Non-Running Car Shipping 101: What to Know Before You Book (Costs, Requirements & Checklist 2025)

You just won that auction bid on a project car or bought your dream classic online, but there’s one problem: it doesn’t run. Can you even ship it? And more importantly, how much is this going to cost you?

Yes, you can absolutely ship a non-running car. But here’s the catch: “non-running” means different things to different carriers, and not understanding this distinction can cost you hundreds of dollars in unexpected fees—or worse, a carrier showing up unprepared and refusing to load your vehicle.

The difference between a $150 surcharge and a $500 nightmare often comes down to three words: Roll, Brake, Steer.

Let’s break down everything you need to know about shipping a non-operational vehicle so you can avoid costly surprises and get your car delivered safely.

Understanding “Inoperable” – The Roll, Brake, Steer Factor

When carriers ask if your vehicle is “operable,” they’re not just asking whether the engine starts. They’re assessing whether your car can be safely loaded onto their trailer without specialized equipment.

The industry uses what’s called the RBS test: Can your vehicle Roll, Brake, and Steer?

This seemingly simple question determines everything—your cost, carrier availability, equipment requirements, and whether your pickup happens smoothly or turns into a logistical disaster.

The Three Tiers of Non-Running Vehicles

Completely Immobile (Tier 3)

• Condition: Cannot be moved at all without lifting
• Examples: Missing wheels, frame damage, completely seized drivetrain, sitting on rims
• Equipment Needed: Forklift or rollback truck
• Cost Impact: +$300-$600+
• Carrier Availability: Limited (few carriers have this equipment)

Why This Matters: If you tell a carrier “it doesn’t run” but don’t specify that it has flat tires and a seized steering column, they’ll show up with only a winch and refuse the load. You’ll then face storage fees piling up while you scramble to find a properly equipped carrier.

How Much Does Non-Running Car Shipping Cost?

Based on current 2025 industry data, here’s what you can expect:

Additional costs to consider:

• Forklift charges: $150/hour when needed for loading/unloading
• Auction storage fees: $10-$50/day (varies by location and auction)
• Remote pickup surcharge: +$50-$150 for difficult access locations
• Enclosed transport premium: Additional 40-60% over open transport

Hidden Fees That Catch People Off Guard

Auction Storage Fees: This is where things get expensive fast. Major auction houses like Copart, IAA, and Manheim typically offer a grace period (often 48-72 hours), after which they charge daily storage fees ranging from $10-$50 per day depending on location. Daily charges at wholesale car auctions range from $10 to $50, with grace periods from zero to 30 days.

If your carrier isn’t properly equipped and cancels on pickup day, you could rack up $200-$600 in storage fees while searching for another transporter.

Equipment Mismatch Fees: Some carriers will quote one price, then add surcharges when they discover the vehicle’s actual condition. Always disclose the complete condition upfront.

Equipment Requirements: What Your Carrier Needs

Understanding what equipment is required for your specific vehicle prevents pickup day disasters.

Forklift/Rollback

• Purpose: Lifts completely immobile vehicles
• Requirements: Access for heavy equipment at pickup and delivery
• Availability: Limited; significantly higher cost
• Best for: Missing wheels, severe frame damage, completely seized vehicles

Pro Tip: When booking, confirm in writing that the assigned carrier has the specific equipment your vehicle needs. “Winch-capable” is not the same as “forklift-capable.”

Common Mistakes That Cost Money

Mistake #1: Not Being Specific About Condition

Saying “it doesn’t run” is too vague. Carriers need to know:

• Will it roll freely?
• Do the wheels turn/steer?
• Are all tires inflated?
• Do the brakes work?
• Are there any missing parts that affect mobility?

Mistake #2: The Dead Battery Assumption

If your vehicle truly just has a dead battery and is otherwise drivable, buying a $50 battery can save you $150-$200 in non-operational surcharges. Sometimes it is as simple as changing or charging a dead battery. Some carriers even have jump boxes and won’t charge extra if it’s just a battery issue, but only if you ask.

Mistake #3: Not Inflating Tires

Flat tires immediately bump you from Tier 1 to Tier 2, adding $100-$150 to your cost. If you can inflate the tires (even temporarily with a portable air compressor from any gas station or auto parts store), do it before pickup.

Pro tip: If you’re picking up from an auction, many yards have air compressors on-site, ask the staff if you can air up the tires before the carrier arrives. This five-minute task can save you significant money and prevent pickup complications.

