What Qualifies as Non-Running
Any vehicle that cannot be driven under its own power onto a carrier trailer. This includes: won't start (dead battery, engine failure), won't steer (locked steering, flat tires that prevent rolling), won't brake (no hydraulic pressure), or has drivetrain damage preventing wheel rotation. Even a car with a dead battery that could be jump-started is technically 'non-running' for carrier purposes if it can't reliably start on command.
Loading Equipment Required
Non-running vehicles require either a winch (cable pulls the vehicle onto the trailer — works if wheels roll freely) or a forklift (lifts the vehicle onto the trailer — required if wheels don't roll). Some carriers have integrated winches on their trailers. Others need a separate equipment arrangement. Not all carriers are equipped for non-running loads.
Cost Impact
Non-running vehicles typically cost 10–20% more than comparable running vehicles on the same route. The premium covers the specialized equipment, the additional loading time (winching takes longer than driving the vehicle on), and the risk premium — non-running vehicles have higher incidence of loading complications.
What to Disclose at Booking
Be specific about the vehicle's condition. 'Non-running' isn't enough. Does it roll? Does it steer? Do the brakes work? Can it be put in neutral? A vehicle that rolls freely in neutral with working steering is a simple winch load. A vehicle with locked wheels and no steering requires forklift loading — a different process and potentially a different carrier. Accurate disclosure prevents day-of-pickup surprises that delay your shipment.