Ship a CarHow It WorksRoutesResourcesAboutTrack Get a Quote 📞 855-854-6927
Customer Education

Shipping an Inoperable Vehicle

By Auto Rocket · January 28, 2026

A vehicle that doesn’t run can still be shipped — it just needs the right handling.

What “inoperable” means

For transport, it’s about whether the vehicle can be loaded. Key questions: Does it roll? Does it steer? Does it brake? A car that rolls, steers, and brakes but won’t start is much easier to load than one that’s completely seized.

Loading equipment

Non-running vehicles require appropriate loading and unloading assistance — sometimes a winch, sometimes a forklift or flatbed depending on the situation. If needed, Auto Rocket can help locate a forklift or flatbed provider. Any loading equipment costs are the customer’s responsibility, and availability isn’t guaranteed.

When you book

Tell us up front that the vehicle is inoperable, and whether it rolls, steers, and brakes, plus whether keys are available. That determines the equipment and the price. Undisclosed non-running status is the kind of thing that causes failed pickups and price changes — more on why quotes change.

Get a quote for your inoperable vehicle →

Ready to ship?

Get an Auto Rocket price for your actual vehicle and route.

Get My Price →