A car does not have to start for it to be worth moving. Maybe you bought a project car at an auction, inherited a vehicle that has been sitting in a garage for years, or your engine gave out right before a cross-country move. Whatever the reason, shipping a non-running car is completely possible. It simply requires the right equipment, a transparent quote, and a carrier that knows how to handle inoperable vehicles.
In this guide, we will walk you through how non-running car shipping works, what it costs, how to prepare your vehicle, and the mistakes that can delay your shipment or inflate your bill.
Can You Ship a Car That Does Not Run?
Yes, you can ship a car that does not run. Auto transport carriers move inoperable vehicles every day using winches, forklifts, and low-angle ramps to load them safely. The key requirement is honesty: you must tell the shipping company about the vehicle’s condition upfront so they can send a truck with the right loading equipment.
What Counts as a Non-Running or Inoperable Vehicle?
In the auto transport industry, “inoperable” covers more than just a dead engine. Your vehicle may be classified as non-running if it:
- Does not start or cannot drive onto the trailer under its own power
- Starts but cannot brake or steer safely
- Has flat tires, missing wheels, or suspension damage
- Has collision damage that prevents normal rolling or loading
- Is a stripped project car, salvage vehicle, or barn find missing key components
Carriers usually ask three questions: Does it roll? Does it steer? Does it brake? Your answers determine what equipment the driver needs and how your vehicle will be loaded. A car that rolls and steers is far easier to winch onto a trailer than one with seized wheels, and the price reflects that difference.
How Non-Running Car Shipping Works, Step by Step
- Request a quote and disclose the condition. Describe exactly what is wrong with the vehicle when you request a free quote. Mention whether it rolls, steers, and brakes. Accurate details mean an accurate price and the right truck on pickup day.
- Get matched with an equipped carrier. Not every truck can handle an inoperable vehicle. Your transport company will assign a carrier with a winch, and in some cases a forklift, so the car can be pulled or lifted onto the trailer safely.
- Pickup and loading. The driver inspects the vehicle, documents its condition on the Bill of Lading, and loads it using the winch or other equipment. You or a representative should be present to review and sign the inspection report.
- Transport. Your vehicle travels secured to the trailer just like a running car. Transit time depends mostly on distance and route. For typical timeframes, see our car shipping transit time guide.
- Delivery and final inspection. At delivery, the driver unloads the vehicle with the same equipment and you compare its condition against the pickup report before signing off.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Non-Running Car?
Shipping an inoperable vehicle typically costs about $100 to $200 more than shipping the same car in running condition. The surcharge covers the extra labor, loading time, and special equipment involved. Beyond that, your total price depends on the same factors that shape any auto transport quote:
- Distance and route. Longer hauls cost more in total but less per mile. Popular routes are cheaper than remote ones.
- Vehicle condition. A car that rolls, steers, and brakes costs less to move than one that needs a forklift.
- Vehicle size and weight. Larger and heavier vehicles take up more trailer capacity.
- Transport type. Open transport is the budget-friendly standard, while enclosed transport costs more but adds protection.
- Season and timing. Flexible pickup dates almost always earn better rates.
If budget is a concern, there are practical ways to save money on auto transport without cutting corners on carrier quality or insurance coverage.
Open or Enclosed Transport for an Inoperable Vehicle?
Most non-running cars ship on open carriers because they are more affordable and widely available. However, if your inoperable vehicle is a classic, a collector car awaiting restoration, or anything with significant value, enclosed truck transport shields it from weather and road debris during the trip.
The right choice comes down to the vehicle’s value and your budget. Our comparison of open and enclosed car carriers breaks down the trade-offs in detail.
How to Prepare a Non-Running Car for Shipping?
A little preparation prevents most pickup-day problems. Before the carrier arrives:
- Be upfront about the condition. Confirm again with the dispatcher whether the car rolls, steers, and brakes. Surprises at pickup can mean a rescheduled shipment and a dry-run fee.
- Photograph the vehicle. Take clear, dated photos of all sides, the interior, and any existing damage.
- Remove personal belongings. Carrier insurance does not cover personal items. Check our guide on what to remove from your car before shipping.
- Check for leaks. Significant fluid leaks can disqualify a vehicle from transport. Patch or drain what you can and tell the carrier about anything that remains.
- Inflate the tires if possible. Rolling tires make winch loading faster and cheaper.
- Hand over all keys. Even a non-running car may need its steering unlocked or its transmission shifted to neutral.
- Clear access for the truck. Carriers need room to position the trailer and winch. If your street is tight, agree on a nearby pickup spot in advance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Hiding the vehicle’s condition. If the driver arrives expecting a running car and finds one that will not start, your shipment may be delayed and repriced on the spot. Full disclosure protects your schedule and your wallet.
Choosing on price alone. An unusually low quote often means the company plans to renegotiate later or lacks the right equipment. Work with an experienced auto transport service that confirms winch capability before dispatch.
Skipping the insurance check. Ask for the carrier’s certificate of insurance and confirm your vehicle’s value is covered during loading, transit, and unloading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it cost more to ship a non-running car?
Yes. Expect to pay roughly $100 to $200 above the standard rate for the same route. The extra fee covers winch loading, additional labor, and the limited number of carriers equipped for inoperable vehicles.
How is a non-running car loaded onto the truck?
Most carriers use a winch, which is a motorized cable that pulls the vehicle up the ramp onto the trailer. Vehicles that cannot roll at all may require a forklift, which should be arranged when you book.
Can I ship a car with no keys?
Often yes, but tell the carrier in advance. Without keys, the driver needs the steering unlocked and the vehicle in neutral, or special equipment to move it. Missing keys can add to the cost.
How long does it take to ship an inoperable car?
Transit time is about the same as for a running vehicle, typically 1 to 3 days for short routes and 7 to 10 days coast to coast. Finding an equipped carrier can add a day or two to pickup scheduling.
Ready to Ship Your Non-Running Car?
Shipping an inoperable vehicle does not have to be complicated. Describe the condition honestly, choose a carrier with the right equipment, and prepare the car before pickup day. ABC Auto Shipping has moved non-running vehicles nationwide for years, and our team will match your car with a winch-equipped carrier and a fair, upfront price. Get your free quote today and tell us about your vehicle, running or not.
