Non-Running Vehicle Shipping
Overview
What Is Non-Running Vehicle Shipping?
Specialized transport for inoperable, salvage, and project vehicles that can't be driven onto a standard carrier.
A non-running vehicle is any car, truck, or SUV that cannot be driven under its own power — whether due to engine failure, accident damage, a dead battery, missing wheels, or salvage title status. Standard auto transport carriers require vehicles to drive on and off the trailer. Non-running vehicles need specialized equipment and loading methods.
Navi works with a vetted network of carriers equipped with winches, hydraulic liftgates, and forklift-capable flatbeds specifically for inoperable vehicle transport. The process is the same door-to-door service as a running vehicle — the only difference is the equipment used to load and unload.
Comparison
Running vs Non-Running Transport
| Running Vehicle | Non-Running Vehicle | |
|---|---|---|
| Loading method | Drives on under own power | Winch (rolls/steers) or forklift (cannot roll) |
| Carrier type | Standard open or enclosed | Winch-equipped or flatbed |
| Cost vs standard | Base rate | +$200 handling fee |
| Pickup window | 1–3 days avg | 2–5 days avg |
| Insurance coverage | Full cargo coverage | Full cargo coverage |
Best For
Who Needs Non-Running Vehicle Shipping?
Any vehicle that can't drive onto a standard carrier
Project & Restoration Cars
Classic and vintage vehicles mid-restoration that can't be started or driven. We ship them safely without adding a mile or a scratch.
Accident-Damaged Vehicles
Vehicles that were in a collision and are no longer driveable. Whether heading to a repair shop or auction, we handle pickup and delivery.
Salvage & Auction Vehicles
Copart, IAAI, and other auction purchases often arrive non-running. We specialize in auction vehicle pickup and transport to your location.
Dead Battery or Engine Failure
Dead battery, engine failure, or mechanical breakdown — if it won't run, we'll still move it anywhere in the US.
The Process
How Non-Running Vehicle Shipping Works
Same 4-step process as standard shipping — different equipment
Get Your Quote
Enter pickup and delivery ZIP codes, vehicle details, and select "Non-Running" for vehicle condition. Instant price in 60 seconds.
Specialist Carrier Assigned
We match your vehicle to a carrier equipped with a winch, hydraulic liftgate, or flatbed based on your vehicle's condition — winch if it rolls and steers, forklift if it doesn't.
Pickup & Secure Loading
Driver documents condition with photos, loads using appropriate equipment, and secures the vehicle for transit. No damage to undercarriage or body.
Delivery & Inspection
Driver calls ahead, unloads with the same care as pickup, and you inspect together before signing the Bill of Lading.
Pricing
How Much Does Non-Running Vehicle Shipping Cost?
Standard shipping rate plus a $200 non-running surcharge for specialist equipment.
Get your exact price: Use our instant calculator →
Why It Matters
Why Ship Instead of Tow?
For long-distance moves, towing is expensive, risky, and hard on the vehicle
No Towing Damage
Long-distance towing puts stress on the drivetrain and suspension. Carrier transport keeps all four wheels off the ground the entire journey.
Cheaper Than Long-Distance Towing
A tow truck for 1,000+ miles costs significantly more than carrier transport. Shipping is the economical choice for any move over 100 miles.
Fully Insured
Every non-running shipment includes the carrier's cargo insurance. Condition is photographed at pickup and delivery on the Bill of Lading.
Door-to-Door Service
We pick up and deliver at your location — no need to get the vehicle to a terminal or loading dock. The carrier comes to you.
Ship your non-running vehicle with Navi
Specialist carriers · All 50 states covered · No upfront payment
(302) 278-4298 Get a Free QuoteFAQ
Non-Running Vehicle Shipping — Common Questions
Everything you need to know before you book
Can you ship a non-running car?
Yes. We work with a network of carriers specifically equipped for inoperable vehicle transport — including winch-equipped trailers, hydraulic liftgates, and flatbed carriers. As long as the vehicle has four wheels and isn't leaking hazardous fluids, we can ship it.
What qualifies as an inoperable vehicle?
An inoperable vehicle is one that cannot start at all and cannot move under its own power. This includes vehicles with dead batteries, engine failure, accident damage, or any condition that prevents the car from being driven. If your car starts but cannot be driven, contact us — it may still qualify depending on whether it rolls, brakes, and steers.
What equipment is used to load an inoperable vehicle?
It depends on the vehicle's condition. If the car rolls, brakes, and steers, a winch-equipped carrier is all that's needed — the winch pulls the vehicle onto the trailer without requiring it to move on its own. If the car cannot roll, brake, or steer, a forklift is required to physically lift it onto the trailer. Disclose the vehicle's exact condition at booking so we assign the right equipment from the start.
How much extra does it cost to ship a non-running vehicle?
Non-running vehicles typically cost $200 more than a standard shipment on the same route. This surcharge covers the specialist equipment and additional loading time required.
What are the most common reasons vehicles are inoperable at booking?
Accident damage and engine failure are the most common. We also regularly ship flood-damaged vehicles, project cars mid-restoration, and vehicles with transmission failures. As long as the vehicle meets the basic physical requirements, we can move it.
Are there vehicles too damaged to ship?
Yes. If the vehicle has no tires, or cannot brake, steer, or roll at all, we cannot ship it through our standard inoperable service. These vehicles require heavy machinery beyond what our carrier network handles. If you're unsure whether your vehicle qualifies, call us before booking and describe the condition in detail.
Can you ship a salvage or auction vehicle?
Yes. We regularly ship Copart, IAAI, and other auction purchases. Just provide the auction lot location as the pickup address and we'll coordinate directly with the yard for release and loading.
Is a non-running vehicle insured during transport?
Yes. All shipments include the carrier's cargo insurance regardless of vehicle condition. We document the vehicle's condition with photos on the Bill of Lading at both pickup and delivery.
How do I prepare a non-running vehicle for shipping?
Remove all personal items, keep fuel below one-quarter tank, disable alarms, and have keys available. Let us know in advance about flat tires, missing wheels, or fluid leaks so we assign the right equipment from the start.