How to Transport Scrap Cars

Q: What is the best way to transport a scrap car?

The most common method for scrap transport is using a tow truck, flatbed trailer, or specialized vehicle carrier. Scrap vehicles often cannot run, so carriers typically load them with a winch or forklift. The best option depends on vehicle condition, weight, distance, and pickup access. For long distances, professional carriers can consolidate multiple vehicles to reduce cost. If the car is non-operational, specialized services such as inoperable auto transport are often required to safely load and secure the vehicle.

Q: How much does scrap car transport cost in the U.S.?

Scrap car transport usually costs between $150 and $700 for short distances and $700 to $1,500 for cross-country shipments. Pricing depends on distance, vehicle weight, accessibility, fuel prices, and whether the vehicle runs. Non-operational cars often cost slightly more because carriers must use winches or special loading equipment. Rural pickup areas or tight urban streets may also increase the price. You can estimate typical pricing using tools such as a car shipping rates guide .

Q: How long does scrap car transport usually take?

Delivery time depends mainly on distance and carrier scheduling. Short hauls under 300 miles may take 1 to 2 days, while longer interstate routes of 1,000 to 2,000 miles typically take 3 to 7 days. Weather, route congestion, and the availability of multi-car carriers can also affect timing. Scrap vehicles are often grouped with other shipments to reduce costs, which may slightly extend pickup scheduling but keeps overall transport pricing lower.

by Joe Webster

Last updated Mar, 05 2026

Transporting Scrap Cars

Transporting scrap cars is a little bit different than transporting new or used vehicles. It is still doable, but there are a few key differences that will influence the overall shifting process.

It is common for scrap cars to be non-operational at the time of shipment. This limits the types of relocating options the owner of a scrap car can use. We are going to explain to you how to transport scrap cars both domestically (i.e. in America) and internationally.

What is a Scrap Car?

A scrap car, also referred to as a salvage car, can be any of the following:

Non-running vehicle
Damaged vehicle
Inoperable vehicle
Car that will be used for parts

Transporting Scrap Cars Domestically

When it comes to transporting scrap cars domestically, you have a few choices.

Scrap cars are loaded and transported just like any other non-operating vehicle. You can either use open air transport, or enclosed auto transport.

Whatever you choose, your scrap car will be loaded onto the back of a truck and delivered to its destination. The major difference is whether you want to pay for the added protection that enclosed transport adds.

Open Air Auto Transport

If cost is a factor for you, open air transport is the cheapest domestic hauling option you can consider. Your vehicle is loaded onto the back-transport bed of a big rig, and then driven to its intended destination.

Open air transport is quick, simple to arrange, and effective.

An automobile logistics company can arrange for your vehicle to be picked up from practically any location, and then shipped any location of your choosing.

If you are relocating a vehicle with loose parts, you will need to secure those parts to make sure that they will not come loose during transport.

Enclosed Auto Transport

Enclosed auto transport is a lot like container shipping, which we will talk about later on. For domestic enclosed auto transport, your vehicle will be loaded into a trailer, which is situated on the bed layer of the back of a big rig. Once loaded, your vehicle will be relocated to its intended destination.

Although this method of transport is logistically simpler than open air transport, as well as quicker on average (since one vehicle is being transported instead of many), it is also costlier. If cost is not a concern of yours, this is a great option. If you want to keep costs down, consider using open auto transport.

The major advantage of enclosed auto transport is the fact that it provides you with added protection for your vehicle. Many people don’t need extra protection if they are shifting unless the car itself is extremely rare or its parts are expensive.

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Transporting Scrap Cars Overseas

Your international hauling options are limited if you need to relocate a scrap car overseas. Assuming that your scrap car is non-operational, you will need to use container shipping. There are two types of container shifting that apply here: shared and exclusive container relocation. As you can imagine, exclusive container shipping is more expensive.

Container Shifting Basics

Shared hauling means that your vehicle will be loaded in a container with vehicles from other clients as well. Exclusive will most likely not be what you need for a scrap car, unless that scrap car is rare, or has incredible value. Exclusive one is more expensive than shared because your car is the only car occupying that space.

Once the car is placed in the shipping container, just like when shared containers are filled, the container is locked and sealed. The most likely reason why you might use exclusive container on a scrap car is if you are on a deadline, and the car must be delivered by a certain date. In this case, exclusive makes sense, since choosing a departure date is much easier.

With shared container hauling, your container is not placed on the ship until it is filled, and the container is not filled until enough clients have reserved space for their cars in it. This process delays the departure time significantly, as the timing cannot be guaranteed. For both methods, you will need to secure any loose parts on your scrap car to make sure that they will not dislodge during transport.

Documents Needed to Relocate Internationally

Even though a scrap car may seem less risky in your eyes, U.S. Customs will still require all the necessary export documentation. You will have to consider trade embargoes, denied party lists, specific trade regulations, and much more.

