Moving your car across the country can be stressful even when it is in good running condition so this means it can be a lot more concerning to have to transport a non-running car. Thankfully, the process of moving a car that is not running is not far from moving one in working condition.
The key to moving a non-running car is knowing what to ask when you are picking a carrier. Also, it’s important to prepare the car for pickup. The process is slightly different than the process that you need to undertake to move a vehicle that does drive.
If you are ready to learn more about the process of auto transport of a non-running car, you need to keep reading!
How Are Non-Running Cars Transported?
This is often the biggest question people have. Because their car can’t drive directly to the trailer like a fully functional car. There are some important differences in the way these cars are transported. You may also need to make some adjustments related to body panels and doors that may not function altogether or may not be level with the car body.
Non-running cars will be hauled on a trailer that has a winch for hauling the car onto the trailer. This is an essential part of the process of finding the right shipping company for your non-running car’s transport. This can therefore mean that the trailer or truck used to ship your car may only hold your vehicle. This can add to your costs, but it is due to the nature of the job.
If your vehicle can roll on its tires, you might be able to transport it with a lighter trailer. If your car can easily be rolled onto a trailer, you could share a trailer with other vehicles. Shipping companies don’t always allow this but ask if your non-driving car has a place in regular car shipping. In some cases, your car might be positioned where it won’t be disturbed during the trip.
Non-Running Car Transport
No matter what kind of trailer you have secured for your non-running car’s transport, it will need to be secured with additional straps and connectors that are not necessary for other vehicles that are in running condition. Not every car trailer is up to this task, so you need to be clear about the nature of the condition of the car’s body and parts before you secure someone to transport your car. If the shipping company that you have secured does not have the additional straps and protective solutions in place to maintain highway safety, your car will not be able to leave with the company.
Asking the right questions and telling the shipping company the condition of your car before they come to pick it up is important to successfully get your car onto a trailer and head to your new home. Make sure you mention things like doors that do not close and a hood that is not attached. Also, mention other items that might need to be secured in special ways during the trip.
What About Transporting a Car That Does Not Steer or Roll?
If your car does not steer or roll, try securing a loading vehicle at both ends of the trip. The shipping company that you select to work with will need to advise you about this process. Also, they might have a preferred company that will make the service a very easy one.
In this condition, a forklift or tow truck will be used to get your car lifted onto the trailer. A drop flatbed is also needed to move the car on and off the trailer with ease. There are more moving parts to consider with this kind of shipping job and it is often easier to just get your car back into rolling condition before you move or transport it.
Having Room For Non-Running Cars
Cars that are not able to move at all without being hoisted onto a trailer can be quite expensive to move. Therefore, it might be hard if you do not have adequate room around your home for both of these large vehicles to get access to the car. Inquire about the space the car trailer and pickup vehicle needs before you accept a contract with a shipping company. You will likely still have to pay a portion of your fee for the trip even if your car cannot be picked up by the shipping company and transported.
There are not too many instances where you will need to move a car that is in this condition, but if this is the situation that you find yourself in, you will need to be transparent with all the parties involved in moving your car. The less confusion on the day of pick up, the better.
How Much More Does Transport A Non-Running Car Cost?
The answer to this can be variable depending on your area, the season that you are contracting during, and the condition of your vehicle. Some companies specialize only in this kind of car transport, which means that they are more likely to be affordable overall than companies that would be doing something outside of their normal services.
You might only have to pay $50 or $200 more than the typical shipping costs for this kind of job. Furthermore, you may have to pay hundreds more for a tow truck or forklift on both ends of the trip. The condition of your car has a lot to do with the cost of the job. Therefore, you might be charged additional fees after the job is completed. This is based on what the shipping company didn’t know they’ll need to successfully transport your vehicle.
Be prepared to pay extra for the products used to secure your car to the trailer or to help keep doors shut and body panels safely attached for interstate travel. If you have a car that is not fully assembled that you are attempting to ship, you should expect some added costs related to securing the car to the trailer properly to prevent issues with safety during the trip.
What Are Some Things That Could Prevent Transporting a Non-Running Car?
There are some issues with a non-running car that might prevent the car from being transported by any company. These items relate to safety on the road and around your car while it is being transported. You should not expect to be able to get around these issues no matter which company you speak with and you will want to take care of these problems before you contract to have your car moved by a shipping company.
