What Is the Process for Transporting a Junk or Salvage Car That Is Inoperable?

Shipping an inoperable junk or salvage car requires more planning than moving a regular vehicle. Since these cars can’t start, steer, or even roll on their own, carriers need specialized equipment and clear communication to get the job done right.

Key Highlights

• Specialized equipment like winches or forklifts is required to safely load and transport non-running vehicles — not every carrier is equipped for this.
  
• Clear, detailed information about the car’s condition and paperwork helps avoid delays and ensures accurate pricing from transport providers.
  
• Shipping a non running car is straightforward when you work with experts who understand the extra care these vehicles need.

Whether you’re relocating a project car, buying from an auction, or salvaging after an accident — shipping a non running car requires specific steps and equipment that go beyond standard transport.

What Qualifies as a Junk or Salvage Car?

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Understanding these terms helps clarify what type of transport you’ll need:

• Junk Car: No longer roadworthy — typically sold for parts or scrap.
  
• Salvage Car: Declared a total loss by insurance but may still have resale or repair value.

Example: A hail-damaged car from an auction might be “salvage” because it’s fixable, while a flood-damaged car stripped for parts would be “junk.”

Step 1: Assess the Vehicle’s Condition

This step is more important than it may seem. The shipping company needs to know:

• Can it roll? (Will it move when pushed?)
  
• Can it steer? (Can the wheels be turned?)
  
• Do the tires hold air?
  
• Are there leaks, exposed parts, or damage that may complicate loading?

Why this matters: The condition affects how the car will be loaded and what equipment is required. A rolling car might only need a winch. A locked-up or flat-tired car might require a forklift or flatbed.

Step 2: Get a Quote from a Specialized Carrier

When contacting a shipping provider, be ready to give detailed info:

• Vehicle’s exact condition (running, rolling, steering)
  
• Pickup location — is it a salvage yard, storage facility, or private property?
  
• Destination (zip codes or addresses)
  
• Any deadlines or special requests

Pro Tip: Always mention that the car is “inoperable.” When you’re shipping a non running car, this tells the transport company to prepare for special loading methods and potential extra equipment.

Step 3: Prepare the Vehicle for Pickup

Even if your vehicle is non-operational, you should prepare it to prevent delays or complications:

• Remove personal belongings
  
• Secure or tape down loose parts (e.g., mirrors, bumpers)
  
• Inflate tires if possible — easier to roll and winch
  
• Complete all paperwork if it’s coming from a lot or auction
  
• Take clear, dated photos of the vehicle’s condition

Example: If your car is parked at Copart or IAA, you’ll need to ensure the lot has a release form ready and can coordinate access with the transporter.

Step 4: Loading the Vehicle

Loading depends on the car’s condition:

• Rolling, non-starting cars: Winch-equipped trailers can pull it onboard
  
• Non-rolling or flat-tired cars: May need a forklift, flatbed, or rollback truck
  
• Stuck in a yard or tight space?: The carrier may need to coordinate with the location or bring additional equipment

Avoid This Mistake: When shipping a non running car, don’t assume every auto transporter can handle it. Not all carriers are equipped with winches or forklifts.

Step 5: Transit and Delivery

During transit:

• Your vehicle is secured with straps or wheel chocks
  
• The carrier will follow your schedule for drop-off
  
• The offloading process will mirror loading — winch or forklift as needed

📋 Upon delivery:

• Inspect the car visually
  
• Compare it to your pickup photos
  
• Note any changes or damages on the Bill of Lading before signing

Types of Equipment Used for Inoperable Vehicle Transport

Special tools make inoperable car transport possible:

• Winch: Pulls rolling, non-starting vehicles onto the trailer
  
• Forklift: Lifts cars that can’t roll or steer
  
• Rollback trucks: Ideal for short hauls or low-clearance situations
  
• Soft tie-downs & wheel straps: Prevent further damage during hauling

Some car transporters may also use enclosed car shipping trailers for extra protection, especially if the car has exposed components or is of high value.

Can You Ship an Inoperable Car Across State Lines or Internationally?

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Yes, you can. But there are extra steps involved:

Domestic Transport:

• Make sure paperwork is in order (especially titles or auction releases)
  
• Prepare for longer lead times if the route is remote or rural

International Shipping:

• May require customs paperwork, including Bill of Sale or Export Certificate
  
• Car must be steam-cleaned if going overseas (required by many ports)
  
• You may need a freight forwarder experienced with salvage vehicles

What Paperwork Is Required?

Depending on the pickup location, here’s what you might need:

• Title or salvage certificate (some states allow shipping without it)
  
• Auction release form (Copart, IAA, etc.)
  
• Bill of Sale (if sold between private parties)
  
• Power of Attorney (sometimes required when someone else arranges shipping)

If you’re unsure, ask the transport company in advance to avoid delays.

Cost Breakdown & Pricing Factors

Typical cost range: $500 – $1,200+ depending on:

• Distance between pickup and drop-off
  
• Size and weight of the vehicle
  
• Need for special equipment (forklift, flatbed, winch)
  
• Location type (remote vs metro)
  
• Timing and flexibility

Salvage yards or auctions may charge daily storage fees — book shipping early!

What Happens If the Car Can’t Be Picked Up?

If the transporter runs into issues, here’s what may happen:

• Blocked vehicle: You or the lot may need to move other cars first
  
• Closed yard: Rescheduling may incur extra fees
  
• No forklift at site: You might need to hire a tow or rollback truck to assist
  
• Missing paperwork: Pickup will be delayed until resolved

Always confirm pickup access and operating hours ahead of time.

How to Choose the Right Carrier

Not all auto transporters handle inoperable vehicles. Ask these key questions:

• Do you have winch or forklift capability?
  
• Have you transported salvage cars before?
  
• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
  
• Can you coordinate with auction yards or closed facilities?

Choosing the right auto transport partner is crucial for a smooth experience — especially when shipping a non running car.

Extra Tips to Make Your Experience Smoother

Do This:

• Ask about extra fees for winching or forklift use
  
• Be flexible with timing — inoperable vehicles can take longer to schedule
  
• Label your vehicle if it’s in a lot with multiple cars
  

Don’t Do This:

• Don’t skip photos — you’ll need them in case of transport damage
  
• Don’t send someone to accept delivery who doesn’t know the vehicle
  
• Don’t assume lowest price = best service (especially with salvage cars)
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I ship a car with no wheels or tires?

Yes — but it requires a forklift or flatbed. Be upfront about the condition so the transporter can bring the right equipment.

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Q2. Do I need the title to ship a junk or salvage car?

Not always. If the car is from a salvage auction or already owned, a release form or bill of sale may be enough. Check with the carrier and local DMV.

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Q3. How long does it take to ship a non-running vehicle?

Shipping time depends on distance and availability of specialized carriers. Typically, 3–7 days for domestic transport.

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Q4. What if my car is stuck in a storage yard or auction lot?

The shipper will need clear pickup instructions, access permissions, and possibly a release form. Notify the yard ahead of time and confirm business hours.

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Q5. How much does it cost to transport a salvage car?

Costs can range from $500 to $1,200+ depending on:

• Distance
  
• Vehicle size
  
• Equipment required
  
• Pickup/delivery locations
  

For the best pricing, request a quote from a specialist in salvage vehicle shipping.

Final Thoughts

Transporting a junk or salvage car that can’t drive on its own may sound complicated — but with proper preparation and the right transport partner, it becomes a smooth process. Every step, from condition assessment to delivery, matters in ensuring your vehicle arrives safely and affordably.

If you’re planning to move a non-running vehicle, consider working with a professional junk car shipping service that understands the extra care required.