Can I Put Stuff in My Car When I Ship My Car?
You’re not alone in wondering if I can ship my car with personal items inside; almost everyone has this question in mind.
Officially, No, you cannot do that.
However, carriers still do it under the table because they understand people need to ship other items along with the car, especially when moving across the US. So Here's What you should know:
How Much Personal Stuff Can I Put Inside When I Ship My Car to Another State?
Legally, car carriers cannot move personal items. According to FMCSA regulations, motor carriers are authorized to transport vehicles, not personal belongings, inside those vehicles. Transporting personal items within a vehicle during shipment can violate these regulations.
Specifically, 49 CFR Part 390 outlines the general requirements and definitions for motor carriers. While this part does not explicitly prohibit personal items inside shipped vehicles, it establishes the framework for regulatory compliance.
But still, maybe you're thinking I'll ship my car cheap by putting some personal stuff inside as well - but hold up! You need to know some important rules about this first.
While you may think I'll just ship my car by truck and send some personal stuff along as well, shipping companies that ship cars may allow you to send personal stuff, but with many restrictions.
The magic number is 100 pounds - that's the maximum weight most carriers allow. But here's the thing: carriers don't actually weigh your stuff. They do a visual check, like eyeballing it, to ensure you're not overdoing it.
Now, you may think I'll only hire a company to ship my car that also agrees to ship my personal items with it. This may backfire because these items won't be covered under insurance. The carrier's cargo insurance only covers the vehicle, not what's inside.
Before loading up your car, remember:
You'll need to get approval from the carrier beforehand - don't just show up with a packed car
The shipping company will likely take photos of any items you leave inside
If you're shipping to Hawaii, don't pack anything inside - it's completely prohibited
Most shipping companies that ship cars recommend keeping your car empty to avoid any issues
Some folks say I'll ship my car by train and put some personal luggage while at it to save UPS costs. That's also not possible because the train route is only from Washington DC to Orlando, Florida, via Amtrak Auto Train, and you must also be a passenger. If you are paying for the ticket and the car shipping, and your route is the same as the limited Auto Train, then why not?
The safest bet is to keep your personal items to a minimum. They should not have high emotional or financial value.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship My Car across Country with Personal Items?
Maybe you're thinking I'll get my car shipped across country with some personal stuff inside and save some bucks on mailing costs. Let's see how much does it cost to ship a car with your personal stuff inside:
When you're thinking I need to ship my car, keeping it light can save you money. Most carriers won't charge extra if you stay within that magic 100-pound limit.
But here's where it gets interesting. The moment you go over that limit, your wallet takes a hit. Carriers typically add $100-150 to your bill for exceeding the guidelines.
If you're googling "ship my car near me," remember that different carriers have different rules. Some might be more lenient, while others stick to strict weight limits.
Your final price depends on several key factors:
How obvious your stuff is during visual inspection
Whether you tried hiding items (spoiler: don't do this!)
If you told the carrier about the items beforehand
Individual carrier policies and mood (yes, really!)
When you say, "I want to ship my car," be upfront about any personal items. Trying to sneak things in could cost you more in the long run—up to $300 in extra fees if you're caught with too much weight.
Pro tip: Be transparent with your carrier about what's in your car. Most carriers appreciate honesty and might even cut you some slack on the fees if you're straight with them from the start.
Remember, these costs are on top of your regular car shipping rate. The best way to avoid surprises is to keep it light or ship your stuff separately.
Where Can I Put Personal Items When Shipping My Car?
Let's discuss where you can safely stash your stuff when shipping your car. Your trunk is going to be your best friend here—it's the number one spot carriers prefer.
Also, everything needs to stay below the window line. Your cargo area and trunk are perfect for this. The back seat can work, too, but you'll need to get a thumbs-up from your carrier first.
What Kind of Personal Items Are Allowed When Shipping My Car By Truck?
Keep it simple - your best bet is one suitcase, box, or duffle bag. Think of it like packing for a weekend trip, not moving your whole house.
Whatever container you pick needs to be locked down tight. Nobody wants their stuff bouncing around during transport. And remember, if someone walking by can't see it, you're doing it right.
What's Not Allowed Inside the Car When Shipping My Car?
Here's where things get serious. Your car isn't a moving van, and a list of no-gos can get you in hot water.
First, anything valuable needs to find another ride. That means no expensive electronics, jewelry, or important documents. And definitely no firearms—that's just asking for trouble.
Heavy stuff like mattresses or gym equipment? That's a hard no.
Although it's obvious still, no drugs or anything illegal.
These carriers aren't licensed for moving household goods, and the Department of Transportation takes that seriously.
