What counts as inoperable
For transport purposes, a vehicle is operable if it starts, moves under its own power, steers and brakes. If any of those is not true, it must be booked as inoperable so the carrier brings a winch or liftgate.
The most common surprise on northern pickups is a vehicle that sat all winter: a dead battery, flat-spotted tires or seized brakes will make an otherwise healthy car inoperable on the day.
- Will not start or run
- Does not steer or brake reliably
- Flat or missing tires
- Project, salvage or partially disassembled vehicles
What the carrier needs to know
Tell us whether the vehicle rolls, steers and brakes, whether it has keys, and whether there is space for a winch to pull it straight onto the trailer. Those three answers determine what equipment is assigned.
Inoperable shipments cost more than running vehicles because they require specific equipment, extra loading time and, in some cases, a smaller truck.
Before pickup day
If the issue is only a dead battery or low tires, fixing it before the driver arrives can keep the shipment in the standard operable category. If it cannot be fixed, tell us before the truck is dispatched rather than at the curb.
Best suited for
- Project and restoration vehicles
- Cars stored through a northern winter
- Insurance, salvage and estate moves
- Vehicles awaiting repair in another state
Other services
Shipping to or from another city? See our route guides.
Request Your Free Quote
We specialize in Bonita Springs auto transport, but we ship to and from anywhere in the USA. Tell us about the move and we'll follow up with a clear, no-obligation quote.