Shipping a Non-Running Vehicle

What inoperable transport requires, what it costs extra and how to prepare a project car.

Inop means it cannot drive onto the trailer

A vehicle that will not start, will not steer, or will not brake is classified inoperable. It requires a carrier with a winch and often a liftgate, which is why the surcharge typically runs $150 to $350 above standard rates.

What the carrier needs from you

The car must roll, steer and brake for winch loading. If any of those three are compromised, say so upfront — a driver who arrives to find a seized car with locked wheels cannot load it and you will still owe a dry-run fee.

Preparing a project car

Secure loose panels, hoods and trunk lids. Bag and label removed parts and ship them separately or store them in the trunk only if the carrier agrees. Drain fuel to a minimum and cap any open lines. Photograph everything, since project cars often have damage that is hard to describe later.

Enclosed is often worth it here

Restorations, barn finds and partially disassembled cars are more vulnerable to weather and road spray than a running daily driver. If the shell is bare metal or in primer, enclosed transport protects your bodywork investment.