Can You Put Stuff in Your Car When Shipping? Hidden Rules Explained
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Moving your car across the country? You probably want to know: can you put stuff in the car when shipping? It seems like an easy way to move, but the answer is more complex than a simple yes. Rules about personal items in car transport differ hugely between carriers and often conflict with federal guidelines.
If you are considering shipping a car with belongings, you risk extra fees, transport delays, or having your possessions go uninsured. We give you clear, specific answers on what you can actually leave inside, what is prohibited, and how to pack for the safest experience.
Don't let a misunderstanding about car shipping with personal items slow down your move. Learn about safe packing, get a direct quote, and start planning your transport today.
Table Of Contents
- What Stuff You Can Put in Your Car When Shipping?
- What Are the Official Rules for Car Shipping with Personal Items?
- DOT and FMCSA Guidelines on Vehicle Weight and Cargo
- Company-Specific Policies and Variations
- Liability and Insurance Exclusions
- What Can You Leave in a Car During Shipping?
- Low-Risk Items Usually Allowed
- Items You Should Never Leave in Your Car
- Special Rules for the Trunk
- Does Putting Stuff in the Car Affect Shipping Costs?
- How to Avoid Hidden Fees When Shipping a Car with Stuff Inside
- Most Common Queries from Shippers
- The Essential Next Step in Your Shipping Plan
What Stuff You Can Put in Your Car When Shipping?
You need to know the first rule of auto transport: carriers prefer an empty vehicle. If you are asking, "can you put stuff in car when shipping," know that auto transport companies are licensed to move vehicles, not household goods.
Most carriers, however, acknowledge that you have some small, necessary personal items in car transport. This is where the unofficial "100-pound rule" comes in.
- Weight Limit: You can typically put up to 100 pounds of personal items in car transport.
- Location: Securely pack these belongings in the trunk or the cargo area below the window line. Do not load the front seats.
- Item Type: Ship soft, non-fragile items like clothing, blankets, or towels. Think one large duffel bag, not multiple moving boxes.
You should understand that policies regarding shipping car with belongings vary significantly by company and the transport service you choose.
If you choose open carrier transport, which is the most common option, the rules remain strict. The carrier needs to balance the weight across the truck's axles to avoid fines at state weigh stations, making extra weight a serious issue.
If you opt for enclosed transport, carriers may offer slightly more flexibility for shipping car with clothes inside or a little extra weight, but your items are still not covered by their cargo insurance. Always check your carrier’s specific terms on auto transport personal items allowed before you begin packing.
This rule remains constant: you assume all liability for any item you leave inside. We strongly advise that you never leave valuables or irreplaceable items when you are shipping car with personal items.
What Are the Official Rules for Car Shipping with Personal Items?
You are looking for the definitive source on shipping car with belongings, but the rules are split between federal guidelines and individual carrier policy. As a veteran in auto transport, I can tell you the official stance leans heavily toward keeping your vehicle empty. This is crucial for both legal and safety reasons during cross-country car shipping.
The fundamental challenge is that car haulers are licensed only to transport motor vehicles, not standard freight or household goods. Ignoring this distinction can lead to complications and added fees at weigh stations, where every pound of personal items in car transport counts against a strict federal weight limit.
DOT and FMCSA Guidelines on Vehicle Weight and Cargo
You must understand the role of the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These agencies primarily regulate the safety and weight of the commercial transport vehicle, not the personal contents of your car.
The key is that auto transporters are specifically licensed as motor carriers of vehicles. They are generally not licensed as "household goods carriers," a separate and heavily regulated category under the FMCSA. This licensing structure is why almost all carriers discourage shipping car with household items. You can review the specifics of these carrier classifications on the FMCSA's Regulations and Enforcement page.
Adding personal belongings shifts the legal status of the entire load, which can expose the carrier to significant fines if inspected at a weigh station. Federal law imposes strict maximum gross vehicle weight limits.
To manage this, the industry operates under an unofficial allowance, commonly called the "100-pound rule." Carriers factor in a rough 100-pound allowance for minor items when calculating the total load weight for their truck. This explains why they are so strict about the quantity of stuff in the car when shipping.
If your vehicle is full of boxes, it adds hundreds of pounds, forcing the carrier to risk violation or demand that the excess car shipping personal items be removed before loading. The driver’s ability to safely operate the vehicle on and off the ramp must also remain clear of obstructions.
Company-Specific Policies and Variations
While the government sets the foundation, auto transporters interpret the rules differently. You will find variations in what each major company permits regarding auto transport personal items allowed. It is your responsibility to confirm the specific policy before you ship.
