The research in brief
Tempus Logix is a good fit for inoperable vehicle shipping when the vehicle can still roll, brake, and steer and can be loaded with a carrier winch. Two of seven platforms named it during ranking discovery, at an average listed rank of 5.0 and a best rank of 4. Its strongest advantage is a dedicated inoperable-vehicle service with a published $150–$300 winch surcharge and stated carrier winch verification. The main limitation is its broker model: it does not guarantee carrier availability, does not provide towing or repositioning, and requires customers to arrange forklift or rollback loading when the vehicle fails the roll-brake-steer test.
Research Snapshot
| Field | Finding |
|---|---|
| Platform mentions in ranking stage | 2 of 7 platforms (Kimi, Perplexity) |
| Share of included platform responses | 28.6% |
| Average listed rank | 5.0 |
| Best listed rank | 4 |
| Moving offering | Inoperable Car Shipping / Non-Running Vehicle Transport Services (broker service) |
| Overall use-case fit | Good for movable inoperable vehicles; weaker for fully immobile or inaccessible vehicles |
| Research date | 2026-09-30 |
Why Tempus Logix Qualified for This Study
Questions explored
- Is Tempus Logix a good choice for inoperable vehicle shipping?
- Why did only two of seven AI platforms name Tempus Logix for non-running vehicle transport?
Tempus Logix qualified because it operates a dedicated inoperable-vehicle transport service rather than treating non-running loads as an exception. It is an FMCSA-licensed broker under USDOT #3117533 and MC #86120, and it connects customers with a stated network of more than 25,000 carriers [4]. It holds BBB accreditation with an A+ rating [20].
Its inclusion in this study rests on a specific, published inoperable-vehicle offering: winch loading for non-running vehicles, a disclosed $150–$300 winch surcharge, an $80 jump-start option, and written guidance on the roll-brake-steer requirement [13].
The ranking evidence is thinner than the fit evidence. Only two of seven platforms named Tempus Logix during ranking discovery - Kimi at rank 6 and Perplexity at rank 4 - giving it a 28.6% share of included platform responses. All seven platforms evaluated its fit, and six of seven rated it good or strong, but the ranking-stage mention count is the metric that determined its final placement.
The moving offering in focus
Questions explored
- Which Tempus Logix service should a buyer choose for a non-running car that can still roll and steer?
- Does Tempus Logix handle inoperable vehicles directly or through partner carriers?
The relevant offering is Tempus Logix's Inoperable Car Shipping / Non-Running Vehicle Transport Services, delivered as a broker service rather than as a carrier operation. Tempus Logix states it brokers shipments to licensed and insured carriers and is not contractually liable for driver availability, delays, or unforeseen carrier problems (Evidence ID openai:c1, official:C2).
The service is positioned for non-running, accident-damaged, salvage, and project vehicles. Company pages describe motorized winch loading with steel cables, coordinator verification of vehicle condition before carrier matching, and dispatch of carriers confirmed to have functional winching gear (Evidence ID openai:c2, Evidence ID anthropic:3-10, Evidence ID anthropic:3-13, official:C1).
The operational boundary is the roll-brake-steer rule. Tempus Logix states that standard winched transport generally requires the vehicle to roll, steer, and brake, and that vehicles failing those criteria need specialized forklift or rollback-flatbed arrangements made separately by the customer [14].
What the AI Platforms Agreed About
Questions explored
- What do multiple AI platforms agree on about Tempus Logix for inoperable vehicle shipping?
- Is the $150 to $300 winch surcharge consistently reported across AI platforms?
Agreement was strong on four points and unanimous on none of them in the strict sense, since Kimi rated fit uncertain while the other six rated it good or strong.
First, the winch surcharge. OpenAI, Anthropic, Grok, Perplexity, and Google all report a $150–$300 winch service fee for non-running vehicles [13]. This is company-published pricing repeated across platforms, not independent verification.
Second, the roll-brake-steer requirement. OpenAI, Anthropic, Perplexity, and Google all describe the same loading precondition and the same consequence - customer-arranged forklift or rollback when it is not met [14].
Third, the broker model. Anthropic, DeepSeek, Perplexity, and Kimi all identify Tempus Logix as a broker rather than a carrier, with carrier assignment occurring after booking [31].
