What Can You Leave in Your Car When Shipping It? Rules, Risks & Best Practices

Shipping your vehicle across the country can be a convenient solution during a move, relocation, or seasonal travel. But many customers ask the same question: can you leave personal items inside the car when using a car transport service? The short answer is – it depends. While some auto transporter companies may allow limited personal belongings, there are strict regulations and guidelines to follow.

Before placing your favorite suitcase or a few boxes in the trunk, it’s important to understand what’s allowed, what’s risky, and how personal items can affect your shipping experience.

What Personal Items Can You Leave in Your Car?

In most cases, car hauling companies permit you to store up to 100 pounds of personal items inside the vehicle. These items should be packed securely, placed below the window level, and kept in the trunk or back seat.

Acceptable personal items may include:

• Clothes and linens
• Small household items (non-fragile)
• Books or paperwork
• Lightweight travel bags
  

However, carriers are not legally responsible for any lost or damaged personal belongings. That’s why it’s crucial to avoid placing valuables, electronics, or anything irreplaceable in the vehicle.

What Items Are Strictly Prohibited?

While it may be tempting to pack everything in your car to save space or money, there are strict rules that auto transporters must follow. The Department of Transportation and most automobile transport companies do not allow the transport of the following items inside vehicles:

• Firearms, ammunition, or weapons
• Hazardous materials, explosives, or flammables
• Alcohol, tobacco, or drugs
• Perishable food or live plants
• Electronics or high-value goods
• Pets or people (yes, it’s happened!)
  

Violating these regulations could result in fines, delays, or complete denial of service. That’s why it’s best to double-check with your carrier before packing anything that could cause issues.

How Personal Items Affect the Car Shipping Estimate

Including personal belongings in your shipment can impact your overall car shipping estimate. Extra weight can increase the vehicle freight cost and even exceed the legal weight limits for carriers. That’s why some companies charge additional fees or outright refuse to ship vehicles with items inside.

If you’re trying to get the best car transport from NY to Florida or shipping a car to California, be aware that personal items may result in route delays or cause the driver to fail a weigh station inspection.

To avoid surprise charges, always mention any personal items when requesting a ship a car to another state quote.

Tips for Shipping a Vehicle with Personal Items

If your car transport near me option allows personal belongings, here are a few best practices:

• Keep items below 100 lbs and below window level
• Avoid placing anything in the front seat
• Pack soft, lightweight goods only
• Lock the vehicle before transport
• Document what’s inside with photos
• Inform the transporter in advance
  

Following these tips can help reduce risk, avoid damage, and ensure a smoother shipping process.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Putting Items in Your Car?

While placing a few soft items in your trunk is usually okay, loading your vehicle like a moving truck is a no-go. For safety, liability, and cost reasons, it’s best to keep personal belongings minimal.

Before you ship a car to another state, speak to a trusted car hauling company to understand their policy and avoid issues. Some car transport rates may vary based on weight, and honesty about what’s inside helps everyone plan better.

Whether you’re shipping a vehicle to another state or just shipping a car to California, clear communication with your auto transporter ensures a worry-free experience.