How to ship a car that doesn’t run

Shipping an inoperable car is routine, as long as the carrier knows in advance. The difference from a normal shipment is one piece of equipment, a winch, and a few things you can do to make loading quick and safe.

What counts as an inoperable car

A car is inoperable for shipping if it cannot be driven onto and off the trailer under its own power. That covers more than a dead engine:

• It won’t start, or starts but can’t be relied on.
• It starts, but the steering, brakes or transmission don’t work properly.
• It has accident damage that makes it unsafe to drive.
• It has no key, or a flat battery that can’t be charged in time.

If you are not sure, book it as inoperable. A driver who arrives without a winch for a car that won’t start may not be able to take it that day.

How an inoperable car is loaded

A carrier set up for inoperable cars has a winch on the trailer. The driver hooks a cable to the car’s towing points and pulls it slowly up the ramps, steering it as it goes, then straps it down like any other car. At delivery, the winch lets it down again. For that to work, the car needs to roll, steer and ideally brake.

What it costs to ship an inoperable car

An inoperable car is priced like a running one on the same route, plus the extra handling: a carrier with a winch, and the extra time to load and unload it. Everything else that affects the cost, such as the distance, open or enclosed transport and the vehicle, works the same way.

See what else goes into the price in how much it costs to ship a car.

Preparing a car that doesn’t run

1. 1

   Describe the car honestly

   On the quote, mark the car as inoperable and tell your dispatcher exactly what works and what doesn’t: starting, steering, brakes, wheels and tires.

2. 2

   Make sure it rolls, steers and brakes

   If at all possible, the wheels should turn, the steering should work and the brakes or handbrake should hold. Inflate any flat tires.

3. 3

   Clear a straight path

   The car will be winched onto the trailer, so it needs a clear line to the truck. Move it out of a tight garage or a back yard if you can, or tell your dispatcher what the access is like.

4. 4

   Remove or secure loose parts

   Take off or tie down loose trim, bumpers and panels, and remove parts stored inside the car.

5. 5

   Check for leaks

   A car leaking fuel, oil or coolant can damage cars below it on the trailer. Fix active leaks or tell your dispatcher before pickup.

6. 6

   Photograph the car

   Take dated photos of every side, the interior and any damage, so you and the driver can agree on its condition.

7. 7

   Have the keys ready

   The driver needs a key to unlock the steering and doors, even if the engine won’t start. Tell your dispatcher if there is no key.

For everything else, the usual car shipping checklist applies: remove valuables and toll tags, and keep any belongings under 50 lb.

Common inoperable shipments

• An auction buy

  A car bought at an online auction, listed as “does not start”, sitting in a lot two states away.

  Book it as inoperable and send the auction’s release or gate pass to your dispatcher. The lot staff can usually help the driver position it.

• A project car

  A classic that has not run in years, going to a restoration shop.

  Check the tires hold air and the wheels turn. Consider enclosed transport to protect what is left of the original paint.

• After an accident

  A damaged car going from a body shop to the owner’s home, or to a specialist for repair.

  Tell your dispatcher about the damage, tie down loose panels and take thorough photos before pickup.

Open or enclosed for a non-running car

Most inoperable cars travel on open car transport. For a valuable classic or collector car that doesn’t run, enclosed car transport keeps it covered, and many enclosed trailers have a liftgate, which is easier on a car that cannot drive itself up a ramp. The extra handling for a car that doesn’t run applies either way. Shipping from home? See Massachusetts car shipping.