Moving an in-progress restoration, barn-find treasure, or car that does not run demands far more planning than booking ordinary open haulage. This guide explains every stage of classic car transport for an inoperable vehicle—from choosing the right carrier and equipment to lining up the paperwork and insurance that keep your investment safe. Follow these steps, and you’ll avoid surprise fees, forklift mishaps, and delays that can stall your build for months.
Non-running classics often carry the highest sentimental and financial stakes. They may be irreplaceable project car shells, freshly painted bodies awaiting assembly, or antique drivetrains stuck in customs limbo. Because a non-running car can’t load under its own power, the logistics—and the risks—escalate. Learning how professional auto transport companies handle winch-on, forklift, or roll and steer loading will help you ship a non-running classic car confidently and cost-effectively.
What Makes Shipping a Non-Running Classic Car Different From Moving a Running Car?
Which Auto Transport Methods Safely Handle an Inoperable Vehicle?
How Do Carriers Load and Unload a Car That Does Not Run?
Should You Choose Open or Enclosed Transport for a Project Car?
How Do You Verify a Transport Company Has the Proper Equipment?
What Documents and Insurance Coverage Protect Your Classic Vehicle in Transit?
How Does the Cost to Ship a Non-Running Classic Compare With Running Cars?
What Preparation Steps Reduce Damage Risk Before Pickup?
How Does West Coast Shipping Simplify Non-Running Classic Car Shipping Overseas?
Key Takeaways: Shipping Your Inoperable Classic Safely and On Budget
A running car drives on and off a trailer under its own power. An inoperable vehicle requires mechanical assistance, specialized tie-downs, and more time at pickup and delivery. Carriers often label these jobs inop vehicle moves and charge extra for:
Winch-on service—slow, careful loading using an electric winch.
Forklift or crane time for shell-only bodies without axles.
Extra manpower to guide steering and braking if the vehicle only “rolls and steers.”
Because a non-running vehicle also can’t reposition itself at congested warehouses or ports, your transport company must coordinate clear staging space and equipment ahead of arrival.
Ideal for valuable shells, this enclosed carrier lowers a full platform to ground level. The car is winched aboard then raised into the trailer. Liftgates reduce loading and unloading angles, preventing damage to your vehicle.
For short domestic moves, a roll-back flatbed offers fast pickup from driveways or tight barns. Ensure the carrier brings wood blocks or wheel skates if the car does not roll.
Shipping overseas? A forklift carefully places the non-running chassis into a steel container. Professionals use padded dunnage and belly-straps to secure the car for ocean swell. Our container vs. RoRo comparison explains why containers dominate non-running classic vehicle exports.
Winch Connection – A nylon strap hooks to a sturdy cross-member, not fragile bumper brackets.
Guided Steering – Crew members hand-steer front wheels. If steering is frozen, dollies under each tire enable side-to-side movement.
Slow Pull – The winch inches the car safely onto the deck; wheel chocks stop sudden roll-backs.
Underbody Straps – Soft, axle-wrapped straps avoid frame scratches; ratchets are checked after five miles.
Reverse at Delivery – The process repeats in mirror at the destination, often with a forklift assist into your workshop bay.
| Factor | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Weather Protection | Low | High |
| Risk of Road Debris | High | Minimal |
| Cost to Ship | 20-30% cheaper | Premium |
| Privacy | None | Full |
| Equipment for Non-Running | Winch only | Liftgate, pallet jack options |
Restorations with fresh paint, rare trim, or incomplete windows demand enclosed auto transport despite the higher price. A surface-rust shell heading to media blasting can safely ride open if budget is tight.
Ask for photos of their trailers—look for liftgates or low-angle ramps.
Confirm they carry roll and steer dollies, battery jump packs, and a 9,000-lb winch.
Check USDOT and MC numbers to ensure legal authority for auto transport services.
Request classic-car references and review key red flags to ensure your transporter isn’t a scam or fake “inop specialist.”
Bill of Lading – Notes vehicle condition (photos and written) at pickup.
Inoperable Addendum – Specifies winch fees, forklift charges, and storage terms.
Insurance Coverage – Verify the carrier carries $250k-$1M cargo insurance. Ask to see certificates and ensure your VIN is listed.
Power of Attorney – For international moves, authorizes West Coast Shipping to sign export paperwork and clear customs.
Expect a non-running car shipping surcharge of $100-$300 for domestic moves and $350-$600 for international container loading. Forklift lifts can add $150 per hour. Total cost of shipping depends on:
Distance and route (rural pickups cost more).
Trailer type (open vs. enclosed carrier).
Weight and size (long-bed trucks or limos need more space).
Equipment to transport (forklift vs. winch).
Use our instant shipping quote tool to compare scenarios and see how small changes—like removing a seized drivetrain—can lower crane fees.
Stabilize loose panels with painter’s tape or zip ties.
Drain old fuel to prevent leaks.
Remove extra parts and box them separately; label boxes for quick ID overseas.
Photograph every angle—including interior floors—and share the files with your shipper.
Note tire pressure; flat tires complicate loading and unloading.
Specialized forklifts and low-clearance dollies at Oakland, Miami, and New Jersey export warehouses.
Shared or dedicated containers built with custom braces for incomplete chassis.
In-house insurance coverage up to $1.5M per shipment with photo logs at each hand-off.
Title validation and carnet paperwork for project car shells that have no drivetrain.
Weekly sailings to 48 countries, so your build reaches its foreign workshop without waiting months on a port lot.
Non-running classics require winches, liftgates, or forklifts—verify equipment before booking.
Enclosed transport protects fresh paint and incomplete interiors; open carriers suit rust-repair shells.
Demand a detailed bill of lading and high-limit insurance coverage that lists your VIN.
Expect surcharges for inoperable loading; use our instant quote tool to budget accurately.
Prep wisely: secure parts, drain fluids, photograph condition, and label boxes.
Choose licensed carriers with classic-car references—avoid surprise storage fees or careless forklift damage.
Ready to ship a non-running classic car or ambitious project car safely to its next workshop? Use our instant calculator below for side-by-side open vs. enclosed transport rates, equipment specs, and sailing schedules—then let West Coast Shipping handle the entire process door-to-door so you can focus on the restoration ahead.