Shipping an inoperable vehicle can be challenging, and simply scheduling transportation isn’t the only step. To facilitate a smooth process, you’ll need to prepare carefully. Whether you’re shipping a car that requires a jump start or a project car that’s never run, taking proper precautions will help.

Proper pre-shipping preparation makes the process easier and ensures both you and your carrier minimise the risk of damage, delays, and unexpected costs. It’s your way of preparing for a smooth vehicle handover.

Follow this guide to understand everything about shipping non-running vehicles and prepare your inoperable vehicle for safe transport.

1. Assess the Condition of the Vehicle

Before scheduling your vehicle’s shipping, carefully inspect the inoperable car to determine its exact condition. Understanding what issues the car has will help the carrier develop a safe plan for loading and securing the inoperable vehicle.

Here’s what to consider:

• Verify the real reason behind the inoperability: Is it a dead battery, a seized transmission, or something worse?
• Consider any mechanical issues that may affect loading, such as flat tires, broken axle shafts, dragging exhaust systems, or loss of steering mobility.
• Consider special loading access and handling issues, such as low ground clearance, missing wheels, reduced track width, or unbalanced left-right steering, which may require specific equipment or handling to load.

Thinking through these points will help the inoperable car transport provider decide if they’ll need a winch, flatbed trailer, low-loader, or multiple personnel to roll or gently push the vehicle onto the transport vehicle.

Always strive to be as honest and transparent as possible in your assessment. Discrepancies between what the carrier thinks they’re arriving for and the reality may lead to an extended loading time and additional costs due to waiting time fees or the need to call out contractors for extra equipment and workforce.

2. Remove Any Personal Items or Valuables

It’s tempting to leave a few loose change coins in the cup holder or sunglasses in the center console. However, in-transit vibrations and jarring movements can turn them into airborne projectiles or cause scratches and indentations inside the car.

To avoid this:

• Remove all items from the cabin interior, including the glove box, center console, and trunk.
• Check for items that may be hidden under the seats, such as chargers, keys, sunglasses, or documents.
• Remember that personal items are not covered under insurance—it only covers the insurable item.

Although the transporter takes care of your vehicle during the trip, they are not responsible for any personal items lost or damaged. It’s easiest for everyone involved if you take nothing with you.

3. Prepare the Vehicle for Towing or Loading

Inoperable vehicles will still need to be safely maneuvered before they can go anywhere. Working out how the transporter will load the car onto or off the trailer is crucial to avoiding potential delays.

Here’s what you can do:

• Ensure the winching/lifting points and hooks are exposed at the front and rear of the car chassis, preferably underneath or at the bottom edge of the bumper.
• The front or rear of the car should be as visibly accessible as possible, allowing hooks, cables, or slings to be quickly and efficiently secured.
• If it’s possible to unlock the steering yourself, now is a good time to do so. If steering or brake locks cannot be unlocked, please notify the transporter in advance.
• The vehicle may not be drivable, but it should still be able to roll freely enough to be winched up a flatbed or low-loader or onto dollies placed under the chassis or suspension at all four corners.

Companies specializing in the transportation of inoperable vehicles use transporters equipped with winches, hydraulic lifts, and/or dollies. They need to know the car’s inoperability and state of the braking and steering systems to arrive with alternate solutions if required.

Some modern vehicles and specific older models feature electronic handbrakes that cannot be released without power. Check your owner’s manual well ahead of loading day to see if this applies to your vehicle.

4. Make a Complete Vehicle Condition Record

This may be the most crucial step in preparing your inoperable vehicle for shipping before it is picked up. Before your non-running vehicle leaves the garage, driveway, or storage, you need to obtain and protect documentation of the car’s condition.

Here’s what to do:

• Take clear, in-focus, time-stamped photos of all sides of the vehicle, along with close-ups of any dents, scratches, paint damage, and other superficial imperfections.
• Take photos of the car’s interior to document the condition of seats, upholstery, carpets, dashboard, and console features.
• Take time-stamped images of the odometer reading to show the car’s actual mileage and condition. In some instances, if electronics, instrument clusters, and displays don’t work, you may need to match it with an image dated and stamped later to prove accurate.
• Take pictures of other problem areas, such as cracked light lenses, missing bumpers, or other parts and accessories likely to be damaged if not removed or replaced during transport.

Why document the vehicle’s condition? A pre-loading condition record is essential to support a claim if one is needed later on. Once your vehicle has left your custody, it is almost impossible to prove its condition before shipment if damage or loss occurs.

Most vehicle shipping carriers on uShip prefer to do this diligently, as it helps mitigate risk and build trust between parties.

5. Detach Loose or Removable Parts

Not all vehicle components are designed for safe and secure transportation. Parts such as mirrors, spoilers, and antennas create both drag/pull and wind resistance forces on these components. These forces can flex fittings, loosen fastenings, creep under glue, and separate the parts from the vehicle. Depending on the distance and duration of transportation, these effects may not be observed immediately, but they do take their toll on vehicle components before any offloading actions begin.

• If time allows, please consider taking care of the following items before the transport of our inoperable vehicle:
• Fold mirrors or remove/ fold down or take off any antennas, roof racks, and non-factory roof-installed spoilers or modifications. 
• Check for any moldings, cowels, hood or trunk lips, tailgate lips, over and under the bumper moldings or lips, pinstriping, cords, hang tags, handle stoppers, or anything else that may be attached in a removable manner. 
• Have tape and/or labels ready to assist in storing these items for shipping with the vehicle for reattachment and documenting which areas the parts may have been removed from before we transported the non-working vehicle.

