance so that once the container arrives we minimize delays and extra costs.

Selection nuances — how to avoid extra risk

• For the same model, compare several locations/auctions to benchmark prices.
• Search older photos/listings online for the same VIN.
• Do not raise your Live cap emotionally — once a max is set, stick to it.