A vehicle is considered operable if it can drive forward and reverse under its own power and steer. If any of these conditions are not met, then the vehicle is considered inoperable. In other words, if a car can be driven on and off a transport truck without the trucker having to do any additional work, then it’s an operable vehicle. If the trucker must push or winch the vehicle onto the truck, then it’s inoperable and the trucker will want to be paid more to perform these additional services.