The loss of these parts may or may not significantly affect your vehicle’s operability, but taking these precautionary steps will dramatically reduce the chances of damage occurring and demonstrate a certain level of professionalism and forethought during the handover process of an inoperable vehicle to a transport firm. Many long-distance auto transport shippers appreciate and expect professionalism when customers take the time to consider these items.

6. Check Fluids and Battery

Your non-running car still leaks hazardous fluids; trust us, it’s still leaking them. As an additional precaution, we checked fluid levels, battery issues, and potential leaks.

Here’s what you’ve got to do:

• Check for any leaks under the car. Any oil leaking will require you to patch it; fluid leaking from your engine, transmission, or cooling system can be a hazard during transport.
• If the tank is nearly complete, drain your fuel down to below a quarter tank. Many carriers prefer it to be at this level to reduce weight and lower the chances of fire.
• Disconnect your battery if your carrier requests it and/or if your car will be transported over long distances.
• Cap or seal all fluid reservoirs to help keep contents from spilling or leaking.

These minor details make your non-running vehicle transport process safer for you, your vehicle, and the transport crew.

7. Communicate with Your Carrier

Communicating with your transport provider is essential. The more information you exchange, the better prepared they will be on pickup day.

Here’s what to run by them:

• Thoroughly describe your vehicle’s condition. Does it roll, steer, or brake?
• Clarify how they plan to load the car. Will it be loaded using a flatbed, with a winch, or will a dolly be used?
• Discuss the location where the car is being picked up. Many transport vehicles are upwards of 12 feet high; will the car be coming to the street, or can it be loaded at the location?
• Make note of any special considerations your provider needs to know about, such as where the keys will be hidden, whether you have a steering lock, or if it is in a tight parking garage.

Bringing up these topics beforehand can save a lot of confusion on pickup day. And real transport professionals who do car shipping for inoperable vehicles will appreciate your diligence. If bad weather or delays occur, please contact your carrier ASAP. Staying in touch throughout the process is extremely helpful to everyone involved.

8. Insurance and Liability

When it comes to shipping your non-running car, ensuring your vehicle is adequately insured is priority number one. Accidents are rare, but it’s nice to know everything is taken care of.

A few things to note:

• Learn about the carrier’s insurance. Ask to see their proof of insurance and understand which types of vehicles they cover, as well as the level of protection your car will receive.
• Read about liability limits. Most are not responsible for causing damage due to mechanical failures, and/or pre-existing issues.
• Consider supplemental insurance or protection. For collector cars and very high-value vehicles, consider additional protection.
• Keep proper records. Make sure to have a copy of the bill of lading, inspection report, and the photos you took before pickup.

High-quality services, such as uShip vehicle shipping, include insurance information and requirements built into each carrier’s profile. By communicating through the uShip system, it’s easy for the transporter to see how you prepped the vehicle before pickup. And you’ll both be completely clear on transport insurance coverage.

Conclusion: Preparing Your Non-Running Vehicle for Pickup

Preparing your non-operating vehicle for transport may seem tedious, but it’s one of the best things you can do to help ensure a successful and damage-free transport experience. Proper prep work decreases risk, improves communication, and increases the probability of your vehicle being delivered in the same condition as it was picked up.

Follow these steps for the best chance of success, whether using a local transport service or uShip’s inoperable vehicle shipping option.

• At the end of the day, you can rest easy knowing:
• You’ve lessened the chance of damage.
• You’ve made it easy for the carrier to do their job.
• You’ve taken key steps in protecting your car.

Remember: Proper preparation doesn’t mean over-preparing. It means taking the necessary steps to avoid unpleasant surprises. Take your time, communicate effectively, and treat your non-running vehicle as the valuable asset that it is.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can a non-running car be shipped long distances?

Yes. You can ship non-operational vehicles anywhere within the continental U.S. and internationally using auto transport services that utilize winches, tilt loaders, or lift gates.

What equipment do carriers use for disabled vehicles?

Transport companies rely on electric or hand winches, hydraulic lift gates, a tilt trailer with a low-loading angle, or a dolly for loading vehicles that are inoperable or disabled.

Do I need to remove the battery or fluids?

You do not need to drain your vehicle’s fluids or remove the battery, as transport companies will not take the car without these. Unless directed for safety reasons, such as overseas or international shipments, or mandated by the destination country, remove the gas tank. You will need to make sure that there are no leaks or drips. Breakdowns are considered high-risk, and cross-country transport services will not ship vehicles if there are any leaks or defects.

How do I document a non-operational car for insurance purposes?

Please take photos of every angle, including the undercarriage, before it leaves your care. Remember to take a picture of the odometer. You can also document the damage on a Bill of Lading to help prove the car’s condition for insurance purposes. Be sure to have it signed by the driver, as it is necessary for insurance claims.

Will shipping cost more for a non-operable vehicle?

Yes, typically about $50–150 more. This is due to the time required to load and unload the vehicle, the equipment necessary for this process, and the transport method employed.

How do I find carriers experienced with non-running vehicles?

You can search for inoperable vehicle transport services on major transport marketplaces. You can also post a transportation job listing and request that transportation companies with winches or lift gates bid. You can also ask directly for flatbed carriers with experience transporting broken-down or disabled vehicles.

Why should I use uShip for transporting a disabled vehicle?

uShip provides customers with experienced and insured carriers to choose from, upfront, transparent pricing, and the ability to bid on transport jobs to find the best price. Customers can also read and compare reviews to ensure they select a reliable service.

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