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Can you put stuff in your car when it gets shipped?

What's in this article?
  1. The Basics Of Transporting Personal Belongings In Your Vehicle
  2. Regulations Regarding Shipping Items In Your Car
  3. The Risks And Consequences Of Loading Items In Your Car For Shipping
Can you put stuff in your car when it gets shipped?

While it is technically legal to ship personal items or boxes in your car or trunk during car shipping, the specific policies and stipulations vary among shipping companies. It's essential to consult with your chosen provider to understand their preferences and any potential restrictions.

Shipping vehicles from one location to another is a complex process that requires professional expertise. A common query is whether personal belongings can be packed in the shipped vehicle. The answer varies from one shipping company to another. Several service providers allow a limited weight of personal belongings inside the car. Still, some may have strict policies prohibiting any form of goods in the car during transit.

The Basics of Transporting Personal Belongings in Your Vehicle

Moving, long-distance travel and short trips often require transporting personal belongings in your vehicle. For convenience and cost, many people move items in their car. Packing your car safely and efficiently is essential whether you're moving small appliances, clothes, books, or fragile items like decorative pieces.

Professional Auto Transport Companies

Always distribute your belongings' weight evenly in your vehicle. Keep heavy items at the bottom and light ones on top. This prevents damage and keeps your car balanced. Make sure nothing falls or moves, which could make driving dangerous. Cover fragile items with blankets or padding to prevent breakage. Transporting hazardous items like electronics or chemicals requires special care.

Regulations Regarding Shipping Items in Your Car

Understanding personal property loading regulations is crucial when shipping your car. Auto transport companies typically ban personal items. The Department of Transportation (DoT) prohibits carriers from transporting anything other than motor vehicles, supporting these specialized movers' main purpose. Safety, efficiency, and business specialization are the main goals.

Some companies may let you pack a few non-valuable items in the trunk up to a quarter of the back seat's size, but this is still a grey area. Highway patrol officers and weigh stations may fine items over 100-200 lbs. Shipping items in your car is risky because the auto mover's insurance usually covers only the vehicle.

The Risks and Consequences of Loading Items in Your Car for Shipping

Before opting to use your car as a transport medium for your personal belongings, it's important to understand the risks associated with such a decision. One of the major risks is damage to your items during transit. If the vehicle is involved in an accident, it can result in a significant loss due to damage to the items. Furthermore, some delicate belongings may not withstand the vibrations and bumps typical during vehicle transport. It's well worth considering how well your items can handle such conditions.

A further consideration to weigh is the potential for theft. Items left in plain sight can be an enticing target for thieves. Additional risks come in potential fines or penalties if your vehicle's weight exceeds the limits set out by your carrier service or local road regulations. Therefore, vehicle owners must be aware of these potential consequences before packing their cars with personal items during shipping.

Transporting Personal Belongings

Frequently Asked Questions

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Joe Webster always knew the auto transport industry would be a great career option. And with decades of experience, Joe is now an established consultant for A1 Auto Transport.

Joe was born in Santa Cruz, California. During high school, Joe worked as a mechanic; a job continued to work part-time during his bachelor's degree.

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A-1 Auto Transport is a disclosed agent for the following shipping companies:

Trans Global Auto Logistics, Inc.
3401 E Randol Mill Rd
Arlington, TX 76011
NO. 018191NF
CFR Rinkens
15501 Texaco Avenue
Paramount, CA 90723
NO. 013055NF
ABC Worldwide LLC
2840 NW 2nd Ave #105
Boca Raton, FL 33431
NO. 025472F
CSI Logistics
435 Division Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
FMC 22206
Intl Cargo
45 Campus Drive
Edison, NJ 08837
NO. 17858N
ShipYourCarNow LLC
1160 South Rogers Circle Suite 1
Boca Raton, FL 33487
NO. 025646
Merco Air & Ocean Cargo, Inc.
6 Fir Way
Cooper City, FL 33026
NO. 021869F
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