Shipping an inoperable car brings added complexity to the auto transport process. Whether your car has mechanical issues, is an auction purchase, or was involved in an accident, moving a vehicle that doesn’t run requires special equipment, planning, and, most importantly, the right transport company. At Simple Car Shipping, we specialize in handling these challenging jobs, leveraging our years of experience and industry knowledge to ensure your car gets from point A to point B safely and efficiently. In this blog, we’ll break down what’s involved in shipping inoperable vehicles and how to prepare.
What Makes a Car Inoperable? An inoperable vehicle is one that can’t start, move under its own power, or has significant damage that prevents it from rolling, steering, or braking. Whether it’s a dead battery or major structural damage, inoperable cars require additional equipment like winches or forklifts to load and unload. This is where experience matters—Simple Car Shipping understands the logistics and can handle these jobs smoothly without unexpected hiccups.
The Role of Specialized Equipment: Transporting inoperable vehicles requires specialized tools. In many cases, a winch is used to pull the car onto the transport truck. But if your car’s wheels don’t roll, or if it’s heavily damaged, a forklift or wrecker may be needed to lift or tow the vehicle. This adds complexity and cost, but at Simple Car Shipping, we make sure everything is coordinated in advance, minimizing delays and surprises. If a forklift is required at both the pickup and delivery points, we’ll arrange the proper resources.
Trailer Limitations and Higher Costs: It’s important to note that not all trailers can handle inoperable vehicles, especially those that require forklifts or wreckers to load. Standard auto carriers aren’t designed for such loads, which limits your options and can drive up the price per mile. At Simple Car Shipping, we have access to specialized carriers that can handle these challenges, and we work hard to find you the best transport solution within your budget. While shipping inoperable vehicles can be more costly, we use our knowledge of the industry to secure fair pricing and reliable service.
Another potential cost arises if the vehicle can’t be moved during transit. If your car is blocking other vehicles on the trailer, this can delay the driver and add to your overall shipping costs. We make sure you’re informed about all these possibilities so there are no surprises down the line.
Special Considerations for Auction or Salvage Cars: Inoperable cars purchased from auctions like Copart, IAAI, or salvage yards come with their own set of challenges. Sometimes, these vehicles don’t come with keys, which complicates loading and unloading. Many auctions have forklifts on-site to load vehicles without keys, but you’ll also need a forklift or other equipment available at the delivery location to unload the vehicle.
At Simple Car Shipping, we’ve handled countless auction pickups and know the ins and outs of navigating these situations. From coordinating with auction yards to ensuring all documentation is in place (like gate passes, buyer numbers, and lot numbers), we take care of the details so you don’t have to worry.
Preparing Your Inoperable Car for Transport: Even though your car doesn’t run, there are still steps you can take to help the process go smoothly:
Ensure easy access to the vehicle: Whether it’s parked in a driveway or a salvage yard, make sure it’s easily accessible for loading.
Provide accurate information: Be upfront about the vehicle’s condition. If the wheels don’t roll or the car is missing keys, we’ll make sure the proper equipment is arranged. People think they can get a better price by leaving out details, but sending a carrier to pickup a vehicle, without the proper equipment can lead to higher costs and lost time.
Clear out personal belongings: As with any vehicle transport, it’s important to remove all personal items to avoid damage or issues during transit.
At Simple Car Shipping, we’ll guide you through the entire process, making sure you understand what to expect every step of the way.
Timing and Scheduling Considerations: Shipping an inoperable car can take a little longer to coordinate since not all carriers are equipped for such jobs. Simple Car Shipping works diligently to secure a transporter that can handle your vehicle’s unique needs without unnecessary delays. Booking early and being flexible with your timeline will help ensure a smoother process, and our team is here to manage the logistics for you.
Why Choose Simple Car Shipping?
Transporting inoperable vehicles is a job best left to professionals with experience and industry knowledge. At Simple Car Shipping, we’ve spent years perfecting our processes and working with a wide range of carriers, so we know how to handle complex shipments like inoperable cars. Our expertise means we can quickly assess the needs of your vehicle, find the right transporter, and ensure all the equipment and details are arranged well in advance. This way, you can avoid surprises, delays, and unnecessary costs.
We pride ourselves on clear communication and personalized service—something you won’t always get with bigger brokers. Whether it’s a non-runner from an auction or a heavily damaged vehicle, we make sure your car is handled with care and professionalism.
Shipping an inoperable car might seem daunting, but with the right preparation and the expertise of Simple Car Shipping, it can be done efficiently and without stress. From understanding the extra costs to arranging the right equipment, we handle everything so you can focus on what matters. Reach out today to get a quote and let us make your inoperable car transport a hassle-free experience.
References:
Understanding Different Types of Car Carriers:
- Reference: National Auto Transport Association
Auto Auction FAQs and Information about Salvage Vehicles:
- Reference: Copart Auction FAQs
Transporting Non-Running or Damaged Vehicles:
- Reference: FMCSA Guide to Auto Transport
Impact of Auction Purchases on Auto Transport:
- Reference: Manheim Auto Auctions
Vehicle Forklift and Wrecker Services for Inoperable Cars:
- Reference: Heavy Equipment Guide
Author: Drew Levine owner of Simple Car Shipping LLC