Can I ship a vehicle that does not run?

Yes, the companies we work with ship non-running vehicles regularly. Vehicles that do not start, do not drive, or have mechanical issues can still be transported — but they require special handling that comes with an additional fee, typically $100-$250 on top of the standard shipping cost. This surcharge is called an "inop fee" (short for inoperable) and covers the extra time, equipment, and effort required to load and unload a vehicle that cannot move under its own power.

When a vehicle runs and drives, the carrier driver simply drives it onto the truck. With a non-running vehicle, the driver uses a winch to pull the vehicle into position on the carrier. Not all carriers have winch equipment, which narrows the pool of available drivers and can slightly extend your pickup window. When you request a quote, be upfront about your vehicle's condition — tell us if it does not start, does not shift into gear, has flat tires, or has any other issue that would prevent it from rolling. This ensures the offers you get come from carriers with the right equipment.

Also let us know the specific nature of the problem. A vehicle with a dead battery is much easier to handle than one with a locked-up transmission or four flat tires. The more information you give, the more accurate the offers and the faster the right carrier turns up. Non-running vehicle shipments are common — rebuilds, project cars, auction purchases, and insurance salvage vehicles all ship this way.