Shipping A Non-running Vehicle: Do’s & Don’ts

Not all companies can provide auto transport services for non-running cars, mainly because special equipment is often needed. In order to load an inoperable vehicle onto the transport carrier, a piece of equipment called a winch is often required, which is an additional accessory that doesn’t come standard on transport trucks. Additionally, they can be a bit difficult to operate at times and these two factors generally mean the service comes with a small added fee, usually $50 to $100 per vehicle.

What qualifies as a “non-running car”? - Any vehicle that cannot be driven effectively and safely is considered a non-running car. This can mean that your vehicle will start up and still be considered non-running in terms of an auto shipper. If it can’t be loaded onto the truck, container, or ship that it will be transported in, it’s considered inoperable.

In many cases, the inoperable vehicles we ship for customers are classic vehicles that are being worked on, or have been recently purchased from a seller in another state. As with a running vehicle, it’s recommended that you use enclosed car shipping if the car in question is a classic or holds high value, either financially or sentimentally.

Call us today at the number at the top of the page if you’re considering shipping a non-running or inoperable vehicle! Our cost estimates are given in real-time by a certified shipping agent are 100% FREE all the time! You can also reach us with you questions through our online contact form at the top of the page!

How To Ship A Car That Isn’t Running

Though it’s not that different from shipping a running vehicle, there are a few different steps you need to take when shipping a car that doesn’t run. In this section, we’ll go over the steps in some detail.

Contacting multiple companies is always a good idea when looking for competing bids for a service you’re seeking. Shipping a car is no different and it’s generally a good practice to contact at least three to five shippers to compare prices, services, and customer friendliness.

The very first thing you should clarify with anyone you contact is if they are capable (and willing) to ship a vehicle that is not in running condition. In the first section of this blog post, we touched upon the fact that not all companies have the required equipment or willingness to handle an inoperable vehicle. A good follow-up question is how much it will cost since that can vary from one shipper to another.

Once you’ve done this, move on to the next company and ask the same questions, as well as any others you may have about the process. After talking to a couple, it should be relatively easy to determine which companies are experienced pros offering quality service, and which ones are just out to make a quick buck.