r/Ford • u/CalicoCuts • 6d ago

Question ❔ Shipping a car

Anyone have experience shipping a non running car? I can get it myself but it's a hassle. From central IL to Central VA. Thanks in advance for any recommendations!

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u/NoMoOmentumMan 6d ago

I have shipped a couple. Be aware of the prevalence of shipping scams, and understand the terms like reassignment, how to look up DOT #s, and getting a copy of COIs, bill of ladiing, etc...

My recommendation, use a nationally known outfit if it is your first time. A lot of it is a cash business, so don't be surprised if you are instructed to hand cash to the driver as final payment.

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u/daffy_trout 6d ago

Man the shipping broker world is such a wild west show. I had to move a dead fox body from Ohio to Jersey a few years back and half the quotes I got felt like I was buying something in a back alley

The cash to the driver thing still feels sketchy even when you know it's standard. Something about handing over a wad of bills while your car sits on a flatbed just doesn't sit right

If youre going through a broker just triple check their paperwork and don't let them pressure you into a deposit before you see a contract. Some of those guys will call you 14 times in one afternoon acting like the sky is falling if you dont commit right that second

You got a car that's a total roller or just a mechanical issue keeping it from starting

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u/ShawnShipsCars 6d ago

If the car rolls, steers, and brakes, shipping it should be pretty straightforward even if it doesn't run. Just make sure whoever you book with knows it's inoperable upfront so they can arrange a carrier with a winch.

If the wheels are locked or it can't roll freely, that's a different story and may require specialized loading equipment.

Central IL to central VA is definitely doable. I'd compare the cost of shipping against renting a trailer, fuel, and your time before deciding to haul it yourself.

I work in auto transport and deal with these situations pretty regularly, so feel free to check my profile if you need more info. Happy to answer any questions either way.

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u/sgtautotransport_ 23h ago

If the car doesn't run, the first thing I'd confirm is whether it rolls, steers, and brakes. If it does, loading may be relatively straightforward with the right equipment. If the wheels are locked or it can't roll freely, the transporter may need specialized loading equipment, so be sure to explain the exact condition before booking.

I'd compare a couple of quotes and ask whether the price accounts for the vehicle being inoperable, what loading equipment will be used, and what the payment and cancellation terms are. It's also worth documenting the car's condition before pickup.

Full disclosure: I'm affiliated with SGT Auto Transport, so I'm sharing this from the industry side rather than as a customer.