If you are unfamiliar with the shifting process, we recommend that you hire an experienced hauler to help you out. Export trade regulations are very strict and mistakes can be very costly. In many cases, you can be slapped with a major fine or jail time.

Regardless of the state of a vehicle, you will need documentation to present to US Customs if you want your vehicle shifted overseas.

Original Title: The original title of your car is required by US Customs. In addition, you will need to be released from any liens on your car, and you will have to pay any outstanding lease payments or loans on your vehicle. The title needs to be an original document. It cannot be a duplicate.
Bill of Sales: US Customs needs the bill of sales of the car to ensure that you own it. If you cannot prove to Customs that you own the vehicle, they will not let you export it.
Employer Identification Number or International Passport: Depending on your US residency status, you will either need to provide Customs with an employer identification number (EIN), or an international passport. US citizens can get an EIN from the IRS’s website.
Power of Attorney Form: You will need to transfer power of attorney regarding your scrap car before it can be relocated overseas. This is so shifters can make decisions on your behalf regarding your vehicle if they need to.
Shipping Form: This is a standard relocating form that is required to be filled out before you can haul your vehicle. Typical information includes contact details, shipping details, and possibly even payment details.

A Note on Pricing

Cars that don't run or are otherwise unusable will incur higher relocating costs. Your vehicle's inoperable condition necessitates extra time and care from the auto logistics carrier while unloading and loading. To load and unload your car, they may need to employ heavy machinery. Don't freak out if your quote comes in greater than you were hoping for.

Therefore, the cost of a shifting of junk automobiles depends on a wide range of circumstances. When requesting a quote, we suggest setting aside $500 to $1500. This way, you can pay the transportation, and you can use the leftover funds for things like paperwork, hiring a driver to come get your car, and so forth.

Here’s an important tip

Domestic shipping is a lot easier than international shipping. If you are going to try and take on the international process, take the time to do a little research.

There are a lot of things you will need to know if you want to export a scrap car legally.

But that takes time

And you don’t always have time to spare. Who wants to research dense export laws? Not you. Let us take care of that for you. We’ve been working in this industry for many years, we offer competitive prices, and we understand how the export process works.

Don’t leave your shipment to chance. Let us fill out all the paperwork for you and get your scrap car to its destination country without any headaches. Contact us today if you have any questions about transporting scrap cars. We’re here to help you make sense of the hauling process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to transport a scrap car?

The most common method for scrap transport is using a tow truck, flatbed trailer, or specialized vehicle carrier. Scrap vehicles often cannot run, so carriers typically load them with a winch or forklift. The best option depends on vehicle condition, weight, distance, and pickup access. For long distances, professional carriers can consolidate multiple vehicles to reduce cost. If the car is non-operational, specialized services such as inoperable auto transport are often required to safely load and secure the vehicle.

Can you transport a scrap car that does not run?

Yes, carriers regularly move non-running vehicles, including scrap cars. Transport companies use hydraulic lift gates, winches, forklifts, or rollbacks to load vehicles that cannot drive onto a trailer. The key requirement is that the car must roll, steer, and brake, even if the engine no longer works. If wheels are missing or the vehicle is severely damaged, a flatbed or heavy equipment trailer may be required to prevent damage during loading and unloading.

How much does scrap car transport cost in the U.S.?

Scrap car transport usually costs between $150 and $700 for short distances and $700 to $1,500 for cross-country shipments. Pricing depends on distance, vehicle weight, accessibility, fuel prices, and whether the vehicle runs. Non-operational cars often cost slightly more because carriers must use winches or special loading equipment. Rural pickup areas or tight urban streets may also increase the price. You can estimate typical pricing using tools such as a car shipping rates guide.

How do you prepare a scrap vehicle for transportation?

Preparing a scrap vehicle helps ensure safe loading and compliance with carrier rules. Remove loose parts, personal belongings, and hazardous materials, and secure any detached panels or doors. The vehicle should have minimal fuel, inflated tires if possible, and accessible keys for steering. If the car cannot roll, inform the carrier in advance so proper equipment is arranged. Many transporters coordinate pickup directly from salvage yards using door-to-door auto transport.

How long does scrap car transport usually take?

Delivery time depends mainly on distance and carrier scheduling. Short hauls under 300 miles may take 1 to 2 days, while longer interstate routes of 1,000 to 2,000 miles typically take 3 to 7 days. Weather, route congestion, and the availability of multi-car carriers can also affect timing. Scrap vehicles are often grouped with other shipments to reduce costs, which may slightly extend pickup scheduling but keeps overall transport pricing lower.

Is it possible to send scrap cars to another country?

Yes, sending scrap cars internationally is possible, often through roll-on roll-off shipping or container transport. Exporters commonly ship scrap vehicles for parts recycling, metal recovery, or resale in salvage markets. Requirements vary by country, but most ports require vehicle titles, export documentation, and customs clearance. Shipping costs depend on port location, container size, and weight of the vehicle. International shipments are usually arranged through providers offering international car shipping.