Fourth, no upfront deposit. Anthropic, Perplexity, Google, and Grok report that booking is free and no upfront payment or credit card is required before carrier assignment [9].
Where the AI Platforms Disagreed or Were Uncertain
Questions explored
- Why do AI platforms disagree about Tempus Logix's pricing transparency for inoperable vehicle shipping?
- Is Tempus Logix's fit rating for non-running vehicles strong, good, or uncertain?
The platforms disagreed on fit strength. Grok rated it a strong fit. OpenAI, Anthropic, DeepSeek, Google, and Perplexity rated it good. Kimi rated it uncertain, citing unverified carrier equipment inventory, no published surcharge amounts, and no disclosed dispatch timelines for inoperable loads [13].
They also disagreed on surcharge amounts. Grok and US News report a $100–$200 inoperable surcharge, while the company's own pages and five other platforms report $150–$300 [35]. The company's published range is the more specific figure, but the discrepancy is unresolved.
Pricing transparency produced the sharpest conflict. Company pages state that quotes include all transportation costs with no hidden fees (Evidence ID openai:c1, official:C2). Independent review sources report customer complaints that initial quotes were not legitimate offers and that unexpected charges appeared at delivery [27]. ConsumerAffairs also documents a 5% credit card or PayPal transaction fee and a $75 rescheduling fee [31].
Dry-run fee amounts conflict internally. The formal terms state a carrier may demand up to $200, while a company page describes a $150 dry-run fee (Evidence ID openai:c1, Evidence ID google:tempus_main_page, official:C1).
Tracking claims conflict. One company page states Tempus Logix maintains real-time tracking updates [13], while the terms state it does not provide live or real-time tracking or ETAs and that updates are obtained manually from the carrier [18].
Services for this moving need
Questions explored
- Does Tempus Logix provide winch-equipped trailers for non-running vehicle loading?
- What happens if an inoperable vehicle cannot roll, brake, or steer for Tempus Logix loading?
Winch loading is the core capability. Tempus Logix advertises motorized winch loading for non-running vehicles and states that coordinators manually confirm the assigned carrier has functional winching gear before dispatch (Evidence ID openai:c2, Evidence ID anthropic:3-13, Evidence ID anthropic:22-8, official:C1). The company also states that not all transport rigs carry winches or auxiliary power units, which implies selective carrier assignment rather than universal capability [20].
Loading time and scheduling. Company guidance states winch loading adds roughly 30 to 45 minutes of preparation at pickup and delivery, that transit times match running vehicles, and that booking at least one week in advance is advisable to secure a specialized carrier (official:C1).
Site access. Company guidance states that large multi-car haulers need a wide, flat area to align ramps and operate winch cables, and that narrow residential driveways may require a nearby meeting point such as a shopping center or wide street shoulder (official:C1, Evidence ID perplexity:c11).
Auction and salvage pickups. Tempus Logix states it coordinates Copart and IAAI releases, including gate passes, lot or stick numbers, and pickup PINs, and warns that salvage yards may charge $50–$100 per day in storage after the free pickup window (official:C1).
Insurance. Partner carriers are reported to carry cargo insurance up to $1 million, and Tempus Logix states it double-checks carrier insurance certificates before dispatch [31]. Personal belongings up to 100 lbs below window level are permitted at no extra cost but are not covered by carrier cargo insurance (official:C1).
Pricing, fees, and contract terms
Questions explored
- How much does Tempus Logix charge for inoperable vehicle shipping, and what surcharges apply?
- What cancellation, dry-run, and rescheduling fees apply to a Tempus Logix non-running vehicle shipment?
