Brantley Kendall 20 Nov 2024 4 weeks ago Is it illegal to ship a car with stuff inside? No, it’s not strictly illegal, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a car shipping broker willing to take on a job under such conditions. Most of the time, companies that offer this kind of service want to focus on transporting your car from point A to point B – that’s what you’re paying them for, after all. Introducing a trunkful of items to also innocently take part in that journey, while convenient, exposes you (and, by extension, the broker) to a potentially risk of theft or damage. For more information about shipping a car with stuff in it, read the rest of our article below. Shipping a Car with Stuff In It – What’s the Idea? Shipping a car with personal belongings inside feels like it’s consolidating on the move and saving money. And sure, in principle, that makes sense. After all, if you’re planning to relocate, it’s logical that you won’t ditch all your possessions and only bring your vehicle along. However, there are certain limitations and risks associated with the ordeal. To bring things into focus, look at the situation from the car shipping broker’s perspective: their task is to move vehicles, not household goods. Adding extra items into the fold introduces liability concerns, potential weight issues, and even legal complications. While some companies may allow you to ship your car with stuff in the trunk or glove box, most will have strict limits in place. They may disallow certain kinds of items or enforce a complete ban on everything that puts the total weight of the car above a certain threshold. Ultimately, though, the key is to understand the potential risks involved and follow the guidelines of your auto transport company. Why Auto Transport Companies Avoid Shipping a Loaded Car There are several reasons why shipping a car with stuff in it is discouraged or outright prohibited. Some of them include: Weight Limitations: Unfortunately, whether you like it or not, companies have to enforce strict weight limits. This is because the car transporters themselves have a limited capacity, which is a hard limit when transporting multiple vehicles. Insurance Considerations: Typically, standard auto shipping insurance will cover the vehicle itself, not the contents inside. Should anything happen to your stuff, you likely won’t be compensated, creating a situation where both you and the carrier become vulnerable to losses or damages claims. Higher Risk of Theft: Unless you’re a master of masquerading, a loaded car may attract unwanted attention in transit, or when stored away temporarily during a stop. Customs: If you’re shipping internationally, customs inspections can become a major hassle. It’s much easier for the broker to have nothing to declare (outside of the cars, that is) than to have to go through rigorous inspections, navigate laws, and face potential fines or other penalties. When Is Shipping Stuff Inside a Car Allowed? On occasion, you might be able to negotiate with the car shipping company to allow you to transport a small assortment of items to be shipped alongside your car. Typically, the weight of these has to be on the small side, which is actually specified by the DOT – the cutoff point is the 100 pound mark. Next, assuming you’re not shipping a non-running car, it will be loaded and unloaded by driving it onto and off the shipping trailer. As such, the placement of the items can’t obstruct the driver’s seat, mirrors, or windows. Lastly, and this should go without saying, always disclose your intentions with the company! Don’t ship hazardous materials, high-risk items or extremely valuable possessions to limit your risk exposure, and document everything as much as possible. The Takeaway While it’s not illegal to ship a car with stuff in it, doing so involves an extra challenge and puts both you and the shipping company at greater risk. It’s no wonder, then, that transport companies aren’t super eager to accommodate such requests. While some leeway is allowed, don’t expect to pack everything. Instead, curb your expectations and limit yourself to what you absolutely can’t ship out any other way, pack responsibly, and keep your provider informed. You may also read: Snowbird Season: How to Ensure a Smooth Auto Transport Experience Brantley Kendall Share this: