Yes, you can ship a car that does not run. You tell the shipping company the car is inoperable when you request a quote, confirm whether it can roll, steer and brake, and a carrier with a winch (or other loading gear) picks it up. Expect to pay more than for a running car, often around $100–$300 extra, and to allow a little more time for scheduling.
Key takeaways
- Always say the car is inoperable when you book. Hiding it can lead to a missed pickup and extra fees.
- "Rolls, steers and brakes" is the key question. A car that does all three is far easier and cheaper to ship.
- Inoperable fees vary but often add roughly $100–$300 to the price, and more if a forklift is needed.
- Have the keys, title or proof of ownership, and a clear path to the car ready on pickup day.
- Photograph the car well before pickup. Non-running cars often have old damage that should be noted on the bill of lading.
What counts as an inoperable vehicle?
In car shipping, "inoperable" (often shortened to "inop") means the car cannot be driven onto the truck under its own power. That covers a lot of situations:
- A car with a dead engine or a blown transmission.
- A car with a dead battery that will not take a jump.
- Accident-damaged cars bought from insurance auctions.
- Project cars, barn finds and classic cars that have not run in years.
- Cars with missing keys or a locked steering column.
- Vehicles with flat or missing tires, or seized brakes.
Some of these are much harder to load than others. A car with a dead engine that still rolls freely is simple. A car with no wheels is not. That is why the carrier will ask detailed questions before pickup.
Step-by-step: how to ship a non-running car
Follow these steps in order. Most problems with inop shipments come from missing information early on.
- Figure out the car's condition. Can it roll? Can the steering wheel turn the front wheels? Do the brakes work? Are all tires inflated and on the car? Do you have the keys?
- Request a quote and mark it inoperable. Give the year, make, model and any changes, like a lift kit or missing parts.
- Describe the pickup site. Is it a driveway, a narrow alley, a storage yard, a body shop or an auction lot? Will a large truck fit?
- Book and confirm. With CTS there is a $0 deposit to book.
- Prepare the car. Use the checklist below.
- Arrange release. If the car is at an auction, shop or tow yard, pay any fees and get release paperwork ready.
- Pickup. The driver inspects the car with you, notes all damage on the bill of lading, and winches it on.
- Delivery. Plan how the car will come off the truck. The carrier winches it off, but someone must have a spot ready for it.
Our page on how car shipping works covers the general booking process if you are shipping for the first time.
How much does it cost to ship an inoperable car?
An inoperable car starts with the same base price as a running car on the same route. Then an inop fee is added for the extra time, labor and equipment. The fee is not fixed and depends on how hard the car is to load.
| Vehicle condition | Typical loading method | Relative extra cost |
|---|---|---|
| Runs but has a weak battery | Jump start, drive on | Usually none, if it starts |
| Rolls, steers and brakes, but will not start | Winch on a carrier with a winch | Often about $100–$300 |
| Rolls but does not steer or brake well | Winch plus extra hands or go-jacks | Higher, varies by situation |
| Does not roll (seized, missing wheels) | Forklift, flatbed or tow truck at both ends | Highest; quoted case by case |
These are general ranges, not a quote. For a base estimate on your route, try our car shipping cost calculator, then add the inop details when you book. If you get a lower written quote for the same service from another licensed company, our Best Price Guarantee means we will match or beat it.
Why inop shipping costs more
- Not every carrier has a winch, so fewer trucks can take the job.
- Loading takes longer, and the driver loses time on the rest of the route.
- A non-running car usually has to go on a specific spot on the trailer, often the top or rear, which limits how the load can be arranged.
- Some pickups need a separate forklift or tow, which costs extra.
How to prepare a non-running car for transport
Good prep speeds up pickup and protects you if there is a claim later.
Prep checklist
- Find the keys. Even a dead car often needs a key to unlock the steering and put it in neutral.
- Make sure it can go into neutral. If the shifter is stuck, tell us. Some cars have a shift-lock release button.
- Inflate all tires. Flat tires make winching hard and can damage the rims. If a tire will not hold air, mention it.
- Test the parking brake and foot brake. The driver needs to stop the car once it is on the trailer.
- Clear a path. Move other cars, junk and debris so the truck or winch line can reach the car.
- Remove loose parts. Take loose bumpers, trim, and parts sitting inside the cabin or trunk out of the car, or secure them well.
