Transporting Your Vehicle With Personal Items

1. Check The Weight Requirements
2. Follow The Relevant Laws
3. Always Ask First
4. Make Sure You Have The Right Insurance

When transporting your vehicle, no matter the distance, you can save yourself time and energy by effectively killing two birds with one stone if you also place some of your personal items in it as well.

If your car is being transported across the country or overseas due to you relocating, placing personal items in it at the same time can help make your move much easier. Keep in mind that many companies also don't charge extra for transporting these personal items that are in the vehicle. However, this isn't a green light to simply pack your car to the brink. Instead, you have to be aware of the different rules and regulations that companies have, as well as what's allowed and ideal based on the method of transportation that you've chosen. Check out the following tips for assistance:

Check the Weight Requirements

You should always contact the auto transport company and ask them about the weight limits per vehicle. Whether it's in an enclosed trailer or an open trailer, each car has a certain weight restriction. Going above that weight limit will mean that you have to pay much more in fees.

For example, many shipping companies will allow you to bring with you up to 150 lbs of personal items, as long as they're placed securely in the vehicle, such as in the trunk.

If you're shipping your vehicle overseas, then you will want to make sure that you do so with a closed container instead of an open container, since with a closed container, you can include your personal items as well.

Follow the Relevant Laws

Don't try and place in any items that are illegal. Even if they're legal in your state or country, they may not be legal somewhere else. Keep in mind that it's also a federal crime if an illegal item gets carried across state lines in many instances. If you're moving abroad, any illegal item can have your new visa revoked and worse, land you in prison.

The Department of Transportation has the right to search your vehicle if the driver of the truck gets pulled over. Visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's website at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov for more information on rules and regulations.

Always Ask First

Always ask your auto transport company about bringing personal items with you. Some may allow it, while some won't, but the bottom line is that you want a clear understanding before the shipping process begins.

Make Sure You Have the Right Insurance

Contrary to what they may tell you, in most instances, your personal items that are transported with your vehicle are not covered by the same insurance. Carrier insurance in particular only covers the vehicle.

You can acquire additional insurance for your personal items if you so desire, but keep in mind that it is a complicated ordeal. This is why you shouldn't include any extremely valuable items.

Contact A-1 Auto Transport today, and we'll answer all of your questions about transporting your personal items with your vehicle!