What are the requirements for shipping a non-running vehicle?

The most critical requirement for shipping a non-running vehicle is complete transparency about its exact condition, as this dictates the specialized equipment and carrier needed for safe transport.

Here are the specific requirements you must meet:

1. Disclose the Vehicle’s Condition

You must be perfectly clear with the shipping company about what the vehicle can and cannot do. This is the single most important factor that affects the price, equipment, and carrier selection.

Function	Requirement	Equipment Needed if Inoperable
Rolling	The car must be able to roll on all four wheels.	Winch (if it can roll but won’t start). Forklift/Flatbed (if wheels are seized, damaged, or missing).
Steering	The steering column must be unlocked (keys are usually required to unlock it).	Wheel Dollies or specialized heavy equipment if steering is completely locked or broken.
Braking	The car must have some braking function to be secured on the carrier.	Not movable by many standard carriers; will require specialized flatbed or rollback tow truck service.

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If the vehicle cannot roll, steer, or brake, it is considered a salvage or forklift-only load, which severely limits your carrier options and significantly increases the cost.

2. Vehicle Preparation Checklist

To prevent delays and ensure a smooth transport, the car must be prepared:

Remove Personal Items: All personal belongings must be removed from the interior and trunk. The carrier’s insurance does not cover lost or damaged personal items, and federal law prohibits carriers from transporting household goods.
Secure Loose Parts: Secure or remove any loose parts like spoilers, bumpers, or trim that could detach during transport.
Address Fluid Leaks: The vehicle must not have major fluid leaks (oil, fuel, coolant). Carriers may refuse to load a vehicle with an active leak due to environmental regulations and the risk of damage to other cars on the trailer.
Inflate Tires: Ensure the tires are inflated. If they are completely flat or shredded, inform the carrier so they can bring wheel skates or dollies.
Provide Keys: Even if the car doesn’t run, the keys are required to unlock the steering column and to shift the transmission into neutral for loading and unloading.

3. Shipping and Access Requirements

The transport of an inoperable vehicle requires specialized logistics:

Carrier Equipment: You must select a company that specifically handles non-running vehicles and has the necessary equipment:
- Winch: Required to pull the car onto the open or enclosed trailer.
- Liftgate: Used by some enclosed carriers for a gentler, flat-level load.
Accessibility: The pickup and delivery locations must be easily accessible for a large auto transport truck (up to 75 feet long). If the vehicle is in a backyard, tight driveway, or low-clearance garage, you will need to arrange for a tow to a safe, open staging area.

4. Required Documentation

For domestic shipments (within the US), the required paperwork is typically minimal, but includes:

Bill of Lading (BOL): This document, provided by the carrier at pickup, serves as a contract, receipt, and a vehicle condition report. You and the driver must sign it to document existing damage.
Proof of Ownership: While not always required for a standard shipment, it’s wise to have your Title or Registration on hand, especially for heavily damaged or salvage vehicles.
Photo ID: A valid photo ID will be needed for the person releasing or receiving the vehicle.

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