Auto Transport Tips: Shipping a Non-Op Vehicle
Shipping a non-op vehicle, luckily, is usually about as hard as it is to ship a standard running vehicle. Maybe a little more difficult than a standard running automobile, but that’s beside the point. Most of the time shipping a non-op vehicle boils down to making sure you get the right kind of carrier, one that has a winch.
A winch is a simple tool that allows a carrier to load and unload a vehicle that does not run. Auto transporters typically drive the vehicles they ship onto their truck. However, if a vehicle doesn’t run they can’t drive it up the ramp, so they have to have something else haul it up for them.
But shipping a non-op vehicle is easy?
Well, it’s not like it’s doing a simple math problem, but yes, shipping a non-op vehicle is fairly easy. This is mostly because of the fact that many carriers operate a winch and they are more prepared to ship a vehicle that isn’t running. However, not all carriers have a winch that can load a non-op vehicle, which means it’s up to your representative to find one for you.
This is why it’s important to make sure you tell your rep that you’re shipping a non-op vehicle. If they don’t know it doesn’t run they may hire a carrier without a winch. This in turn wastes everyone’s time because that carrier will drive all that way just to leave empty-handed.
So when you’re shipping a non-op vehicle it’s best to tell your shipper what’s going on with it. Many times you won’t need details – if a car doesn’t start it doesn’t start. If it doesn’t have wheels it doesn’t have wheels (though it should, but that’s a topic for a different post).
Make sure to note the reason why it’s not running to your shipper, but it doesn’t have to be technical and stuff. And if you can fix it before you ship it you may be able to save some time and money when it comes time to ship it. Carriers can ship running vehicles for less and it will usually take less time to find a shipper to begin with.
But can I get quotes for shipping a non-op vehicle?
If you’re trying to ship a non-running vehicle you can get free quotes by filling out our free quote form. It won’t take you more than a minute or two from start to finish but it will get you a free quote right away. We work only with top-rated car carriers who are fully licensed and insured as well. This means you’re in good hands from start to finish. If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us any time over the phone at 800-930-7417.
Since 2007 Dave has written all the content and blogs for American Auto Shipping and during this time added the duties of customer support and transport logistics.
He currently resides in Washington with his three kids and their mom and cat. A fan of Marvel movies and good stories, when not shipping cars Dave can be found working on his novel, enjoying a good book or playing some tournament HALO.
