How to Ship a Non-Runner Car? What You Need To Know

Rochdi Rais Rochdi Rais · Updated January 17, 2024

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To ship a non-runner car, you’ll need more effort and planning than shipping a running one. It’s essential to prepare your vehicle so that it’s safe to move and won’t sustain damage during transit. Additionally, you’ll need to choose a reputable transporter with experience handling non-functioning vehicles. In this guide, we’ll give you a step-by-step process to ship a non-runner car successfully.

1. Choose the Right Transporter

The first step to shipping a non-running car is finding a reliable transporter. Not all carriers have the necessary equipment, expertise, or experience to handle a non-runner vehicle, so choosing someone who can do the job well is crucial. Search for transporters that specialize in moving inoperable cars; they’ll have the proper tools and experience to handle the task.

Furthermore, read reviews from past customers to see if they have successfully transported non-running cars or received negative feedback. Contacting the transporter to get information on their experience in transporting non-running cars can also be helpful. Once you find a transporter, make sure to verify their insurance and license, particularly if you are moving to a different state or country.

2. Provide Accurate and Detailed Information About Your Vehicle

When looking for a transporter, you need to provide accurate and detailed information about your non-running car. This includes the year, make, model of the vehicle, its condition, and any modifications it may have that will affect its transport. Additionally, provide the transporter with the pick-up and drop-off locations so they can get the proper equipment and staff to move the car. Lack of detailed information could lead to logistical problems that could result in higher costs, delays or damage to your vehicle.

3. Prepare Your Car for Shipping

Preparing your non-running car is critical in ensuring its safety during transit. Here are the steps you need to follow:

i. Remove any personal items from the car. Car transporters aren’t licensed to move household goods, and any items left in the car could shift during transit and damage the vehicle.

ii. Check the battery and ensure it’s secure. If the battery is not cleared, it could become dislodged and cause issues during transport. If the battery is unsecured, the transporter may not be able to move the vehicle.

iii. Check the brakes and make sure they’re working correctly. Non-running vehicles can still have functional brakes, so it’s important to ensure they hold the wheels in place.

iv. Secure loose parts like mirrors, bumpers, and antennas. Bolt them down, so they don’t become dislodged during transit.

v. Fill up the tires. Deflated or flat tires could cause the car to scrape against the ground during transport.

Following these steps will ensure your vehicle is secure and won’t sustain damage during transport.

4. Get the Right Trailer for Your Car

The transporter will provide the right trailer to match your vehicle. Typically, they’ll use either a flatbed or enclosed carrier depending on the condition of the vehicle. Enclosed trailers offer greater protection but are more expensive than flatbed trailers.

5. Get Ready for Pick-up and Drop-off

Ensure you’re available for pick-up and drop-off. If you can’t be there, designate someone trustworthy to receive the car and examine it to ensure there aren’t any damages from transport. The representative receiving the car should sign a bill of lading, which acknowledges that the vehicle is delivered in the same condition as it was when picked up for transport.

The Cost of Shipping a Non-Runner Car

Shipping a non-running car can be more expensive than transporting a functional vehicle. This is due to the specialized equipment and expertise required for loading and unloading the car. Here are some factors that may affect the cost of shipping a non-runner car:

  1. Distance: The farther the distance between the pick-up and drop-off locations, the higher the cost.
  2. Vehicle Size and Weight: Larger and heavier vehicles may require more resources to transport and could result in higher shipping costs.
  3. Type of Trailer: Enclosed trailers offer greater protection but come with higher costs compared to open trailers.
  4. Location: If the pick-up or drop-off location is in a remote area, the transporter may charge extra for the additional time and effort required.
  5. Time of Year: Shipping rates may vary depending on the season, with peak times like summer and holidays often resulting in higher costs.

Ensuring the Safety of Your Non-runner Car During Transit

Ensuring the safety of your non-running car during transit is crucial. Here are some tips to help protect your vehicle during shipping:

  1. Choose a Reputable Transporter: Select a transporter with a solid reputation and experience in handling non-running cars. They will have the necessary equipment and expertise to transport your car safely.
  2. Communicate with Your Transporter: Maintain open communication with your transporter, providing all the necessary information about your car and discussing any concerns or questions you may have.
  3. Inspect Your Car Before and After Shipping: Document your car’s condition before shipping by taking detailed photographs and notes. Inspect your car after receiving it from the car delivery service, and look for any signs of damage that may have occurred during transit.
  4. Verify Insurance Coverage: Ensure that your transporter has the appropriate insurance coverage in place to protect your non-running car in case of damage or accidents during shipping.

FAQS: Ship a Non-runner Car

What Type of Transporter Should I Choose for Shipping a Non-runner Car?

Look for a transporter with experience and expertise in moving non-running vehicles, as they will have the necessary equipment and knowledge to handle the task.

What Information Should I Provide the Transporter About My Non-running Car?

Give the transporter accurate and detailed information about the vehicle, including its make, model, year, condition, and any modifications and the pick-up and drop-off locations.

How Do I Prepare a Non-running Car for Shipping?

Remove personal items, secure the battery, check the brakes, secure any loose parts, and fill up the tires.

What Type of Trailer Should I Use to Transport My Non-running Car?

Depending on the vehicle’s condition, the transporter will likely use either a flatbed or an enclosed carrier. Enclosed carriers offer more protection but are more expensive.

Bottom Line: Ship a Non-runner Car

Transporting a non-running car is not a simple process. You need to find a reliable transporter with experience handling such vehicles, prepare the car, provide accurate information, and ensure you’re available during pick-up and drop-off. Following these tips ensures your non-running car arrives at its destination safely and without hiccups.

If you’re looking for a reliable transporter to ship your non-functioning car, CitizenShipper can help. We connect individuals and businesses with a wide range of experienced transporters who can handle all types of vehicles, including non-running ones. Contact us today to get started.