What Qualifies as Non-Running
Any vehicle that cannot be driven under its own power onto a carrier trailer. This includes: won't start (dead battery, engine failure), won't steer (locked steering, flat tires that prevent rolling), won't brake (no hydraulic pressure), or has drivetrain damage preventing wheel rotation. Even a car with a dead battery that could be jump-started is technically 'non-running' for carrier purposes if it can't reliably start on command.
Loading Equipment Required
Non-running vehicles require either a winch (cable pulls the vehicle onto the trailer — works if wheels roll freely) or a forklift (lifts the vehicle onto the trailer — required if wheels don't roll). Some carriers have integrated winches on their trailers. Others need a separate equipment arrangement. Not all carriers are equipped for non-running loads.
Cost Impact
Non-running vehicles typically cost 10–20% more than comparable running vehicles on the same route. The premium covers the specialized equipment, the additional loading time (winching takes longer than driving the vehicle on), and the risk premium — non-running vehicles have higher incidence of loading complications — review the damage claims process before shipping.
What to Disclose at Booking
Be specific about the vehicle's condition. 'Non-running' isn't enough. Does it roll? Does it steer? Do the brakes work? Can it be put in neutral? A vehicle that rolls freely in neutral with working steering is a simple winch load. A vehicle with locked wheels and no steering requires forklift loading — a different process and potentially a different carrier. Accurate disclosure — covered in the pre-shipping checklist — prevents day-of-pickup surprises that delay your shipment.
Before Pickup Checklist for Non-Running Vehicles
Even though the vehicle doesn't run, preparation still matters. Check tire inflation — flat tires make winch loading significantly harder and can damage the tire during the pull. If the tires are flat and you can inflate them, do so; if not, disclose this at booking. Ensure the transmission can be shifted to neutral — a vehicle stuck in park or gear requires special handling. Drain fuel to one-quarter tank or less. Remove all personal items, especially from the trunk and back seat, where they may shift during the winch process. Disconnect the battery if the vehicle has a dead short or electrical issue that drains power — this prevents the carrier from dealing with an unexpected electrical problem during loading.
Documenting Condition Before Shipment
Non-running vehicles present a unique documentation challenge: because they're already in impaired condition, distinguishing pre-existing damage from transport damage is harder. Take detailed photographs of every panel, every wheel, every trim piece — and critically, photograph the area around the vehicle's loading points (front bumper, rear bumper, rocker panels, wheel wells). These are the areas most likely to sustain contact during winch or forklift loading. Date-stamp the photos. Note on the Bill of Lading every existing mark, dent, scratch, and any missing parts. Be specific: 'rear bumper cover cracked, left side' is useful; 'bumper damage' is not. If you're buying an auction vehicle sight-unseen, request photos from the auction yard before the carrier arrives.
Insurance Considerations for Non-Running Shipments
Carrier cargo insurance covers non-running vehicles the same as running ones — the policy doesn't discriminate based on condition. However, the claims process can be more contested because the insurer may argue that damage was pre-existing (the vehicle was already in impaired condition). This is why pre-transport documentation is critical. Without clear before-and-after photos and a detailed pickup BOL, the carrier's insurer has grounds to deny claims on a vehicle that was already visually distressed. Some carriers with winch equipment carry higher liability coverage specifically for the loading process, which involves more physical contact with the vehicle than a standard drive-on load. Ask your broker to confirm the carrier's coverage includes loading-related damage.