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Non-Running Condition Auto Transport Service

  • 20 Years Experience Shipping Cars
  • 4.6 Average Star Rating Google, BBB, TrustPilot
  • No Personal Information Required for Quotes
  • We changed the auto transport industry!
Ship your car in the U.S. faster, smarter, and safer with #1 Direct Express Auto Transport
Reliable Car Shipping Fast & Reputable

Non-Running Condition Auto Transport Service

  • 20 Years Experience Shipping Cars
  • 4.6 Average Star Rating Google, BBB, TrustPilot
  • No Personal Information Required for Quotes
  • We changed the auto transport industry!
Ship your car in the U.S. faster, smarter, and safer with #1 Direct Express Auto Transport

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Direct Express Auto Transport

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What is a Non-Running Condition Vehicle?

In general, a non-running vehicle is one that cannot propel itself or perform its normal functions. Often, this type of car has minor issues such as a dead battery or flat tire, yet in some cases it may be caused by more serious mechanical and electrical issues.

Types of Non-Running Condition Vehicles

Vehicles which are no longer in running condition come in many shapes and sizes.

Autobody Vehicles: Cars that need an auto mechanic to repair or be restored.

Weather-Damaged Vehicles: Cars damaged by heavy rain, winter storms, floods, fires, hurricanes, tornados, etc.

Antique Collector Cars: Rare or vintage cars that have seen better days and need restored.

Off-Road Vehicles: Cars, SUV’s or pickup trucks that are meant for rugged terrain.

Auto Auction Vehicles: Cars bought at auctions that may have been in an accident or for some reason are non-operational. 

Shipping Non-Running Vehicles: What You Need To Know & Do

Shipping a non-running vehicle requires special handling and equipment. A minority of car transport carriers have a wench, so not all are even capable of transporting a non-operational vehicle.

Disclose Vehicle Condition

Before arranging transport for your non-operational car, it is essential to be as accurate as possible in your details. This includes the make, model, year and size of your vehicle, along with any condition issues that may have arisen. This information helps ensure the necessary measures are taken so that you can receive a safe transportation service.

Special Handling Required

If your vehicle is not in running condition, it will require extra attention. Let the car transport driver know if there are particulars about your car you need them to be aware of – like missing keys, flat tires, or brakes that don’t work.

Choose Car Shipping Method

When picking out a car shipping method for your vehicle, it is important to consider both the condition of the car and your budget. Open and enclosed transport solutions are available even for vehicles that are not running.

Delivery and Accessibility

Before scheduling a car transport service, make sure that both the pickup and delivery locations are easily accessible. If there are any relevant restrictions, like narrow or busy roads, double check that a carrier will be able to access and maneuver his big rig. 

How to Ship a Non-Running Car?

Shipping a non-running car involves a number of key steps:

Expert Advice

Shipping non-running cars is a difficult task. Many auto transport companies don’t have the proper equipment to handle these vehicles carefully, so it’s crucial that you work with a company who specializes in shipping cars of all types. Direct Express Auto Transport has been shipping non-running condition vehicles for twenty years. We have the experience.

Types of non-running auto transportation

When it comes to transporting a non-running car, there are many possibilities to choose from. Every option has its own benefits and drawbacks, so which one is right for you will depend on the circumstances and your requirements. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular methods:

A Flatbed tow truck

One way to transport a non-functioning car is by utilizing a flatbed tow truck, which is one of the most common methods. The process involves strapping down or chaining up the vehicle onto the bed of the truck before it is lifted off the ground and taken to its final destination. This method of auto transportation ensures that cars of all sizes can be securely moved from one place to another.

When it comes to long-distance car transportation, flatbed tow trucks tend to be more costly. 

Enclosed Trailer Protects

For those looking to move a non-operational vehicle, an enclosed trailer provides an ideal solution. This involves carefully loading the car onto the trailer and making sure it is properly secured before hitching it up to a truck for transport. Not only does this method offer additional protection from the elements such as wind and rain, but also safeguards the car against potential theft or damage.

What to do upon arrival of your non-running vehicle

Once your vehicle has been successfully shipped, your job is not done as a customer. First and foremost, check for any external damage during transit.

Inspect Your Vehicle

Before accepting the vehicle, it’s important to take a look at it to make sure no damage has taken place while in transit. Be sure to take photographs all around your vehicle to document its condition immediately upon arrival. Don’t delay. 

Check the Battery

Double check the battery and make sure it’s fully charged and ready to go.

Check the tires

Examining the tires is a key component. Is there a noticeable lack of air in them? This can make it incredibly difficult to move, so be sure to fill them up with the correct pressure.

Test the brakes

It’s important to make sure the brakes are in good condition – a quick test is necessary.

Insurance for non-running car transportation

Non-Running Condition Auto Transport Service

Before enlisting the services of a car transportation company, it is imperative to make certain that your non-operational car has proper insurance coverage during its trip. In general, most car transporters will have an insurance policy that covers vehicles while in transit, but double-checking should be done beforehand.

When thinking about how to protect your non-running car during shipping, it’s worthwhile looking into buying additional insurance. This can offer extra security and reassurance if any harm is caused to your automobile while in transit.

The Original Car Shipping Quote Calculator

Since 2004, Direct Express Auto Transport has been the leader in auto transport quote calculators. Our sophisticated and reliable tool offers three tiers of car shipping estimates – standard, expedited, and rush. The standard rate may take longer to get shipped but is the most economical option. For a faster process we recommend our expedited car shipping rate; thousands of satisfied customers can vouch for it. The rush rate is the highest level of car shipping service with plenty of customers thankful for selecting this method.
The Original Car Shipping Quote Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions About Auto Transport
How much does it cost to ship a car?

