Inoperable Car Shipping: Can You Ship a Non-Running Car?
You likely know how troublesome it is if your car breaks down out of nowhere. Nevertheless, it can be different when you need to auto transport non running car. It is possible to ship an inoperable car, but the process can be more complicated and costly if you want to ship a non-running car. Continue reading to understand how to ship a non-running car.
How to Identify a Non-Running Car?
A non-running vehicle means that the vehicle is not functional or safe to drive. Therefore, when you have to ship a non running car from Hawaii to mainland, there is a definite need for a car shipping company.
Many cars stop running because of accidents that cause mechanical failure. Cars are considered non-running if there are problems or they are unsafe. Depending on the Hawaii car shipping company, the car can start but can be considered inoperable.
For exotic cars, they are often considered non-running. These cars are currently going through restoration or have been bought by dealers in a different part of the country. Therefore, loading them into containers, trucks, or ships is not likely. If your vehicle is of high value, it is recommended to opt for an enclosed auto transport non running car option.
Here are some conditions for you to better understand what is considered a non-running car:
- Missing Key
When the car is shipped without keys, it should be neutral, with the wheel pointing straight. Since there are no keys, you have to get a tow truck to load and unload your car at the pickup and delivery locations.
- Mechanical Problem
A car is also non-running if the ignition does not function. To do an inoperable car shipping for this issue, a roll-back tow or forklift is needed. A forklift is needed since it will be used to load and unload the vehicle during the pickup and delivery.
- Collision
When a non-running car was damaged due to a collision, a winch is generally the option available to load and unload it.
What to Do Before Shipping a Non-Running Car?
Requesting an auto transport non running car service is not very different when getting it for cars that run. Nevertheless, additional details and steps are needed before it gets shipped.
- Research
It does not matter whether the car to be shipped is working or not because you want a good deal from a car shipping company. This is possible when you make an effort to research the right car shipping company. Shipping a non running car from Hawaii, you want a company that offers the services you need, modest rates, and friendly and professional customer support.
- Reach Out to the Car Shipping Company
After choosing the company to ship your car, the next thing you have to do is to call the company. This is to check if they have an auto transport non running car service because not all car shipping companies have the proper equipment to ship this kind of vehicle.
- Compare Prices
Many car shipping companies offer online quotes. You can get a free quote when you provide a few details about your car. These forms ask you if the car to be shipped running or non-running. When you talk to a car shipping company’s representative, you can also inquire about the rates.
Ways to Ship a Non-Running Car
A car carrier cannot be used to drive the non-running cars onto. Therefore, special equipment is needed to load non-running vehicles. The equipment needed to figure out the best way to ship a non running car depends on the carrier type that will be used. These are the 2 carrier types you can avail of:
- Open Car Transport
A winch is used to load the car to an open carrier. Winches can be manual or hand-cranked. Using an attached chain, the car is pulled on the carrier. Since it is an open carrier, you have to remember that your car will not be safeguarded against different weather conditions and external elements.
- Enclosed Car Transport
A liftgate is used to load your non-running car to an enclosed carrier. The liftgates control movement while the car is being loaded. Cars with low clearance benefit from them because they prevent damage. This carrier type protects your car from different weather conditions and external elements, unlike open car transport.
Must Read:
Open or Enclosed | Which car shipping carrier is the best choice?
Helpful Tips on How to Ship a Non-Running Car
1. Hire the Right Car Shipping Company
You need a car shipping company that understands what they are doing so that your non-running car can be loaded and unloaded safely. You need a company with qualified and professional drivers to do this. Safely
shipping car to Hawaii
takes effort, skills, and time, so your car shipping company of choice should show knowledge of this.
As mentioned, you need to tell them the current state of the vehicle. If you inform them at the last minute, this can cause extra fees and delays, or worse, they might not pick up your vehicle since they might not have the right equipment.
2. Identify the Problem(s) with Your Car
Another crucial piece of information you need to tell the car shipping company is the reason why your car is not running. The issue might be easy to fix. Having the car fixed can lessen your expenses because it is cheaper to ship a running car. You can have car problems such as flat tires or dead batteries fixed.
For wrecked cars, you should check what the car shipping can and cannot do. You can identify if the car rolls, if the brakes work, or if you can maneuver it.
3. Book in Advance
Car shipping companies need enough time to plan properly, so booking ahead of time is recommended. Not only the car shipper, but also you need the time to make the preparations.
Before shipping the car, there are tasks you need to do. Moreover, you can get better car shipping deals and avail your desired pickup and delivery schedule when you book in advance. Summer is normally the peak season of car shipping companies, so it is best to avoid shipping your car during this season.
4. Prepare Your Car
Aside from what was mentioned on what to do before shipping your non-running car, you have to remember to secure the loose parts of your car. You also need to take out all your items in your car. Car shipping companies will not be liable if any of these items get lost or damaged during transit.
How the Cost for Shipping a Non-Running Car Is Determined
One of the main concerns of people who ship their cars is the cost. To determine the cost, some factors such as the model of the car, carrier type, route, and distance are considered. Nevertheless, you should not worry too much about the car shipping expenses.
The additional fees for shipping a non-running car are for the expertise and professionalism of the people who load and unload your cars such as the loader and the driver. Therefore, the fee is worth it. In many cases, you can be asked to pay more.
The extra fees can be around $150-$200. Suppose a car shipping company’s price quote is higher than that. In that case, you can negotiate with them or search for another company.
FAQs
Conclusion
Finally, you have to keep in mind that not all car shipping companies have the right manpower and equipment to ship a non-running car. That is why it is important to reach out to them first so that you will know if they are equipped for this kind of service.
It would help if you also considered the tips and rates before deciding on the car shipping company that you want. Because non-running cars need more care in handling, it is helpful to understand shipping them.
