Shipping your car often raises a practical question: “What items can I leave in my car during transport?” It’s a valid concern, especially if you’re tempted to use the extra space for some personal belongings. While it’s possible, there are clear rules and guidelines to follow. This guide explains what’s allowed and what isn’t, ensuring your car arrives safely and without issues.
Transporting a car with personal items requires some preparation. Auto transport companies have strict policies to ensure the safety of your vehicle, the cargo of other customers, and the driver. Ignoring these rules could lead to extra fees, delays, or even refusal to ship your vehicle.
Is There Any Standard Policy or Rule for Car Movers?
Most auto transport companies follow a standard policy: you’re allowed up to 100 pounds of personal items in your car. This isn’t a legal requirement but rather an industry standard for several reasons.
First, auto transporters are not licensed as moving companies. Their licensing and insurance only cover the vehicle, not the contents inside. Second, extra weight adds risks during loading and unloading and may exceed the weight limits of the transport truck.
Why Does This Weight Limit Exist?
- Insurance: Standard transport insurance doesn’t cover personal belongings. If something gets damaged or stolen, it won’t be reimbursed.
- Safety: Loose items can shift during transport, potentially damaging your car’s interior. Heavier items can even affect the vehicle’s balance.
- Legal regulations: The Department of Transportation (DOT) has strict rules regarding truck weight limits. Overloading can result in hefty fines for the carrier.
- Inspection: Drivers may need to inspect the car’s interior. Excess personal items can make this difficult.
What Can You Leave in Your Car? (Permitted Items)
As long as you stay under the weight limit and store items properly, there are a few things you can bring. The key is to keep items secure and out of sight, preferably in the trunk or under a cargo cover.
Allowed Items (Under 100 lbs):
- Clothing and bedding: Soft items like clothes, towels, blankets, and pillows are ideal. They’re lightweight and unlikely to cause damage if they shift.
- Books and documents: These can be transported if packed securely in a box.
- Kitchenware: Small pots, pans, and utensils can be included if packed safely.
- Standard car accessories: Items that come with the car, like a spare tire, jack, or basic toolkit, are always permitted.
It’s essential that none of these items obstruct the windows. The driver must have full visibility when loading and unloading the vehicle. Never place anything above the window line.
What Shouldn’t You Pack? (Prohibited Items)
Certain items are strictly forbidden, regardless of weight. Bringing these could cause serious issues. Violating these rules could result in your car not being picked up or additional charges.
Strictly Prohibited Items:
- Valuables: Jewelry, electronics (laptops, tablets), cash, and important documents (passports, vehicle titles) should not be left in the car. These are not insured and are at risk of theft.
- Hazardous materials: Firearms, ammunition, explosives, flammable liquids (gasoline, paint), chemicals, and aerosols are forbidden.
- Perishable items: Food and plants can spoil or attract pests during transport.
- Illegal substances: Drugs and other illegal items are strictly prohibited.
- Liquids: Bottled beverages, cleaning products, or other liquids can leak and cause damage.
- Pets: It’s unsafe and illegal to transport live animals in your car during shipping.
The rule is simple: if it’s valuable, dangerous, or illegal, don’t leave it in the car.
Safety Tips for Packing Your Car
If you decide to include personal items, follow these tips to ensure everything stays safe. Proper car preparation for transport is essential.
Smart Packing Tips:
- Use the trunk: The trunk is the safest place for personal items. Ensure everything fits into one enclosed compartment. For SUVs or hatchbacks, use the area behind the rear seats, tucked under the cargo cover.
- Keep items below window level: All belongings must stay below the window line. This maximizes visibility for the driver when maneuvering your car.
- Avoid the driver’s area: Leave the driver’s seat, passenger seat, and front floor space completely empty. This is critical for safety.
- Secure all items: Prevent items from rolling or shifting by using boxes or bags to keep them contained.
- Lock the car: Once the driver inspects and loads your car, it will be locked. This helps deter theft.
Legal Considerations and Insurance
It’s important to understand the legal implications. Moving companies that handle household goods operate under different licenses than auto transporters. Loading personal belongings into your car creates a legal gray area.
If anything happens to your personal items, the transport insurance won’t cover it. The carrier’s insurance only protects against damage to the vehicle itself during transport. You are responsible for the contents inside. Be aware of these risks before deciding to pack items in your car.
Weigh the Risks
While it may be tempting to use your car as extra luggage space, it’s crucial to follow the rules and weigh the risks. Carrying a small amount of light, soft goods (up to 100 lbs) in the trunk is usually acceptable. However, always avoid valuables, hazardous materials, or fragile items.
Careful planning ensures a smooth, stress-free transport experience. By properly preparing your car and respecting the transport company’s guidelines, you can ensure your vehicle arrives safely and on time. If you’re ever unsure, always check with your transport company about their specific policies for shipping cars with personal items.