Not as much as you would suppose. If only one thing goes wrong, a tire blowout or overheated radiator for instance, then it would be actually cheaper to ship a car across country. About 97% of all auto transport shipments are delivered in an Open-Air trailer. It’s proven to be a very safe method with statistically few problems. You may notice multiple vehicles being delivered to car dealerships near you in an Open-Air trailer, and that’s because it’s reliable. It is also cheap car shipping. If you have a collector car or really expensive automobile, however, then we recommend car shipping services with an Enclosed carrier. Expect to pay about 50% more for Enclosed transport. Our car shipping cost calculator automatically adds the extra amount to your auto transport quote

How should I pay for the car shipping costs?

Making a nominal partial credit card payment to the auto transport broker is preferred by car shipping carriers but not essential. Carriers like getting paid with Cash or Money Order upon delivery, and who doesn’t? Services paid immediately for services rendered. But a full credit card payment upfront also works if the car shipping carrier trusts the auto transport broker. Carriers have known Direct Express Auto Transport for nearly twenty years and the trust is there. So either method works with us

How long does a car shipping company take to deliver my vehicle?

The auto transport delivery is the final step in the process, and also the simplest part. Once your vehicle has been assigned to a car shipping carrier and picked up, not too much can go wrong. It generally takes one day of transit time for every 500 miles of distance. The auto transport driver will call ahead from the road to announce his estimated time of arrival.

Car Delivery Time Estimate

  • 100-500 miles takes 1 or 2 days
  • 500-1000 miles takes 2 or 3 days
  • 1000-1500 miles takes 3 or 4 days
  • 1500-2000 miles takes 4 or 5 days
  • 2000-2500 miles takes 5 or 6 days
  • 2500-3000 miles takes 6 or 7 day

Depending on the distance, weather conditions and population centers it could be a few days or weeks until a vehicle reaches its destination. The car shipping carriers usually estimate about 10 days on coast to coast trips, but they frequently arrive earlier.

How far in advance should I ship my car?

We recommend scheduling your auto transport service anywhere from two days to two weeks in advance. We are often able to assign your vehicle on the very same day, but providing us with longer lead times allows us to schedule your auto transportation easier. You want the most current car shipping cost, and you get that by staying within two weeks of your first available date to ship. Believe it or not, the auto transport service market can change quickly. It is seasonal. If the car shipping quote is too low, that can delay your order getting on the road. To avoid that, try not to book more than a month in advance and preferably within two weeks, because seasonal changes can impact the current pricing. Conversely, you should enjoy the savings if the rates were to go down, so having the most current pricing is always best. Our auto transport rate calculator on this page was the first one in the industry in 2004.

How long do car shipping companies take to pick up my vehicle?

Over 90% of our car shipping orders are assigned and picked up within one week. Mostly because the overwhelming majority of the U.S. population lives nearby a major metropolitan area.

Can I store things inside my vehicle during auto transport?

Yes and no. The strict interpretation is no, you can’t ship items inside your vehicle. The reality is that almost all auto transport carriers look the other way on items that weigh less than 100 pounds, roughly the equivalent of 2 suitcases. We recommend placing any additional items in the trunk and out of sight. The U.S. Transportation Law states that a carrier can be fined $10,000 for hauling household items in the vehicle, but it is rarely enforced. Please know that car delivery drivers estimate every vehicle’s weight that they carry and don’t want problems at weight scales. They must keep the personal items to a minimum to make it through the scales. Some drivers will accept a tip ($50-$250) for hauling extra stuff, and some won’t. Rule of thumb, don’t take advantage. The car transporter is there to ship a car, not move the owner’s personal belongings. Our car shipping calculator will not add a charge for extra items because it would be presumptuous to expect the driver to agree. If you want to include extra items in your vehicle, please discuss that first with the driver and come to a mutual agreement.

Reviews From Our Customers

  • My Auto Transport Experience

    Nancy B. – Orlando, FL

    I am so pleased with my decision to use Direct Express Auto Transport! Ashley was a knowledgeable and confidence inspiring representative and my driver was on time and my car was in perfect shape!

  • Great Auto Transport Service To Texas

    Steve S. – New Braunfels, TX

    Talked to Jessica on Wednesday to have 65 El Camino shipped from Calif to Texas. Was picked up on Thursday the 16th and delivered on Monday the 20th. Beautiful truck and great driver. Sebastian was the driver’s name. Also it was awesome to see all the other great cars.

  • Enclosed Auto Transport

    Derek K. – Oradell, NJ

    Fantastic experience all around, from the office people calling me back on a Sunday when a question popped up, to getting the car delivered very quickly, the whole process went perfectly. Will use them again for sure.

  • My Car Arrived Sooner Than Expected!

    Charlie R. – Mt Clemons, MI

    Driver was very efficient and accommodating! Once he picked up the vehicle he stayed in contact with us all the way to delivery. Thank you very much for hauling this vehicle for us because we have no way of doing it ourselves.

  • Auto Transport From Florida

    Alicia L. – Bradenton, FL

    My car was picked up on a Friday morning and arrived at my destination two days later. The driver made sure that I was on time delivering my car and he made sure my car was delivered to me in a timely manner also. Great customer service from beginning to end. No complaints at all and will definitely use this company again. Great job!

  • Auto Transport Service To Arizona

    Jeff B. – Mesa, AZ

    Another excellent job by Direct Express Auto Transport! This is the 3rd time we’ve shipped with this Direct Express Auto Transport. They’re courteous, professional, and on time. I highly recommend this company and their services!

  • Car Transported California to Texas

    Bill A. – Ft. Worth, TX

    I used the expedited shipping option and they told me it will be picked up within 3-4days. Luckily my car was picked up on the very first day. It was assigned to one of their transport companies and I received my car within 10days. They are very professional.

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