Top Questions Customers Ask About Shipping Cars with Belongings
When you're preparing to ship your vehicle, it’s natural to wonder whether you can pack a few personal items inside.
Top Questions to ask about Personal Items
Customers often ask about the dos and don’ts of shipping belongings along with their cars, and getting clear answers helps build confidence and avoid last-minute surprises. Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this topic.
Can I ship personal items inside my car?
Yes, but with limitations. Most auto transport carriers allow you to ship personal items inside the vehicle as long as they’re under a certain weight—typically up to 100 lbs—and stored securely in the trunk or below window level in the backseat. These items should not be valuable, fragile, or irreplaceable, and you ship them at your own risk.
Can I ship clothes in the car?
You can ship clothing items as long as they fall within the allowed weight limit and are properly stored. Clothes are one of the more common items shipped because they’re lightweight and easy to pack. Just keep in mind: the transporter is not responsible for any lost or damaged clothing.
Will the driver check inside my car?
Drivers are not responsible for inspecting or inventorying the contents of your vehicle. However, during pickup, they may visually confirm that items are packed safely and don’t exceed visible limits. Their primary concern is that the contents do not obstruct the driver’s view or pose a safety risk during transport.
What happens if I forget something in the car?
If you accidentally leave personal items in the car, they will be transported along with the vehicle, but the carrier assumes no liability for their condition or safety. If the items are valuable (e.g., electronics, jewelry, important documents), it’s best to remove them before shipping. Forgotten items may be impossible to recover if lost or damaged in transit.
Can I pack heavy items like tools or equipment?
It’s generally discouraged. Heavy items can shift during transport, potentially damaging your vehicle’s interior or violating the carrier’s weight limits. Tools, equipment, and large suitcases may be flagged or rejected during vehicle inspection.
Will extra items increase my shipping cost?
In some cases, yes. If the total weight of your car with personal items exceeds what the carrier allows, you may be charged an overweight fee or required to remove items before loading. Keeping it light and simple is the safest bet.
Is it safer to ship belongings in an enclosed trailer?
Enclosed auto transport offers more protection for both your vehicle and anything inside it. However, the same rules apply regarding what you’re allowed to include. Even with enclosed transport, carriers do not insure personal items.
Can I leave my child’s car seat or phone charger in the vehicle?
Yes, these kinds of items are usually fine to leave behind, especially if they’re securely installed or tucked away. That said, if it’s something expensive or essential, we recommend taking it with you.
Do I need to declare what’s inside the car?
Most carriers won’t ask for a detailed list unless you're shipping internationally, where customs forms may be required. For domestic shipments, it’s enough to stay within allowed guidelines and ensure the driver knows about any items inside during pickup.
What’s the best way to pack items inside the vehicle?
-
Use the trunk whenever possible
-
Keep items below window level
-
Secure loose objects to prevent damage
-
Avoid fragile or high-value items
-
Label bags or boxes in case retrieval is necessary
While it’s convenient to ship your car with a few extra items inside, it’s important to do so wisely. Knowing the limitations and risks ahead of time helps you avoid added fees, delays, or losses. When in doubt, ask your transport coordinator for guidance, each carrier may have slightly different policies.
Learn more about personal items and auto transport:
Comments
Post a Comment