Can you ship a car with PODS?

When it comes to moving, one of the most common questions we hear is, "Can you ship a car with PODS?" PODS (Portable On Demand Storage) offers convenient storage and transportation solutions, especially for household belongings and furniture. However, PODS does not provide a service specifically designed for shipping vehicles. This might come as a surprise for many individuals planning a big move, as vehicles require specific handling, equipment, and expertise to transport safely. Although PODS containers are excellent for keeping your belongings secure during transit, vehicles cannot be safely loaded or secured within these containers due to their size limitations and structural design. Attempting to use PODS for vehicle transportation can lead to damage to your vehicle and might void certain insurance coverages.

Fortunately, specialized vehicle shipping services like A-1 Auto Transport are available to safely move your car across any distance. A-1 Auto Transport offers comprehensive auto transportation solutions designed to handle the unique requirements of vehicle shipping, ensuring that your car reaches its destination safely and without hassle

What are PODS?

Portable On Demand Storage, or PODS for short, is like a newer version of the popular ‘UHaul’ used for moving and storing pretty much anything that can safely fit. Like the U Haul, PODS has become the go-to option for people trying to make their move a DIY operation or want a cheaper option for full-service moving companies.

Unlike other similar container supply services, PODS come in varying sizes at different price points to suit various needs. Storage Container also allows you to go at your own pace, offering monthly rentals and such for moving and storage purposes.

Storage Containers Sizes

PODS come in three sizes: significant, medium, and trim.

Large Container

The most enormous PODS container is their 16ft PODS designed for moving large households. Its dimensions are 16 x 8 x 8 ft, or 835 cubic ft, comparable to a 10 x 15 ft storage unit, or a 20 ft moving truck.

The large container can move up to 3 or 4 rooms, or about 1200 sq. ft or smaller. It’s also great for driving a small business with equipment and furniture to another destination.

Medium Receptacle

The next size down is 12ft and is great for 2 to 3 rooms worth of belongings, or roughly 500-800 sq. ft. This size is especially popular when moving an apartment, and can be used for in-town moving and storage needs.

The dimensions of this container are 12 x 8 x 8 ft, comparable to a 10 x 10 storage unit, or a 15 ft rental moving truck. It’s approximately 689 cubic feet.

Small Container

The smallest container has dimensions of 8 x 7 x 8ft. It has up to 402 cubic feet of usable space, making this small container ideal for college students and young adults who don’t have a lot of stuff and need to move.

Roughly the size of a walk-in closet, one can compare it to a 5 x 10 ft storage unit or 10 ft moving truck. One can easily fit the items from a 500 sq. ft or smaller space in this small container.

Mix and match

PODS allows you to mix and match your containers to accomplish your relocation. The most popular mix is the small and large container, but it’s up to you and what you’ll require.

Note that these dimensions are based on exterior measurements, and are given for guidance purposes. The amount of space you get out of a container is significantly influenced by how things are loaded, and the size of your items.

Why Can't You Ship a Car with PODS?

PODS containers are designed primarily for household items like furniture, boxes, and personal belongings. The construction and dimensions of PODS containers are not compatible with vehicles. Here are a few reasons why shipping a car with PODS is not practical:

• Size and Space Limitations: PODS containers generally measure 7, 12, or 16 feet in length, and their internal dimensions are not suitable for the average car or SUV. Most vehicles simply won't fit, and even if a smaller car could squeeze inside, it would be impossible to securely fasten it.
• Safety and Security Concerns: Vehicles require specialized tie-downs, straps, and wheel blocks to prevent shifting during transport. PODS containers are not equipped with these necessary safety features, which means your car could be at serious risk of damage during transport.
• Insurance and Liability Issues: Using PODS containers to transport vehicles could void insurance policies provided by both your vehicle insurer and PODS. Any damage incurred during transportation might not be covered, leaving you responsible for costly repairs.

Advantages of Choosing A-1 Auto Transport for Car Shipping

Instead of trying to fit your car into a PODS container, consider using A-1 Auto Transport, a company specialized in safe, efficient, and reliable vehicle transportation services. Here's why choosing A-1 Auto Transport is beneficial:

• Specialized Equipment: At A-1 Auto Transport, we use specialized carriers equipped with advanced safety features, including hydraulic lifts, secure tie-downs, and sturdy loading ramps designed specifically for vehicles of all sizes.
• Door-to-Door Service: Unlike PODS, which may require you to load and unload your items yourself, our auto shipping service offers convenient door-to-door pickup and delivery. This eliminates the stress of transporting your vehicle to a terminal and ensures that your car is handled with care every step of the way.
• Comprehensive Insurance Coverage: A-1 Auto Transport provides comprehensive insurance coverage for your vehicle during transit. This means peace of mind, knowing that in the rare event something does happen, your vehicle is fully covered.
• Experienced Professionals: Our experienced team handles every vehicle with the utmost care and professionalism. We understand that your vehicle is valuable, and we treat every car as if it were our own.

What Are Your Options for Car Shipping with A-1 Auto Transport?

A-1 Auto Transport offers a variety of flexible shipping options tailored to meet different needs and budgets:

• Open Carrier Transport: The most common and cost-effective option, open carriers transport your vehicle along with others on an open-air trailer. It's reliable, efficient, and typically faster due to high availability.
• Enclosed Carrier Transport: For vehicles needing extra protection from weather, debris, or for high-value cars like luxury, classic, or antique vehicles, enclosed shipping containers offer a fully covered environment.
• Expedited Car Shipping: When you need your car shipped urgently, A-1 Auto Transport can prioritize your shipment through freight car moving, ensuring your vehicle reaches its destination quickly and safely.
• International Vehicle Shipping: Moving overseas? A-1 Auto Transport handles all aspects of international car shipping, including customs clearance and documentation.

How Much Does Car Shipping with A-1 Auto Transport Cost?

The cost of car shipping varies based on factors like distance, type of service selected, vehicle size, and transport options. Generally, the longer the distance, the higher the cost. Open carrier shipping is more affordable than enclosed transport, while expedited services or international shipping carry additional fees.

At A-1 Auto Transport, we offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees. To get an accurate estimate, simply reach out to us for a free, no-obligation quote.

How to Book Your Car Shipping Service with A-1 Auto Transport

Booking your car shipping service with A-1 Auto Transport is straightforward:

• Request a Quote: Contact our friendly customer service team or fill out our online quote form.
• Select Your Service: Choose the transport option that best suits your needs and budget.
• Schedule Pickup: Coordinate a convenient time and place for your vehicle's pickup.
• Prepare Your Vehicle: Remove personal belongings, perform basic maintenance checks, and ensure your vehicle is ready for transport.
• Relax and Let Us Handle the Rest: Our professionals will carefully transport your vehicle to its destination.

Work With A Team You Can Trust

Although PODS containers offer excellent solutions for moving personal belongings, they are not suitable for transporting vehicles. For safe, reliable, and convenient car shipping, trust A-1 Auto Transport. With years of experience and a commitment to customer satisfaction, we provide a seamless vehicle shipping experience from start to finish.

Your car is precious, whether it’s a flashy sports vehicle or a modest day-to-day vehicle. It gets you where you need to go, and should be treated with care.

We pride ourselves on maintaining a professional staff of admin and drivers with the necessary skills and experience to do the job correctly. Work with a trusted team to transport your car anywhere in the country!

Want to learn more about the best way to ship a car within the United States?

Call A-1 Auto Transport today at 1-888-230-9116 for your free quote and discover why we're the preferred choice for car shipping nationwide!