Inoperable Vehicle Transport

Can I ship a vehicle that doesn’t run?

Yes, you can ship an inoperable vehicle or a car that doesn’t run. Beeline Auto Transport specializes in handling such situations, ensuring that your vehicle is safely transported despite its condition. For the safety of both the vehicle being transported and others on the road, it is essential that the vehicle can still roll, steer, and brake.

Transporting an inoperable vehicle requires special equipment and additional considerations to ensure a smooth and secure shipping process. By entrusting your transportation needs to experts like Beeline Auto Transport, you can rest assured that your vehicle will be handled with care and expertise, meeting all safety requirements along the way.

Before transporting an inoperable vehicle, it’s important to assess its condition, communicate any specific requirements to the transport company, and consider any legal regulations that may apply. By taking the necessary precautions and working with experienced professionals, you can safely transport your inoperable vehicle to its destination, whether it be for repairs, restoration, or storage.

Specialized equipment and expertise are often necessary when transporting inoperable vehicles to ensure they are handled with care and moved securely. Depending on the condition of the vehicle and the distance it needs to be transported, options such as flatbed towing, winching onto a trailer, or using a professional transport service may be considered.

To ensure the safe transportation of your car, it is crucial to inform the auto transport company about the car’s complete condition. Make sure to disclose all functioning and non-functioning parts of the vehicle.

Typically, a working vehicle is driven on and off the carrier for loading and unloading. If the vehicle doesn’t run, other methods can be considered. Specialized equipment such as a tow truck or winch may be used for loading and unloading a non-running vehicle.

Trucks require adequate space for loading and unloading your inoperable vehicle. Assistance is needed at both pickup and delivery points to move the vehicle to a safe and legal area. Alternatively, a smaller tow truck can assist in transferring the vehicle to and from our truck. If the vehicle cannot roll and steer, a forklift will be necessary.

Open auto transport: In this method, the car is loaded onto an open carrier using a winch. Various winch types, such as manual or hand-cranked, may be used. The vehicle is pulled onto the carrier by a chain attached to it. Keep in mind that since this carrier is open, the car won’t be shielded from natural road elements or weather conditions.

Enclosed auto transport: Opting for this approach means your car will be loaded onto an enclosed carrier, typically with a liftgate. These liftgates restrict movement during loading, making them ideal for low-clearance vehicles to prevent any damage. Unlike open auto transport, enclosed auto transport provides protection from various road elements and weather conditions.

Our transport specialists can help you determine which option is the right one for you. Get in touch with us today!

How much does inoperable vehicle transport cost?

Shipping inoperable vehicles is usually more expensive compared to operable vehicles for a few reasons. Firstly, transporting inoperable vehicles requires specialized equipment such as winches, forklifts, or flatbed trucks to safely load and unload the vehicle. This additional equipment incurs extra costs for the shipping company, which may be passed on to the customer. Secondly, inoperable vehicles often require specially trained drivers who are experienced in handling non-running vehicles to ensure they are transported securely without causing any damage during transit. The expertise of these drivers also contributes to the higher cost of shipping inoperable vehicles. Overall, the extra care and resources needed to transport inoperable vehicles safely and efficiently lead to the higher price tag associated with shipping them.

When it comes to inoperable vehicle shipping, the cost can also vary based on other factors. Every vehicle and route is unique, which is why consulting with a transport specialist is crucial to get an accurate estimate.

Type of vehicle	The shipping cost is influenced by the type of vehicle that you want to transport. Larger vehicles incur higher shipping costs because of their size and the fuel and labor needed. Due to their size, larger vehicles take up more space on transport trucks, leading to higher expenses.
Distance	The distance of the shipment is one of the main factors in calculating the cost of inoperable vehicle shipping. Longer distances typically result in higher costs because of the increased fuel and labor needed.
Type of carrier	The method of transport or type of carrier influences the overall cost. Open transport, where vehicles are shipped on open trailers with others, is more cost-effective. Enclosed transport, where vehicles are shipped in closed containers, is pricier but provides better protection.
Seasonal fluctuations	Seasonal variations greatly impact inoperable vehicle shipping costs. High demand during peak summer months can lead to price hikes. Conversely, lower demand in the off-season may result in reduced prices. However, adverse weather conditions such as heavy snow in winter can cause delays and increased expenses.
Fuel price	Fluctuations in fuel prices can directly impact the overall cost of transporting a vehicle. Higher fuel prices can result in increased shipping costs as carriers pass on these expenses to customers. On the other hand, lower fuel prices may lead to more competitive rates for inoperable vehicle shipping services.

The Cheapest Way To Ship an Inoperable Vehicle

So what is the best way to keep inoperable vehicle shipping cost to a minimum? If you keep a few things in mind, you can avoid unnecessary costs for transport.

Opt for open transport: The standard and most economical way to ship vehicles in the industry.

Plan ahead: Booking in advance helps avoid expedited or last-minute fees.

Keep your schedule flexible: A flexible schedule often leads to more budget-friendly quotes.

Consider low-season transportation: Shipping any vehicle is usually cheaper during winter compared to summer.

Choose major city locations for pickup and delivery: If you live in a rural area, arranging for vehicle pickup and drop-off near a major city can be more cost-effective.

Inquire about discounts: Active military members, seasonal travelers, or repeat clients may be eligible for discounts.