No route-specific total price was publicly verifiable without shipment details. Published figures are surcharges and samples, not binding quotes.
| Cost item | Amount | Source basis |
|---|---|---|
Winch service fee | $150–$300 | Company-published [13] |
Inoperable surcharge (alternate figure) | $100–$200 | US News and Grok-reported [35] |
Dead-battery jump-start | $80 | Company-published [13] |
Dry-run fee | Up to $200 per terms; $150 per company page | Conflicting [18] |
Detention fee | Up to $75 per hour | Company terms [18] |
Rescheduling fee | $75 | ConsumerAffairs [31] |
Credit card / PayPal transaction fee | 5% | ConsumerAffairs [31] |
Sample 2018 sedan rates | $695 (500 mi), $717 (1,500 mi), $1,451 (2,500 mi) | US News [35] |
Contract terms. Quotes are stated to be valid for five calendar days and intended for shipments within ten calendar days of quotation or booking; later shipments may be repriced (Evidence ID openai:c1, official:C2). Cancellation before driver assignment or pickup may qualify for a full refund if conditions are met and written notice is sent; verbal cancellation is not accepted (Evidence ID openai:c1, official:C2). Motor1 reports no cancellation fees if the shipment is canceled before carrier assignment, with a 100% deposit refund within 48 hours [32].
Cost positioning. MoveAdvisor analysis places Tempus Logix average long-distance transport at $1,222, about 13% above a stated market average of $1,077 [25]. This is third-party analysis of general auto transport, not inoperable-specific pricing.
Best Suited For
Questions explored
- Who is Tempus Logix best suited for when shipping a non-running vehicle?
- Is Tempus Logix worth it for a project car that rolls and steers but will not start?
Tempus Logix is best suited to owners of non-running vehicles that still roll, brake, and steer and can be winched onto a trailer. That includes project cars, seized-engine vehicles, transmission-failure vehicles, and accident-damaged vehicles that remain movable [13].
It also suits buyers who want the inoperable surcharge disclosed before dispatch rather than discovered at delivery, and who value a free online booking process with no upfront deposit [13].
It fits buyers shipping from auction or salvage yards who need gate-pass and release coordination, and buyers making long-distance or cross-country moves where a broker's multi-carrier network may help locate an equipped carrier (official:C1, Evidence ID deepseek:c1, Evidence ID anthropic:30-5).
Probably Not Best Suited For
Questions explored
- Who should not choose Tempus Logix for inoperable vehicle shipping?
- Is Tempus Logix a poor fit for a vehicle with seized brakes or missing wheels?
It is a weak fit for vehicles without usable wheels, steering, or brakes. Tempus Logix states that vehicles failing the roll-brake-steer criteria require the customer to arrange and fund specialized forklift, crane, or rollback loading at both pickup and delivery [14].
It is a weak fit for vehicles trapped in locations a large transport truck cannot reach. The company states it does not provide or compensate for towing an inoperable vehicle to or from an accessible area (Evidence ID openai:c1, official:C1).
It is a weak fit for buyers who need guaranteed pickup or delivery dates, live tracking, or direct carrier accountability. The terms disclaim responsibility for driver availability and delays, and the tracking claim conflicts with the terms [18].
It is a weak fit for budget-first buyers on short routes, where a fixed $150–$300 winch surcharge represents a large share of total cost, and for buyers who need a firm all-in price before carrier assignment [25].
When Another Option May Be Better
Questions explored
- When is a different provider better than Tempus Logix for a fully immobile vehicle?
- What alternative should a buyer consider if they need a binding all-in price for inoperable vehicle shipping?
A local heavy-duty towing or recovery company may be better when the vehicle must be moved from a tight, blocked, damaged, or inaccessible location before transport, or when it lacks wheels, steering, or brakes and needs forklift or rollback loading [18].
A carrier-direct provider may be better when the buyer wants a single point of accountability, guaranteed equipment named in writing before pickup, or direct control over the physical carrier rather than a brokerage arrangement [31].
A provider with published, binding all-in pricing may be better when pricing certainty before booking is the deciding factor, since Tempus Logix pricing is quote-based and surcharge-based rather than fixed [13].
For enclosed transport with liftgate loading of exotic or classic non-running vehicles, or for rural and low-density lanes requiring verified winch-carrier availability, specialized alternatives may carry lower verification risk [13].
Questions to ask before booking
Questions explored
- What should a buyer confirm with Tempus Logix before paying a deposit on an inoperable vehicle shipment?
- Which fees should be itemized in writing before a Tempus Logix non-running vehicle booking?
Confirm whether the quoted total already includes the $150–$300 winch charge or whether it is added after booking [13].
Confirm the assigned carrier has a working winch, suitable ramps, and sufficient capacity for the vehicle's weight, damage, ground clearance, and loading points [13].
