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How to Ship a Non-Running or Inoperable Vehicle
What to Know Before Moving a Vehicle That Does Not Run
Whether your car stopped running mid-journey, needs to be shipped to a specialized repair shop in another state, or you recently purchased a junk car that will not start, you may be facing a logistical challenge: shipping a non-running car.
Unlike standard vehicle transport, moving an inoperable car is not as simple as driving it onto a trailer. It requires specialized knowledge, proper equipment, careful planning, and a carrier that understands how to load and unload vehicles safely.
At Safemile Auto Transport, we have handled a wide range of auto transport needs since 2021 and have shipped more than 35,000 vehicles to date. Our nationwide vetted carrier network helps us provide inoperable vehicle transport for many vehicle conditions, as long as the vehicle can be safely loaded and secured.
Local towing may be a practical option for very short moves, but Safemile specializes in long-distance transport for non-running vehicles at competitive rates, with professional coordination and reliable carrier support. We also provide local towing services in Virginia, North Carolina, and surrounding areas.
Specialized Equipment: Winches and Forklifts
To professionally handle the pickup and delivery of an inoperable vehicle, the right equipment is critical. Without proper equipment, the pickup may fail, delays may occur, and the risk of vehicle damage may increase.
Winch Service for Cars
Winch service is the most common method used for non-running vehicle transport. A winch is a motorized cable system that pulls the vehicle onto the trailer when it cannot be driven under its own power.
For a carrier to use a winch, the vehicle should generally meet the “rolls, brakes, and steers” criteria. This means the vehicle can roll on its wheels, the steering works, and the brakes can help control movement during loading.
If the transmission is damaged or the engine is dead but the vehicle still rolls and steers, a winch-equipped carrier is usually the best option.
Not every carrier has a winch. Only a portion of carriers on the road are equipped for this type of loading, which is why working with a professional auto transport company like Safemile Auto Transport is important.
Forklift Requirements
If the vehicle has severe wheel damage, locked steering, missing wheels, or cannot roll safely, a winch may not be enough. In these cases, a forklift may be required to load or unload the vehicle.
If you are buying a vehicle from auctions such as IAA or Copart, the auction facility may provide forklift loading. However, you may still need to arrange forklift assistance at the delivery location to remove the vehicle from the trailer safely.
Cost Differences for Inoperable Cars
Transporting an inoperable vehicle usually costs more than shipping a running vehicle. In many cases, the price may be around 25% higher, depending on the route, vehicle condition, equipment required, and carrier availability.
This added cost is usually caused by extra labor, specialized equipment, longer loading time, and the limited number of winch-equipped car haulers.
For shorter routes, the added winch fee may be around $100 to $125. For long-distance or cross-country shipments, such as Seattle to Miami, the inoperable vehicle surcharge can exceed $400.
Long-haul carriers may also need to place non-running vehicles in specific positions on the trailer to manage loading, unloading, weight distribution, and route efficiency.
Pro tip: If your vehicle does not start only because of a dead battery, let us know before booking. Many carriers carry a jump box. If the vehicle can be jump-started and driven onto the trailer, you may be able to avoid the winch fee.
Safety Precautions During Loading and Unloading
Safety should be the top priority when shipping an inoperable vehicle. The first thing to consider is the vehicle’s location. If the car is parked in a tight alley, backyard, garage, or another hard-to-access area, a large car hauler may not be able to reach it.
In that situation, the vehicle may need to be moved to a nearby road, open parking area, or accessible location before pickup. If possible, the vehicle should be placed in neutral and positioned where the carrier can safely load it.
During the winching process, the driver should attach the cable to a safe structural point on the vehicle to reduce the risk of damage. The loading angle should also be monitored carefully, especially for low-clearance vehicles, to help protect the undercarriage, bumper, and suspension components.
Ship Your Non-Running Vehicle with Safemile
Shipping a non-running vehicle requires more planning than standard car transport, but the process can be smooth when the right equipment and carrier are arranged from the beginning.
By choosing Safemile Auto Transport, you get support from a team that understands winch requirements, forklift coordination, carrier access, vehicle condition details, and safe loading procedures.
Got a car that will not start? Trust the experts at Safemile Auto Transport. Call us at 888-277-8212 for an accurate, no-obligation quote.