Non-Running Car Transport in Australia: Everything You Need to Know Before You Book
So your car won't start, won't roll, or has just been sitting in the driveway looking like a rust sculpture. You still need to move it — whether that's across the suburb, across the state, or from Brisbane all the way to Perth. The good news? You have more options than you might think, and getting a non-running car moved in Australia is far more common and straightforward than most people realise.
Let's walk through how it all works, what it costs, and what to look for in a reliable transport provider.
What Exactly Is Non-Running Car Transport?
Not every vehicle that needs moving is in mint condition. Non-Running Car Transport is a specialised service designed to move vehicles that can't be driven under their own power — think cars with engine failures, flood or accident damage, salvage vehicles, project cars, or anything that simply refuses to fire up.
Unlike a standard car transport job where the vehicle is driven onto the carrier, non-running vehicles need winches, hydraulic lifts, skates, or flat-bed loaders to get them safely onto the truck. It takes a bit more work, which is why not every transport company handles it — and why it's worth knowing what you're booking before you commit.
Common Reasons Australians Need to Move a Non-Runner
There's no single type of person who needs this service. Across Australia, people find themselves needing to transport inoperable vehicles for all sorts of reasons:
Buying a project car interstate. You've scored a bargain on a classic Holden Torana or an old Land Cruiser listed in another state. It runs, sort of — but there's no way you're driving it 1,400 km home. Transport is the only sensible option.
Post-accident or flood damage. After a smash or a flood event, a damaged vehicle often needs to be moved to a repairer, insurance assessor, or wrecking yard. It can't be driven, and a standard tow only covers so much distance.
Selling a non-runner. Sometimes it makes more financial sense to sell a vehicle to a buyer interstate rather than locally. Arranging transport is often part of closing the deal.
Deceased estates and property clearances. Inherited vehicles in unknown condition often can't be driven, but they still need to move.
Classic and collector vehicles. Heritage cars, restored vehicles, or sentimental machines that haven't run in years often need to be moved carefully and professionally.
How Does the Transport Process Actually Work?
Once you get in touch with a non-running car transport provider and confirm the booking, here's what to generally expect:
Assessment and quoting. You'll be asked about the vehicle's size, weight, make, model, and — critically — its condition. Can it roll? Does it steer? Does it have flat tyres or a locked-up transmission? These details matter because they affect the loading method and the equipment needed.
Specialised loading. Non-running vehicles that can't be driven onto the carrier are loaded using winches, forklifts, or hydraulic equipment. If your car won't roll at all, it'll need to be on a flatbed or loaded with skates under the wheels.
Open or enclosed transport. For most non-runners, open transport (multi-car carriers) is perfectly adequate and the most cost-effective option. If you're moving a high-value classic or a vehicle with exposed damage, enclosed transport provides extra protection from weather and debris along the journey.
Door-to-door or depot-to-depot delivery. Door-to-door is the most convenient option for inoperable vehicles — the carrier comes to your location and delivers directly to your destination address, so you're not trying to move a non-runner between depots on your own.
What Does It Cost to Transport a Non-Running Car in Australia?
Pricing varies depending on several factors, but here's a realistic picture to help you budget:
Distance is the biggest driver of cost. General car transport across Australia costs roughly $0.35 to $0.55 per kilometre, but non-running vehicles attract additional charges due to specialist loading equipment and extra labour involved.
Local metro moves typically start from around $150–$300 for a non-runner, depending on equipment required.
Short interstate routes — such as Sydney to Melbourne or Brisbane to Sydney — generally come in between $600 and $1,200 for a non-running vehicle, depending on the service level.
Long-haul interstate routes — for example Perth to Sydney or Darwin to Melbourne — can range from $1,500 to $2,500 or more for an inoperable vehicle, particularly when specialised loading is involved.
Non-running vehicles do cost more to transport than driveable ones. The additional fees reflect the need for specialist loading, extra time on-site, and sometimes administrative requirements for inspections or compliance reports. That said, the cost difference is often modest compared to the alternative of a long-distance tow.
What to Look For in a Non-Running Car Transport Company
Not every transport operator is set up to handle inoperable vehicles. Here's what separates a capable specialist from a company that just ticks a box on their website:
Specialised equipment. Ask directly whether they have winches, hydraulic ramps, and wheel skates. If a company isn't upfront about this, it's worth pressing them.
Experience with damaged vehicles. A provider that regularly handles salvage, flood-damaged, and project cars understands that these vehicles need more careful handling. Loose panels, missing parts, and compromised structural integrity all require extra care.
Transparent pricing. A reliable company will quote clearly and explain any additional fees for non-running vehicles upfront. Vague quotes that suddenly grow at collection time are a red flag.
Transit insurance. Confirm what's covered during transport. Most reputable carriers include basic transit insurance, but it's worth understanding the specifics, especially for higher-value or collision-damaged vehicles.
Coverage to your location. Australia is vast, and not every operator services regional or remote areas. Make sure your provider can actually reach your pickup and delivery points, not just the major capital cities.
Tips to Prepare Your Non-Running Vehicle for Transport
A bit of preparation makes the whole process smoother and can avoid delays or additional costs on collection day:
Let the transport company know the full condition of the vehicle before booking — don't leave out details like flat tyres, missing wheels, or a seized handbrake.
Disconnect the battery if the vehicle has been sitting for a while to prevent electrical issues during transport.
Remove personal items from inside the car. Most carriers don't allow goods to be transported inside vehicles, and items left in the car typically aren't covered by transit insurance.
Take photos of the vehicle before handover. Document any existing damage so there's a clear before-and-after record if needed.
Ensure the fuel tank isn't full. Most carriers prefer vehicles to have only a small amount of fuel — enough to move it on-site if possible, but not a full tank.
Interstate Routes Commonly Serviced Across Australia
Non-running car transport is available on all major Australian interstate routes, including:
Sydney to Melbourne (and return)
Brisbane to Sydney / Gold Coast
Perth to Sydney / Melbourne (long-haul, allow extra lead time)
Darwin to Brisbane / Adelaide
Regional and rural locations across QLD, NSW, VIC, SA, and WA
If you're in a regional area, door-to-door service may take a little longer to arrange depending on carrier schedules, but it's usually available.
Getting a non-running vehicle moved across town or across Australia isn't as complicated as it might seem — as long as you work with the right provider. Be upfront about the vehicle's condition, understand what the quote includes, and confirm the loading method before you sign anything. Do that, and you'll save yourself a lot of stress.
Whether it's a flood-damaged family car, a salvage auction buy, or a decades-old project car finally making its way to a new home, professional non-running car transport gets the job done safely and efficiently — no matter where you are in Australia.
