Need to ship a car that will not start or cannot be driven? Non-running vehicle transport depends on its condition, loading equipment and access at both locations. Tell Yellowfin what the vehicle can and cannot do before booking.
Request a non-running vehicle shipping quote
So, What’s Considered A Non-Running Vehicle?
For Yellowfin bookings, a vehicle is operational only if it can be driven onto and off the carrier under its own power throughout shipment. A car can be non-running even when it still rolls, brakes and steers. If it cannot do one or more of those, additional loading arrangements are needed. Disclose any of these issues when requesting a quote:
- The keys are lost or damaged
- The battery is dead
- The vehicle doesn’t have wheels or the tires are flat
- The vehicle doesn’t steer safely
- The vehicle doesn’t have adequately working brakes
Describe the actual condition rather than simply calling the car “inoperable.” Say whether it starts and drives, whether the wheels turn, whether the brakes work and whether the steering can be unlocked. Missing keys, flat tires or collision damage may change what equipment is needed. Ask Yellowfin to review the loading requirements before booking.
Yellowfin arranges transport as a broker; the assigned carrier performs the loading and shipment. Equipment and acceptance depend on the specific vehicle and route. Do not assume every carrier can collect a damaged or non-running car, or that the same loading method will work at both ends.
Options for Loading your Non-Running Vehicle
- Winch
Under Yellowfin’s current terms, a non-operational vehicle must roll, brake and steer to be loaded on a regular open or enclosed trailer using a winch. Confirm the assigned carrier’s equipment and unloading plan before dispatch; a winch is not automatically available on every trailer. - Forklift and/or Liftgate
If the vehicle cannot roll, brake or steer, Yellowfin’s terms require the customer to provide a forklift at both pickup and delivery. Discuss that requirement with Yellowfin before booking and confirm the arrangements with the assigned carrier. Do not assume a liftgate can replace a forklift or that equipment will be supplied.
How is Your InOperable Shipped?
- Open Auto Transport
Open transport may be an option when the carrier confirms that the vehicle can be loaded and unloaded with the available equipment. An open trailer exposes the vehicle to weather and road conditions. Tell Yellowfin about damaged or loose parts that could affect acceptance or loading. - Enclosed Auto Transport
An enclosed carrier offers shelter from weather and road exposure, but it does not remove loading constraints or guarantee damage-free transport. Confirm equipment, vehicle dimensions and ground clearance with Yellowfin and the assigned carrier before choosing this option.
Top Tips for Shipping a Non-Running Vehicle
Hire the right company. Ask who will perform the shipment, what equipment will be used and how loading and unloading will be handled at each location.
Report your vehicle’s condition upfront. Ask for the order to identify the vehicle as non-operational when appropriate. Yellowfin’s terms provide for an additional fee if a non-running vehicle was dispatched as operational; disclose the condition before dispatch instead of relying on the driver to discover it.
Know what is wrong with the vehicle. For a personalized quote, provide the year, make and model, pickup and delivery ZIP codes, preferred dates, key availability and whether the car starts, drives, rolls, brakes and steers. Explain missing wheels, flat tires, collision damage, modifications and clearance below 4 inches. Dates remain requests or estimates, not guarantees.
Prepare your vehicle for shipping. Disclose fluid leaks and loose or damaged parts before dispatch and ask what preparation the carrier requires. Confirm access for the truck and any agreed loading equipment at both locations. Review the car shipping checklist for general pickup and delivery preparation.
Planning a shipment for a non-running car? Request a personalized Yellowfin quote and explain the vehicle’s condition so loading requirements can be reviewed. You can also call (888) 223-5038. Shipment acceptance and equipment arrangements must be confirmed before booking; not every inoperable vehicle can be handled on a regular trailer. Read the current Terms & Conditions for the requirements that apply to your order.