- Check for leaks. Fluid leaks can drip onto vehicles below. Tell the carrier about any you know of.
- Take photos. Shoot every side, the roof, the interior and the odometer, with the date shown.
- Remove personal items. Carriers cannot haul household goods, and personal items are not covered by cargo insurance.
Our full vehicle shipping checklist covers general prep for any car.
If you want details on winch types, forklifts, and what a pickup site needs to look like, read our guide to inoperable car transport equipment and access requirements.
Paperwork you will need
Inop cars often come from auctions, insurance companies, estates or storage, so paperwork can be more complicated than a normal move.
- Proof of ownership or authority to release. The title, a bill of sale, or the auction's release form.
- Gate pass or buyer number. Auctions and tow yards often require these before they release a car.
- Lot or stock number. This helps the driver find the car in a big yard.
- Contact at each end. Name of the person who will release the car and the person who will receive it.
Storage fees at auctions and tow lots can add up fast. Many lots start charging daily fees after a short free period. Check your auction's rules and book shipping early. Our dealer and auction car shipping page explains how to set up auction pickups.
Open or enclosed for an inop car?
Most non-running cars ship on open carriers. They are the most common trucks, and many have winches. This keeps the price as low as possible.
Enclosed transport makes sense for non-running classics, rare project cars, or exotic cars with mechanical problems. Many enclosed trailers have a liftgate or a low-angle ramp, which can be gentler on low cars. See our classic car shipping and enclosed car shipping pages for details.
How long does it take?
Transit time on the road is about the same as for a running car: roughly 1–3 days for trips under 500 miles and 7–10 days coast to coast. The difference is the wait for pickup. Because fewer carriers have winches, it can take a little longer to assign a truck, especially in rural areas.
A few tips to speed things up:
- Give a wide pickup window if you can.
- Pick a pickup spot that a large truck can reach easily.
- Have release paperwork ready before the driver arrives.
- Ask about expedited shipping if you are facing storage fees.
Common inop shipping scenarios
Buying a non-running car at auction
Book transport as soon as you win the bid. Send the auction's release form, the lot number and your buyer number. Ask the auction if they will load the car with their own forklift, which many large yards do.
Moving with a project car
If you are moving and taking an unfinished project along, ship it before the house is packed so the path to the garage is still clear. Bag and label loose parts and ship them with your household goods, not inside the car.
Inherited or estate cars
Cars that have sat for years often have flat tires, seized brakes or dead batteries. Have a local shop or a mobile mechanic inflate the tires and free up the brakes before pickup if possible. This can lower the cost and widen your choice of carriers.
Common mistakes with inoperable shipments
- Calling the car "running" to save money. If the driver shows up without a winch, the pickup fails. You may pay a dry-run fee and lose days.
- Not mentioning missing wheels or locked brakes. These change the equipment needed.
- Forgetting the keys. Without them, many cars cannot be steered or put in neutral.
- No plan for delivery. The carrier can winch the car off, but you need a place for it to sit. If it must go into a garage or shop bay, arrange help to push it in.
- Skipping photos. Older damage is common on inop cars. Clear photos and notes on the bill of lading protect everyone.
Every shipment comes with 24/7 in-transit updates and a 100% satisfaction or money-back promise, so you can follow your car the whole way.
Frequently asked questions
Can I ship a car with no engine or transmission?
Usually yes, as long as the car can roll on its wheels. A car with no engine is lighter, but it may sit differently on the trailer. Tell us exactly what is missing when you book.
Do I need to be there when an inop car is picked up?
Someone needs to release the car. It can be you, a friend, a shop, or an auction yard, as long as they have the keys and any release paperwork.
What if my car will not go into neutral?
Let us know before pickup. The car may need a shift-lock override, or it may need to be loaded with go-jacks or a forklift, which affects the price.
Is a non-running car covered by insurance during shipping?
Yes. The carrier's cargo insurance covers damage caused during transport. It does not cover mechanical problems the car already had, so note all existing damage at pickup.
What happens if I said the car runs, but it does not?
The driver may not be able to load it. You could face a dry-run fee and a new pickup date with a winch-equipped truck. It is always better to be upfront.
Have a car that will not start? Get a free quote and tell us its condition so we can send the right truck.
Updated November 4, 2026