If you’re in the auto transport industry, chances are you’re familiar with Manheim Auto Auctions. As one of the largest auto auction networks in the country, with over 80 locations nationwide, Manheim, owned by Cox Automotive, plays a significant role in the industry. While Manheim doesn’t have its own load board, vehicles from their auctions are frequently posted on the leading load boards in the industry.
However, picking up vehicles from a Manheim auction can be a time-consuming and challenging process, especially for those new to it. That’s why we’ve put together this guide, drawing insights from experienced industry professionals, to help you navigate your first pickup from a Manheim auction.
To create this guide, we interviewed several experts, including Sue, a seasoned dispatcher and part-time broker at Murphy Auto Transport; Charles, the owner and dispatcher at Alpha Elite Transport; and Sam, a lot manager at the Kansas City Manheim location. Their insights offer valuable tips and tricks to help streamline the pickup process.
Step 1: Verify Vehicle Operability
Sue from Murphy Auto Transport emphasizes the importance of confirming whether a vehicle is operable. “Always verify if the car is inoperable or not,” she advises. Inoperable vehicles can’t be easily loaded onto a trailer, and you may need additional equipment like a winch, which can add to your costs and time. To avoid unexpected expenses, it’s crucial to ask the broker or check the lot where the vehicle is located. If it’s in a TRA (Total Resource Auction) lot, it’s likely inoperable. However, since vehicles are sometimes moved to different locations, it’s essential to double-check their status, even if they’re not in the TRA lot.
Step 2: Ensure Gate Pass Availability
According to Charles of Alpha Elite Transport, “Gate passes, gate passes, gate passes” are crucial. These passes are your proof of authorization to pick up the vehicles. Without them, you can’t proceed with the pickup. Unfortunately, there have been instances where brokers didn’t secure the gate passes, causing significant delays. Always ensure you receive the gate passes from the broker via email before sending a driver to the auction. If necessary, ask the broker to include your company’s name on the gate pass so you can contact Manheim directly for information.
Step 3: Confirm Manheim Location Hours
Operating hours at Manheim locations can vary, so it’s vital to confirm them ahead of time. As Charles learned the hard way, assuming that all Manheim locations operate 24 hours can lead to wasted time and frustration. Always verify the hours of operation for the specific location you’re visiting to avoid unnecessary delays.
Step 4: Check-in at the Guard Shack
The Guard Shack is the gateway to the car lots at Manheim, and there’s always an employee on duty during business hours. These employees can assist drivers in various ways, such as driving them to their load pickup spots, jumpstarting cars with dead batteries, or providing fuel for empty tanks. However, these services may not always be available, so it’s essential to have a backup plan to save time and money.
Step 5: Locate the Vehicles Efficiently
Finding the vehicles at Manheim can be a daunting task, especially if they’ve been moved by other drivers. Sue recommends hiring a car puller to streamline the process. “Car pullers will charge you a fee for pulling cars [out of the lot], but they will handle all the damages and do everything my driver is supposed to do,” she explains. This service can save hours of searching, especially with the new ELD regulations. To find a reliable car puller, check out Facebook groups like Auto Transport Everything. If you use a car puller, make sure they take photos of the gate passes for your records.
Step 6: Document Damages
Before handing off the gate passes to the Guard Shack, it’s crucial to document any damages. “I always tell my drivers to take a photo of the gate passes after you have marked damages and before you hand them to the Guard Shack, because once it’s gone, it’s gone,” Sue advises. This ensures you have a record of the vehicle’s condition in case of any disputes.
Links for this Information:
- Super Dispatch Blog – Super Dispatch Blog
- Super Dispatch provides valuable content related to auto transport, including tips, interviews, and guides for industry professionals.
- Manheim Auto Auctions Official Website – Manheim Auto Auctions
- The official site of Manheim Auto Auctions, providing details on locations, services, gate passes, and auction procedures.
- Cox Automotive – Cox Automotive
- As the parent company of Manheim, Cox Automotive offers insights and data on the auto auction industry and related sectors.
- Auto Transport Everything (Facebook Group) – Auto Transport Everything
- A Facebook group where auto transport professionals share advice, including finding car pullers and handling other logistical challenges.
- FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) – FMCSA
- The FMCSA website provides details on regulations such as the ELD mandate, which affects auto transporters.
Simple Car Shipping can help you get your car picked up at Manheim Auto Auctions. Don’t hesitate to reach out and get a quote today.
Author: Drew Levine owner of Simple Car Shipping LLC