· Not Having Keys Can Prevent Transporting a Non-Running Car
This is a major issue because the car needs to be able to have the steering unlocked and it needs to be placed in gear. Most shipping companies will not pick up a car that has no keys and they will not want to be responsible for a vehicle that they cannot trust to stay put on the trailer or be easy to move around as needed.
· Non-Running Cars That Cannot Be Easily Accessed.
As mentioned before, you cannot expect the shipping company and the tow truck or forklift to be able to get to your car if your street is small, or if the car is buried in a garage or some other kind of inaccessible location. Cars that cannot be easily accessed will be refused to pick up until they are located in a place where they can be picked up readily.
· Non-Running Cars That are Leaking Cannot Be Transported.
Any car that is leaking fluids or fuel cannot be transported to another location by a shipping company. There are various rules and regulations about this per highway safety laws, and the shipping company will not want to be blamed for car accidents, fires, or other risks that can result from transporting a car that is leaking fuel or fluids while it is being moved. You will need to drain all tanks that could leak fluids before your car is picked up. If your car does not have any leaks, then don’t worry about this consideration.
· Non-Running Cars With Lots of Loose Parts Will Almost Always be Refused to Transport
Cars that are in many pieces will almost always be refused transport. Not all parts of the car can always be securely attached to the car trailer. Also, be aware of the condition of the body panels that are not fully attached to the car. Shipping companies must ensure that your car is securely fastened to the trailer in accordance with highway safety regulations. Also, you may not be allowed to ship a car that is unsafe on the highway as loose parts may fall off.
· Personal Possessions in the Non-Running Car Can Increase The Risk of Not Being Transported.
Non-running cars that have personal possessions have an increased risk of theft, damage, or loss of these items. Most shipping companies will not allow these items to be moved with the car. Therefore, if they cannot be taken out of the car at the time of loading it on the trailer, the car will be left off the trailer. You need to make sure that the trunk is empty before the car is moved. This is particularly true of cars that do not have locking trunks.
Can my Non-Running Car be Picked Up Somewhere Else?
Many car shipping companies can pick up your car and deliver it to you or a repair shop even if it is at an auction or somewhere else. Most auction cars are not in running condition, so shipping companies are generally prepared to transport them safely to their new owners.
Private shipping companies are often much more affordable than using the shipping options that are offered by the auction house. Also, try shopping around the area of the auction to make sure you’re getting a good deal. Also, make sure it is easy for your car to be picked up by the company. In the case of a classic car, various considerations may be required for the auction car. Such as transportation with the enclosed trailer and safety considerations due to loose parts or unattached parts. Therefore, work with the auction yard to make sure sure the shipping company has picked up your car for shipping without problems.
Make sure to ask your shipper about any items that might get damaged when shipping in an open trailer. This is a common problem that can be expensive to repair on cars that have been dropped off for repair. In cases of rare or classic cars, it may be difficult to find the necessary parts.
Is Shipping From a Place Like Hawaii Possible for a Non-Running Car?
It is possible to bring a car into or out of Hawaii in a non-running condition. Nevertheless, it can be more complicated to get the documentation done and it can be much more expensive. You might want to sell your car before moving to or from Hawaii, but you can explore some options first. Contacting a wide array of shipping companies might be necessary to get this kind of job taken care of.
The season and the availability of the right container transport might make this a very hard process to arrange. Also, you might only have a small window of opportunity to move your vehicle yearly to and from Hawaii. You should also check on any considerations that need to be made for documentation. Also, check for entry to the mainland or islands before you agree to move your car in this way. Shipping across the ocean is always complicated and can be complex when your car does not run.
Shipping a Non-Running Car Can be Easier Than you Think
There are many companies that can help ship a non-running car. These companies are experienced in the logistics of shipping cars. They will be able to take care of everything from packing and shipping to receiving and unpacking the car. You need to research the right company for your unique needs. Also, be transparent about the condition of your vehicle before contracting with a transport company. If your car cannot be loaded on the trailer, you may still have to pay part of the trip price. Therefore, avoid such mishaps due to ambiguity about the condition of the car.
Preparation for shipping a non-running car can make a big difference in the overall experience. If you are prepared and done a lot of research, You will easily have the best car moving experience. Also, you’ll likely find that shipping costs are not much more expensive than shipping a running vehicle.
