Shipping a non-running vehicle is more common than you might think. Whether it is a project car, a recent auction purchase, or a vehicle that broke down far from home, State Wide Auto Transport (SWA) handles inoperable vehicles regularly.
What Counts as Non-Running?
A vehicle is considered non-running if it cannot:
- • Start on its own
- • Drive under its own power
- • Brake properly
- • Steer (power steering failure counts)
Even if only one of these applies, the vehicle is classified as non-running for transport purposes.
How Non-Running Vehicles Are Loaded
Since the driver cannot drive the vehicle onto the trailer, special equipment is needed:
- • Winch: Most common method. A cable winch pulls the vehicle up the ramp onto the trailer. The vehicle must have working wheels and steering.
- • Forklift: Used when the vehicle cannot roll at all (no wheels, severe frame damage). More expensive but handles any situation.
- • Flatbed truck: For severely damaged vehicles, a flatbed tow truck may be used instead of a multi-car carrier.
Additional Cost
Non-running vehicles typically cost $100 - $250 more than a running vehicle on the same route. The surcharge covers:
- • Extra time for loading (winch loading takes 15-30 minutes vs 5 minutes for a running vehicle)
- • Specialized equipment use
- • Additional labor and risk
What to Tell Us When Booking
Be specific about your vehicle's condition: 1. Does it start? Does it run? 2. Does it steer? Do the brakes work? 3. Are all four wheels present and do they roll? 4. Is there any frame or body damage that affects clearance? 5. Where exactly is the vehicle located (driveway, garage, parking lot, auction yard)?
This information helps us match the right carrier with the right equipment.
Common Scenarios
- • Auction purchases (Copart/IAAI): Many auction vehicles are non-running. We handle this daily.
- • Project cars: Buying a classic car in another state to restore? We ship it to your shop.
- • Breakdown recovery: Your car broke down 1,000 miles from home? We ship it back.
- • Trade-ins: Dealership trading a non-running vehicle with another dealer.
Tips
- • Be honest about the vehicle condition. If a carrier arrives expecting a running vehicle and finds a non-runner, it causes delays and potential re-quoting.
- • Ensure the vehicle is accessible. The carrier needs to get a trailer close enough to load it.
- • Remove personal items even from non-running vehicles.
Call State Wide Auto Transport at (855) 469-8090 to get a quote for shipping your non-running vehicle.