Here is a comparison of major players' allowances for personal items in car transport:
- Montway Auto Transport: Montway is a broker that typically adheres to the industry standard, permitting up to 100 pounds of personal possessions. These shipping car with clothes inside items must be confined to the trunk or rear cargo area and kept below window level. You must inform your representative at the time of booking.
- AmeriFreight: AmeriFreight also follows the standard 100-pound limit. They stress that the items must be in a single box or suitcase in the trunk, not the main cabin, to minimize liability risks.
- Sherpa Auto Transport: Sherpa strongly discourages leaving any items in the vehicle due to insurance and liability risks. While they may tolerate small, light items, they emphasize that compliance with the carrier’s safety and weight restrictions is paramount for smooth door-to-door car shipping.
- uShip (Marketplace): As a marketplace connecting you to various carriers, uShip's rule is less rigid and depends on the independent driver. While they note a general 100-pound limit is often accepted, this must be explicitly agreed upon with the specific carrier handling your vehicle transport.
The method of transport also affects the rule. Open transport carriers, which are the most affordable car shipping options, are usually stricter. Enclosed transport—often used for luxury or classic vehicles—sometimes offers slightly more leniency due to the increased security and lower volume of vehicles, but the weight limits still apply.
Liability and Insurance Exclusions
This is the most critical point for you to understand when you choose to put any stuff in the car when shipping. Carrier cargo insurance—the policy required by law that covers your vehicle—is designed only to cover damage to the car itself, and only damage that occurs during the transport process.
- Vehicle Coverage: The carrier's insurance covers damage to the exterior and interior of the car caused by negligence during loading, transit, or unloading. This protection is a standard part of your vehicle transport service.
- Personal Item Exclusion: Absolutely, definitively, and without exception, the carrier's insurance does not cover personal belongings in car transport. This means any loss, theft, or damage to your stored items is not compensated. To fully grasp your protection, refer to this detailed guide: Understanding car transport insurance.
This exclusion is a massive risk. If a thief breaks your window to steal a laptop you hid in the trunk, the carrier's insurance will not pay for the stolen item, and they may even deny the claim for the broken window, citing the hidden cargo as the cause.
Therefore, you ship car shipping personal items at your own risk. It is your responsibility to remove all high-value items, electronics, and important documents. If you have any item that is not easily replaceable, arrange to ship it separately via a moving company or parcel service. Do not count on the auto transport carrier to act as a dual-purpose household goods and car shipping service.
What Can You Leave in a Car During Shipping?
As a veteran in the auto transport industry, I can confirm that the ability to ship your car with belongings is a primary concern for customers arranging cross-country car shipping. The short answer is yes, you can leave limited personal items, but you must adhere to strict rules set by carriers and federal regulators.
When you're shipping a car to another state, understanding these rules prevents fines, delays, and liability issues for the carrier and for you. The difference between shipping personal items in car and shipping freight is significant, and ignoring it is a common mistake. The total weight of all car shipping personal items is a non-negotiable factor.
Low-Risk Items Usually Allowed
Most car transport service providers permit a small amount of low-risk personal belongings in car transport, typically to make your move easier. This is often an unwritten courtesy, not a guaranteed right, so always confirm your carrier's specific policy before the pickup date.
The cardinal rule of shipping car with household items is the weight limit.
- You are generally allowed to leave up to 100 pounds of stuff in the car when shipping.
- This limit is a crucial factor, as extra weight affects the carrier’s overall vehicle weight and fuel consumption.
- Exceeding this amount may result in a non-negotiable surcharge or a complete refusal of service at the point of origin.
You should prioritize lightweight, non-valuable items. Think of soft goods that you can compress easily.
Acceptable items primarily include:
- Clothes and linens packed in duffel bags or soft-sided luggage.
- Towels, non-fragile bedding, or blankets.
- Small, portable car-related accessories, like a first-aid kit or jumper cables.
These personal items must be entirely concealed.
Everything must be placed below the window level, completely out of sight. Leaving visible items is an open invitation for theft at truck stops, and remember, the carrier's insurance will not cover the loss. The most secure place to put these items is in the Special rules for the trunk, which offers the highest level of concealment.
Furthermore, items must be secured; they cannot be loose. A shifting bag can damage the car’s interior or obstruct the driver’s ability to load or unload your vehicle.
Items You Should Never Leave in Your Car
When you are arranging vehicle transport, there is a list of strictly prohibited items you must remove from your vehicle. Transporting hazardous materials or items of high value is simply non-compliant with the carrier’s licensing and insurance and will lead to an immediate inspection failure or denial of service.
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