Shipping a car that doesn’t run might sound complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether it’s a project car, a salvage vehicle, or simply a car with a dead battery, Navi Auto Transport offers specialized winch-ready service to make the process smooth, secure, and fully insured.
🚘 What Is an Inoperable Vehicle?
An inoperable vehicle (INOP) is any car that cannot start, move forward under its own power, or drive onto a trailer.
Common reasons include:
- Dead battery or engine problems
- Accident or collision damage
- Salvage or auction vehicles
- Flood or storm damage
- Classic or project cars in restoration
These cars require special loading equipment and trained carriers, which is why choosing the right broker matters.
🧰 How Winch-Ready Service Works
Unlike a standard transport where the driver drives the car onto the trailer, an inoperable vehicle must be pulled or lifted carefully.
Step-by-Step Winch Process:
- 🪝 Carrier Arrives with Winch Equipment
The truck is equipped with a powerful, motorized winch system. - 🚗 Vehicle is Hooked Safely
Soft straps or hooks are attached to designated tow points on the vehicle. - ⬆️ Car is Winched Onto the Trailer
The winch gently pulls the car up the ramps without rolling or starting the engine. - 🔐 Securement & Transport
The vehicle is strapped down securely like any running car, ensuring safe transit. - 🏁 Delivery at Destination
The driver uses the winch again to unload the vehicle safely.
“Not every carrier is equipped to handle inop vehicles correctly. We built a dedicated winch-ready carrier network so customers can ship non-running cars without stress,” says Ivan Karakostov, CEO of Navi Auto Transport.
🛡 Specialized Equipment & Trained Carriers
Shipping an inop vehicle isn’t just about muscle — it’s about precision. Navi works only with carriers that are:
- 🚛 Winch-equipped or have hydraulic lift gates
- 🧰 Trained to handle salvage and project cars safely
- 🪙 Fully insured and FMCSA-compliant
- 🧭 Experienced in auction, classic, and restoration transport
This ensures your car is loaded and delivered without further damage — something many low-cost brokers overlook.
💰 How Much Does It Cost to Ship an Inoperable Vehicle?
Shipping an inoperable car typically costs $100–$200 more than a standard shipment due to the extra labor and equipment required.
Transport TypeRunning VehicleInoperable VehicleOpen Carrier$1,100 (avg.)$1,200–$1,300 (avg.)Enclosed Transport$1,600 (avg.)$1,800+ (avg.)
Factors that affect pricing:
- Distance and route
- Vehicle size and weight
- Pickup/delivery location (auction yards often require special handling)
- Season and demand
💡 Pro tip: Always notify your broker upfront that the vehicle is inoperable. This ensures the right carrier is assigned.
🆚 Open vs. Enclosed Transport for Inop Vehicles
FeatureOpen TransportEnclosed TransportCostMore affordablePremiumProtectionExposed to elementsFully enclosed and protectedWinch CapabilityCommonCommon on specialized carriersBest ForSalvage, project, or lower-value carsClassics, collector cars, high-value vehicles
For classic or high-end cars that don’t run, enclosed shipping with winch service is strongly recommended.
🧾 Insurance & Documentation
Every inoperable shipment with Navi includes:
- ✅ Full liability and cargo insurance
- 📸 Pre-shipment inspection photos
- 📝 Condition report at pickup & delivery
- 🛰 Real-time tracking and ETA notifications
Even if your car can’t move, it will be protected like any other shipment.
📍 Common Inop Shipping Scenarios
- 🚗 Classic cars under restoration
- 🏁 Auction vehicles (e.g., Copart, IAAI, Manheim Auctions)
- 🚘 Accident-damaged cars
- 🪫 Dead battery EVs or hybrids
- 🛻 Flood or storm vehicles
We work directly with tow yards, auction lots, and private sellers to make pickups simple — even if the vehicle can’t move an inch.
🌐 Why Customers Choose Navi for Inop Vehicles
- 🪝 Dedicated winch-ready carrier network
- 🧭 Nationwide coverage — including auction and salvage yards
- 🛡 Fully insured and FMCSA-compliant
- 🛰 Real-time shipment tracking
- 🚀 Fast pickup windows & competitive pricing
- 🧰 Specialized handling for EVs and classics
“Inop vehicles require a little more care — but with the right team, it’s just as smooth as shipping a running car,” adds Karakostov.
🚀 Get Your Winch-Ready Shipping Quote
Whether it’s a classic car, an auction purchase, or a project vehicle, we’ll make shipping stress-free.