Car shipping service
How Inoperable Car Shipping Works
- Estimates clearly labeled
- Independent company rankings
- Free to compare
Inoperable Car Shipping at a glance
- Cost per mile
- $0.70–$1.89 per mile
- Typical total
- $1,025 – $2,665
- Transit time
- 3–5 days
- Best for
- Non-running vehicles
Free · No obligation · About a minute
Get a inoperable car shipping quote
Ship your car with inoperable car shipping in 7 steps
From comparing estimates to signing for your car at delivery.
Describe the car's condition
Add your route and vehicle, and say whether the car starts, rolls, steers and brakes.
Your part: Be exact. Surprises at pickup can cancel the booking or raise the price.
Compare companies
Compare prices, reviews and whether each company confirms a winch-equipped truck.
Your part: Ask how the car will be loaded and unloaded.
Book and confirm terms
Get the price, including the inoperable surcharge, pickup window and cancellation terms in writing.
Your part: Arrange a forklift at both ends if the car can't roll.
Arrange release and access
For auction or salvage cars, the yard needs a release or gate pass before the driver can collect the car.
Your part: Send the release paperwork to the company before pickup.
Winch loading and inspection
The driver inspects the car, records existing damage on the Bill of Lading, then winches or lifts it aboard.
Your part: Photograph existing damage so it isn't confused with new damage.
In transit
The truck follows its route with other stops. Drivers can drive up to 11 hours a day under federal rules.
Your part: Confirm the delivery location can accept a non-running car.
Unloading and delivery
The car is winched or lifted off. Inspect it against the pickup report before signing.
Your part: Have a plan to move the car once it's unloaded.
Rules that protect you
Federal requirements every licensed company must follow.
Brokers must be bonded
Auto transport brokers need FMCSA broker authority and $75,000 in financial security, usually a BMC-84 surety bond or a BMC-85 trust fund.
Source: 49 CFR 387.307Carriers must carry liability insurance
Most for-hire interstate carriers must file at least $750,000 in liability coverage with the FMCSA. Cargo coverage for the cars on the truck is set by the carrier, so ask for the certificate.
Source: 49 CFR 387.9Drivers have daily driving limits
Truck drivers may drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty, which is why long routes are measured in days, not hours.
Source: FMCSA hours of service
Get ready for pickup
Cleaning, fuel level, personal items and the paperwork to have ready — the same for every service.
Ready to ship your car with inoperable car shipping?
Enter your route to compare estimated prices, pickup dates and transport companies.