How to Buy a Car from Copart and Ship It to Georgia: A Step-by-Step Guide

Importing a car from the United States is one of the most cost-effective ways to put a quality vehicle in your driveway in Georgia. American auctions like Copart and IAAI sell hundreds of thousands of cars every month, often at a fraction of local market prices. But the process can feel intimidating the first time. This guide breaks it down into clear, manageable steps.

1. Set a realistic budget

Your final cost is more than the winning bid. Plan for the auction fee, broker commission, inland transport to the port, ocean freight, Georgian customs duties, and local clearance. As a rule of thumb, add roughly $2,500–$4,500 on top of the car price for a vehicle shipped to Poti or Batumi. Use our import calculator to get a precise figure before you bid.

2. Get access to the auction

Copart and IAAI are closed auctions — private buyers cannot bid directly. You bid through a licensed broker (that's where 4Dealer comes in). We register the lot under our dealer license, place bids on your behalf, and handle the paperwork.

3. Inspect the lot before you bid

Every listing includes photos, an odometer reading, the primary and secondary damage, and the title type. Read these carefully. A "minor dent/scratches" car with a clean title is very different from a "front end" car with a salvage title. When in doubt, request a condition report or a third-party inspection.

4. Win the bid

Auctions run fast. Decide your maximum price in advance and stick to it. Remember that auction fees scale with the sale price, so a small bump at the top can add a few hundred dollars to your total.

5. Pay and arrange inland transport

Once you win, the lot must be paid within two business days and picked up from the auction yard, usually within a week to avoid storage fees. The car is then trucked to the nearest export port — typically on the East Coast for vehicles heading to Georgia.

6. Ocean freight to Georgia

Your car is loaded into a container (or shipped RoRo) and sails to the Black Sea. Transit to Poti or Batumi typically takes 30–45 days. You'll receive a container and booking number to track the vessel.

7. Customs clearance and registration

On arrival, the vehicle clears Georgian customs. Import duty depends on the engine size and the age of the car. After clearance you register the vehicle and receive your plates.

The bottom line

With the right broker, importing from the US is predictable and transparent. The keys are budgeting for the full landed cost, reading the auction listing carefully, and tracking your shipment. Ready to start? Browse available lots or talk to our team.