Can You Ship a Car with Personal Items Inside? Here What You Need to Know

When planning to ship a vehicle, many people wonder if they can use the opportunity to move a few extra belongings too. After all, the car is already going from point A to point B—why not tuck in some luggage or boxes while you’re at it?

It’s a logical question, and the short answer is: sometimes, but with limitations. Most car transport companies have clear guidelines about personal items inside a vehicle during shipping, and understanding them is essential if you want to avoid delays, extra charges, or even violations.

While a few personal belongings may be allowed, especially on domestic routes, it’s not the same as using your car as a moving truck. Let’s break it down.

First, most auto transporters are not licensed or insured to move household goods. Their cargo insurance covers vehicles—not personal belongings. That means anything left inside the car is shipped at your own risk. If something gets lost, damaged, or stolen during transit, there’s likely no way to file a claim for those items.

Secondly, additional weight matters. Transport carriers are regulated by weight limits set by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Every extra pound counts. Overloaded vehicles could throw off a carrier’s balance, exceed legal weight limits, and create safety risks. This is why many transporters cap personal items at around 100 pounds, often requiring they be stored in the trunk only.

If you exceed this limit or place items on seats or in view, the driver might refuse to load the car—or charge an extra fee. In some cases, items can even be removed and left behind to keep the shipment compliant.

Even if a carrier does allow some belongings inside, there are still restrictions. You shouldn’t pack anything fragile, valuable, or irreplaceable. Avoid putting electronics, important documents, cash, or collectibles in the vehicle. Stick to low-risk items like clothes, blankets, or small household goods.

Another issue to consider is visibility and access. During inspections, drivers need to see the interior and note its condition. If the car is packed full, it’s difficult to spot damage or verify everything is in order. That can complicate insurance claims later. Also, if an item shifts during transport, it could damage windows, upholstery, or electronics inside the vehicle.

Some companies offer enclosed car transport with personal item allowances, but this is generally a premium service and may come with stricter inventory rules. It’s best suited for specialty or high-end vehicles where discretion and protection are key, and the shipper agrees in advance to specific item limits.

So what’s the best approach? If you’re planning to ship your car and want to include a few personal items, always ask your carrier first. Get their policy in writing. Some may allow up to 100 pounds in the trunk. Others may prohibit any extra contents altogether. Being upfront avoids misunderstandings and ensures you won’t face a last-minute surprise when the truck arrives.

If you truly need to move a lot of personal items, it’s often better to ship them separately through a moving company or parcel service. That way, your car transport stays simple, compliant, and insured.

In the end, while it's tempting to turn your car into a rolling storage unit, it’s not what auto transport was designed for. Keeping it light, clean, with clear windshields and compliant helps your vehicle arrive safely—and keeps the entire process running smoothly.