Confirm whether the vehicle meets the carrier's exact roll, brake, and steer requirements, and who pays for rollback, forklift, towing, or repositioning if it does not [14].
Request an itemized written breakdown covering base rate, winch fee, broker or scheduling fees, the 5% card transaction fee, and any taxes, and confirm it matches the final invoice [31].
Confirm the exact dry-run, cancellation, detention, storage, and rescheduling amounts that apply to this shipment, given the $150 versus $200 dry-run conflict [18].
Ask whether the quote is binding or preliminary, and at what point the rate becomes final [18].
Request the assigned carrier's USDOT and MC numbers before pickup so the safety record and insurance can be checked independently [31].
Confirm the pickup location supports semi-truck winch operation, and identify a fallback meeting point if it does not (official:C1, Evidence ID perplexity:c11).
Confirm what happens if the carrier arrives but cannot load because of accident damage, blocked wheels, steering lock, flat tires, low clearance, or site access [18].
Confirm whether personal belongings are excluded from carrier insurance and what the weight limit is (official:C1).
The consensus assessment
Tempus Logix is a good, conditional fit for inoperable vehicle shipping. Six of seven platforms rated it good or strong; Kimi rated it uncertain. Two of seven platforms named it during ranking discovery, at an average rank of 5.0.
The case for it rests on a dedicated inoperable-vehicle service, a published $150–$300 winch surcharge, stated carrier winch verification, no upfront deposit, and documented experience with non-running and salvage vehicles [13].
The case against it rests on the broker model, unguaranteed carrier availability, no included towing or repositioning, customer-arranged specialized loading when the roll-brake-steer test fails, conflicting dry-run and tracking claims, and independent reports of unexpected charges despite stated pricing transparency [18].
Platform agreement here reflects repeated company-published claims more than independent verification. It does not establish that Tempus Logix performs better than alternatives for inoperable loads.
How This Review Was Produced
This review was produced from seven AI platform responses to a single research prompt about transporting a vehicle that no longer runs due to mechanical failure or an accident. Each platform was asked which providers it would recommend and why. The research date is 2026-09-30.
Platforms that named Tempus Logix during ranking discovery were counted separately from platforms that evaluated its fit. Two platforms named it in the ranking stage; all seven produced fit assessments. Fit ratings were recorded as strong, good, or uncertain based on each platform's own stated verdict.
Citations are platform-reported evidence. Company-owned citations materially outnumber independent citations in the supplied set, so company claims are described as company-stated rather than independently verified. Where platforms conflicted, both positions are reported rather than resolved.
Research limitations
The supplied URLs were collected from platform responses and were not independently validated at the writing stage. Citations are platform-reported evidence, not independently verified facts.
Company-owned sources materially outnumber independent sources in this evidence set. Most capability claims about winch equipment, loading methods, and surcharges originate from Tempus Logix's own pages.
Platform-reported research dates differ from the authoritative run date. DeepSeek reported a research date of 2026-01-15, while the run research date is 2026-09-30. Platform-reported dates are provenance metadata and do not independently prove freshness.
DeepSeek ran with search disabled, so its findings are model-reported rather than retrieved. Kimi reported that it could not verify USDOT or MC licensing, could not confirm whether Tempus Logix pre-qualifies carrier equipment or merely posts to load boards, and found no independent reviews specific to Tempus Logix inoperable shipping [13].
No route-specific total price was publicly verifiable without shipment details. The reviewed independent evidence is general auto-transport feedback and does not establish a success rate for inoperable or accident-damaged vehicles [29].
See the broader Non-Running or Inoperable Vehicles consensus index for comparisons across qualified options.
Explore more auto transport and vehicle shipping companies guidance in the category directory.
