Yes — we ship cars that don’t run. Non-running and inoperable vehicle transport typically costs $100–$650 more than shipping a running car, depending on whether the vehicle rolls and steers or needs full rigging. We run winch-equipped flatbeds, so a dead battery, blown engine, or accident-damaged car is a normal day’s work — not a problem load. Call (800) 216-6045 for a firm quote.
What Counts as “Inoperable”?
Condition determines equipment, and equipment determines price. We quote against four condition categories:
| Condition | What It Means | Equipment Needed | Typical Adder vs. Running |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-running, rolls & steers | Won’t start, but wheels roll and steering works | Flatbed + winch | +$100–$175 |
| Non-running, no brakes/steering | Partial control loss beyond the engine | Flatbed + heavy winch + wheel skates | +$175–$325 |
| Accident-damaged | Collision damage, frame issues, airbag deployment | Specialized flatbed, rigging | +$300–$650 |
| Severely damaged / totaled | Rollover, flood, fire, major structural loss | Heavy-duty equipment, custom rigging | +$500–$900+ |
Full route-by-route pricing tables are on our inoperable vehicle pricing guide.
How Non-Running Vehicle Transport Works
- Tell us the condition. Does it start? Roll? Steer? Do the brakes work? Where is it parked — driveway, impound lot, auction yard, repair shop? Accurate answers get you an accurate quote with no surprises at pickup.
- We bring the right equipment. Winch-equipped flatbed, wheel skates or rigging if needed. You don’t need to arrange anything on your end.
- Loading and transport. The vehicle is winched aboard, secured, and hauled door to door by our own driver — we’re a direct carrier (FMCSA MC-724477 / USDOT 2247479), not a broker posting your car to a load board.
- Delivery. We winch it off at the destination — repair shop, dealer, auction house, or your driveway.
Common Non-Running Shipments We Handle
- Dead or blown engine — the classic “it just won’t start” haul
- Accident and insurance-claim vehicles — from body shops, tow yards, or your home
- Auction purchases — Copart and IAAI vehicles sold as non-running; see auction vehicle transport
- Impound and storage-lot releases — we coordinate pickup with the facility
- Project cars and barn finds — vehicles that haven’t moved in years
- Flood, fire, and rollover vehicles — heavy rigging is available
What It Costs
Your total is our base route rate (distance, corridor, season) plus the condition adder above. As reference points from our own routes: a running sedan from New York to Florida runs $1,200–$1,700, and California to North Carolina starts at $1,145 — add $100–$650 for non-running condition. See the full cost-to-ship-a-car guide for how base rates are built, and the inoperable pricing tables for totals by route.
Before Pickup: A 2-Minute Checklist
- Confirm whether the wheels roll and the steering unlocks (a key that turns the ignition to “accessory” is usually enough).
- Remove personal items and any aftermarket electronics you want to keep.
- If the car is at an impound lot, auction, or shop, have the release/lot number and facility hours ready.
- Photograph the vehicle’s condition before pickup.
More detail in our guide: How to ship a non-running vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you ship a car that doesn’t start?
Yes. We run a company-owned fleet of 9 trucks with winch-equipped flatbeds, so non-starting vehicles are loaded routinely. If the wheels roll and the steering works, the adder is only $100–$175 over the running rate.
Does the car need wheels or brakes?
No — vehicles with seized wheels, no brakes, or no steering can still be moved using wheel skates and rigging. It costs more because loading takes specialized gear and time.
Do I need to be at pickup?
Not necessarily. For auction, impound, and shop pickups we coordinate directly with the facility — you just provide the release information.
Can you pick up from Copart or IAAI?
Yes, auction pickups are one of our most common non-running jobs. Have your lot number ready; details on our auction transport page.
How do I get a quote?
Call (800) 216-6045 or request a free quote online. Tell us the vehicle, the route, and the honest condition — we’ve been hauling non-runners nationwide since 2010.