Mistake #4: Booking the Wrong Carrier

Not all auto transport companies handle non-running vehicles. Some flat-out refuse them. Others accept the booking but don’t verify their carrier’s equipment, leading to failed pickups.

When evaluating carriers, ask specific questions: 

• Do you have your own fleet or broker to independent carriers? 
• What equipment does the specific carrier assigned to my vehicle have? 
• Can you confirm in writing that they’re equipped for my vehicle’s condition? 
• Have you successfully transported vehicles from [specific auction] before?

Mistake #5: Auction Timing Disasters

Booking transport before winning the auction can save you from storage fees. Many buyers wait until after they win, then scramble to find transport during the 48-hour grace period, often settling for overpriced last-minute options or watching storage fees accumulate.

Preparation Checklist: Before You Book

When Getting Quotes:

• Specify exact vehicle condition using the Tier system
• Mention if auction pickup (include grace period deadline)
• Ask which specific equipment the carrier will have
• Confirm whether quote includes all fees (no surprise charges)
• Get written confirmation of equipment capabilities
• Verify insurance coverage for inoperable vehicles

When to Fix It vs. Ship It As-Is

Sometimes a small repair before shipping saves you money. Here’s when to consider fixing first:

Ship As-Is:

• Major mechanical repairs: $500+ engine work isn’t worth avoiding a $150 surcharge
• Missing wheels: Buying four wheels/tires ($400+) vs. $300 forklift fee
• Frame damage: Structural issues require professional assessment at destination
• Seized engines: Repair after delivery when you have proper facilities

ROI Decision Framework: If the repair costs less than the surcharge difference between tiers AND you have easy access to fix it, do the repair. Otherwise, ship as-is and handle repairs at the destination.

Auction-Specific Considerations

If you’re shipping from Copart, IAA, Manheim, or other auctions, time is critical.

48-Hour Rule: Most auctions give you 48-72 hours before storage fees start. Storage fees at auction facilities can quickly become a costly headache, with vehicle owners incurring unnecessary charges ranging from $200 to $600 due to delayed transportation arrangements.

Auction Best Practices:

1. Pre-book transport: Contact carriers before bidding to confirm they can pick up within the grace period
2. Communicate condition: Auction photos may not show everything; visit in person if possible
3. Verify carrier equipment: Confirm the assigned driver has proper equipment for your specific vehicle
4. Track grace period: Know exactly when storage fees begin
5. Have backup plan: Keep contact info for 2-3 carriers in case primary falls through

Choosing the Right Car Shipping Company

Not all auto transport companies are equipped to handle non-running vehicles effectively. Look for:

Red Flags to Avoid:

• Companies that don’t ask specific questions about vehicle condition
• Quotes significantly lower than competitors (often lead to cancellations)
• Vague answers about equipment availability
• No written confirmation of non-op capabilities
• Poor reviews mentioning surprise fees or failed pickups

Direct Connect’s Non-Running Vehicle Expertise

With over 20 years coordinating auction and non-operational vehicle shipments, Direct Connect understands that “inoperable” isn’t one-size-fits-all. We maintain relationships with specialized carriers equipped for all three tiers—winch, wheel skates, and forklift-capable.

Our Process:

1. Detailed condition assessment: We ask the right questions to determine exact tier and equipment needs
2. Equipment matching: Assigned carrier is verified to have proper equipment before dispatch
3. Auction coordination: Experienced with 48-hour pickup windows to avoid storage fees
4. Transparent pricing: Your quote includes the accurate non-operational surcharge upfront—no surprises on pickup day
5. Project car specialization: From restoration projects to salvage vehicles, we’ve shipped thousands of non-runners nationwide

The Bottom Line

Shipping a non-running car doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive—if you understand how carriers classify vehicle conditions and prepare accordingly. The RBS (Roll, Brake, Steer) test determines your tier, your tier determines your equipment needs, and your equipment needs determine your cost.

Key Takeaways: 

• Be brutally honest about your vehicle’s exact condition when getting quotes 
• Understand which tier your vehicle falls into (1, 2, or 3) 
• Verify carrier equipment capabilities in writing before booking 
• For auction pickups, book early to avoid storage fees 
• Sometimes a small fix (like a battery) saves significant money 
• Choose experienced carriers with proven non-op transport track records

Whether you’re transporting a project car from an auction, a restoration classic, or a vehicle that broke down mid-journey, proper planning and the right transport partner make all the difference between a smooth delivery and a costly headache.

Ready to ship your non-running vehicle? Contact Direct Connect for a transparent quote based on your vehicle’s exact condition—with no surprise fees and equipment verified before pickup.