Inoperable Vehicle Transport
In-Op & Non-Running • Safe Loading & Unloading • Winch & Liftgate Trucks • Full Insurance Coverage
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Non-Running Car Shipping Experts
What Type of Non-Running Vehicles May I Ship?
Nationwide United Auto Transport can transport all types of in-op and non-running vehicles. We know the logistics and details involved in moving a car that can’t drive onto a carrier on its own power. Cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, and even specialized vehicles to name a few.
People ship inoperable vehicles for all kinds of reasons, including:
- Classic or vintage car restoration projects
- Vehicles bought at auction in non-running condition
- Cars with engine failure or transmission problems
- Accident-damaged vehicles headed to a repair facility
- Project cars that can’t be driven
- Vehicles that haven’t run in years
Roll, Steer and Brake for Our Carriers
Even though we transport non-running vehicles, a few components still need to work for safe loading and unloading. Before pickup, your inoperable vehicle should have:
- Working brakes – Brakes must engage to keep the vehicle from rolling during loading.
- Functional steering – The wheels must turn so the vehicle can be positioned on the carrier.
- Ability to roll – The vehicle must roll freely when pushed or winched.
- Neutral transmission – The transmission must shift into neutral to allow movement.
If your vehicle can’t roll, steer, or brake, we can still transport it. We’ll just need the right equipment and a safe, legal area to load and unload. In some cases we’ll need help at the pickup and delivery locations to bring the vehicle out to an accessible spot, or a smaller tow truck to move it to and from our carrier. If the vehicle won’t roll or steer at all, a forklift may be required. If you’re unsure of the vehicle’s condition, ask the releasing party to test whether it rolls and steers.
If your vehicle can’t roll, steer, or brake, we can still transport it. We’ll just need the right equipment and a safe, legal area to load and unload. In some cases we’ll need help at the pickup and delivery locations to bring the vehicle out to an accessible spot, or a smaller tow truck to move it to and from our carrier. If the vehicle won’t roll or steer at all, a forklift may be required.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Non-Running Car?
Car shipping cost is one of the biggest concerns for most people shipping a non-running vehicle. Inoperable transport costs more than standard shipping because it requires special equipment and extra labor. Loading and unloading a non-running car can take 40 minutes to an hour longer, and only certain carriers have the equipment to handle it.
Typical cross-country pricing:
- Standard running vehicle: $1,500–$2,500
- Inoperable vehicle: $2,300–$3,300
- Added cost for non-running: roughly $800–$1,500 more
Factors that affect your cost:
- Distance – Longer routes cost more overall.
- Vehicle size – Larger vehicles need more powerful winches and equipment.
- Accessibility – Remote or hard-to-reach locations increase cost.
- Condition severity – Vehicles that are harder to handle cost more to load and move.
- Season – Summer peak season can add 20%–30%.
- Open vs. enclosed – Enclosed transport runs about $800–$1,500 more.
These are general estimates and will vary with your specific vehicle and route. For an exact price, call and speak with a transport specialist about the details of your shipment.
Inoperable Enclosed Auto Transport
For high-value non-running vehicles, enclosed transport offers the most protection. Many customers shipping classic restoration projects or collector cars choose enclosed carriers to shield their vehicle from weather and road conditions during the move.
Enclosed transport makes sense for:
- Restored or partially restored classic cars
- Vintage vehicles with high collector value
- Custom or show cars that aren’t roadworthy
- Long-distance moves through harsh weather
- High-end auction purchases
Enclosed carriers for inoperable vehicles use hard-sided trailers fitted with the equipment needed to safely load a non-running car and keep it fully protected in transit:
- Heavy-duty winches (9,000–15,000 lb capacity)
- Hydraulic lift gates for ground-level loading
- Specialized tie-down systems
Shipping Oversize Inoperable Vehicles
Transporting a non-running vehicle gets more complex with oversize vehicles like large trucks, buses, tractors, or modified vehicles exceeding standard dimensions. For these type of shipments carriers must be equipped to handle both the extra size and the non-running condition.
To give you an accurate quote, we’ll need your vehicle’s:
- Length – bumper to bumper
- Width – including mirrors
- Height – ground to highest point
- Weight – approximate if unknown
The more detail you can provide about the size and condition, the better we can match you with a carrier that’s properly equipped for both.
Preparing Your Non-Running Car for Shipping
A little preparation makes pickup faster and helps avoid surprises on the day of transport. Before your carrier arrives:
- Remove all personal items from the vehicle
- Write down everything that doesn’t work, so it’s documented
- Secure or remove loose parts
- Drain any leaking fluids
- Disable alarm systems
- Provide a set of keys
- Make sure the carrier has clear access to the vehicle
Just as important as prepping the car is being upfront about its condition. When you book, let our transport specialist know:
- What doesn’t work — engine, transmission, brakes, or steering
- Whether it rolls freely in neutral
- Any frame damage or structural issues
- Missing wheels or other major components
- Whether it can be steered while being winched
- Any safety hazards we should know about
How the Loading Process Works
- Initial inspection: Driver examines condition of vehicle
- Equipment setup: Carrier positions its trailer for optimal loading
- Attachment: Straps connect to frame
- Winching: Vehicle is slowly pulled onto carrier
- Securing: Multiple tie-down points applied
The whole process can take 40min-1hr.
Why customers choose us...
We’re a top rated company for inoperable and non-running car transport services
Personalized Approach
We walk you through the entire process. Stress-free solutions no matter what your shipment needs are.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage is included to your shipment as part of the FMCSA license and insurance regulations.
Expedited Transport
Pickup and deliver your shipment as fast as possible. Same day-next day services when available.
Help and Support 24/7
Our hours extend a 9 to 5 transport company. We are always available to answer your transportation questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ship a car without an engine?
Yes. Just be sure to tell your carrier ahead of time about any missing major components so the right equipment is sent.
Do I need to be present during pickup?
Not necessarily, but someone you authorize must be there to sign the Bill of Lading and provide the keys.
What if my car has a dead battery?
If a dead battery is the only issue, we recommend replacing it before pickup, that way you can avoid the added cost of inoperable service.
Can inoperable vehicles ship on open carriers?
Yes. Most non-running vehicles are transported on open carriers, the same as standard shipments.
How long does inoperable shipping take?
Transit time is generally about the same as standard car shipping. Pickup, however, can take 3–5 days longer, since fewer carriers are equipped to handle non-running vehicles.
Need a quote to transport non-running vehicle?
Speak to a friendly transport specialist (800) 311-8305 for an instant quote