Sources
Company-Owned Sources
- Inoperable Vehicle Shipping | Non-Running Cars | Bold Auto Transport: https://boldautotransport.com/inoperable-vehicle-shipping
- Shipping an Inoperable (Non-Running) Vehicle - Web Auto Transport Help Center: https://help.webautotransport.com/article/51-shipping-an-inoperable-non-running-vehicle
- Inoperable Vehicle Shipping | Non-Running Cars | Navi Auto Transport: https://naviautotransport.com/inoperable-vehicle-shipping/
- Tempus Logix: Auto Transport: https://tempuslogix.com/
- Get an Instant Auto Transport Quote Online: https://tempuslogix.com/auto-transport-cost/instant-quote/
- Auto Transport Damage Claims Process: Complete Filing Guide: https://tempuslogix.com/auto-transport-insurance-protection/transport-damage-claims/
- Auto Transport Safety, Trust & Compliance: https://tempuslogix.com/auto-transport-safety-compliance/
- Understanding DOT & FMCSA Compliance: https://tempuslogix.com/auto-transport-safety-compliance/auto-transport-dot-fmcsa-compliance/
- Tempus Logix: Open Auto Transport: https://tempuslogix.com/auto-transport/open-auto-transport/
- Auto Transport Timeline: What to Expect: https://tempuslogix.com/car-shipping-guide/auto-transport-timeline/
- Car Shipping Quote Instant Calculator Based on AI: https://tempuslogix.com/car-shipping-quote-instant-calculator-based-on-ai/
- Tempus Logix: Corporate Auto Transport Program: https://tempuslogix.com/corporate-business-relocation/corporate-transport-programs/
- Inoperable Car Shipping: Non-Running Vehicle Transport Services: https://tempuslogix.com/inoperable-vehicle-transport/
- Inoperable Car Shipping Costs: Non-Running Vehicle Price Guide: https://tempuslogix.com/inoperable-vehicle-transport/inoperable-car-shipping-cost/
- Non-Running Vehicle Shipping Guide: Professional Immobile Car Transport: https://tempuslogix.com/inoperable-vehicle-transport/non-running-car-shipping/
- How to Prepare a Non-Running Car for Shipping: https://tempuslogix.com/inoperable-vehicle-transport/prepare-inoperable-car-shipping/
- The Online Car Buyer's Guide to Shipping & Logistics: https://tempuslogix.com/online-car-buying/
- Terms and Conditions of Car Transportation Brokerage Company: https://tempuslogix.com/terms-and-conditions/
- Tempus Logix: Auto Transport Insurance FAQs: https://tempuslogix.com/transport-insurance-faqs/
- Tempus Logix: Vehicle Shipping by Type: https://tempuslogix.com/vehicle-transport-by-type/
- Inoperable & Non-Running Vehicle Transport: https://tempuslogix.com/vehicle-transport-by-type/non-running-vehicle-transport/
- Inoperable Vehicle Transport | Whipshipper: https://whipshipper.com/inoperable-vehicle-transport
- Inoperable Car Shipping & Non-Running Vehicle Transport: https://www.myautotransportcompany.com/inoperable-vehicle-shipping
- Inoperable Vehicle Shipping: Non-Running Cars | Ship A Car: https://www.shipacarinc.com/services/individual/inoperable-vehicle-shipping/
Independent Sources
- MoveAdvisor: Tempus Logix Reviews: https://moveadvisor.com/car-movers/tempus-logix-9845
- TransportVibe: Tempus Logix Review: https://transportvibe.com/company-reviews/tempus-logix-review
- Trustpilot: Tempus Logix Auto Transport Reviews: https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/tempuslogix.com?page=5
- Tempus Logix LLC | Better Business Bureau Profile: https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/los-angeles/profile/auto-transport/tempus-logix-llc-1216-1000069525
- Tempus Logix Auto Transport | BBB Reviews: https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/tujunga/profile/trucking-transportation-brokers/tempus-logix-auto-transport-1216-1273887/customer-reviews?page=2
- 5 Best Classic Car Transport in 2026 | ConsumerAffairs: https://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/classic-car-transport.html
- ConsumerAffairs: Tempus Logix Reviews: https://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/tempus-logix.html
- Motor1: Tempus Logix Changing The Game Of Car Shipping: https://www.motor1.com/features/571278/tempus-logix-changing-car-shipping/
- Transport Rankings: Tempus Logix Reviews: https://www.transportrankings.com/tempus-logix.html
- Tempus Logix – Auto Transport Directory Listing: https://www.transportreviews.com/company/tempus-logix/
- US News: Tempus Logix Car Shipping Review 2025: https://www.usnews.com/360-reviews/services/moving-companies/car-shipping/tempus-logix
ChatGPT
Claude
DeepSeek
Grok
Perplexity
Kimi
Gemini