One of the most common questions we get at EZ Auto Movers is: “Can I ship personal items inside my vehicle during transport?” While it might seem like a convenient idea especially if you’re already moving, we want to help you understand why most auto transportation companies strongly discourage it.
As a professional vehicle mover, I’m here to break down the reasoning behind this policy and explain how it helps protect your car, your belongings, and the overall vehicle transport process.
When you book a car shipping service, your vehicle is carefully loaded onto a trailer as part of a larger, well-coordinated auto transport route. These trailers are designed to carry vehicles only and each vehicle must fall within specific weight limits and safety standards.
Adding personal items inside your car may seem harmless, but in reality, it can create several serious issues:
1. Weight Limits and DOT Regulations
The Department of Transportation (DOT) places strict weight limits on the total load of transport trucks. Extra weight from personal items inside your vehicle could push the trailer over legal limits, creating compliance issues and putting the entire auto movers schedule at risk.
2. Risk of Damage to Your Items and Vehicle
During vehicle transport, your car may shift slightly while on the trailer due to movement, road conditions, or stops along the route. Loose items inside can slide, bounce, or collide with the interior of your car, causing scratches, dents, or broken windows. And if those items are valuable, the risk is even higher.
3. Lack of Insurance Coverage for Personal Items
While your car is insured during auto transport, any personal items left inside are not. That means if something gets lost or damaged, it won’t be covered by the carrier’s insurance. At EZ Auto Movers, we always want our customers to feel protected, so we advise against taking this risk.
4. Security Concerns During Stops
Vehicle transport trucks may stop at rest areas, truck stops, or terminals. If your car is visibly full of boxes or bags, it could become a target for theft. Even if your vehicle is locked, transporters can’t guarantee its contents will be secure during every stop.
Some auto transportation companies may allow a small number of personal items in the trunk, typically limited to under 100 pounds. While this might seem helpful, it’s still discouraged for all the reasons above. Even if you’re using trusted auto movers, we always recommend shipping your belongings separately to avoid potential issues.
We understand that certain items must stay with your car. These are generally acceptable:
A spare tire and jack
Vehicle registration and insurance (in the glove box)
A car seat (securely installed, if needed)
Emergency roadside kit (secured in the trunk)
Everything else? It’s best to remove it before your car shipping begins.
As a trusted name among auto transportation companies, EZ Auto Movers is committed to the safety and reliability of every vehicle transport we perform. That means making sure your car is loaded properly, compliant with all regulations, and not at risk due to extra cargo inside.
When you choose us as your vehicle mover, you’re not just getting a ride for your car, you’re getting a team that cares about the details.
If you’re preparing for a car shipping job and want to learn how to get started, we’re here to help. Visit our website to request a free, no-obligation quote and speak with one of our auto transport experts.
Frequently Asked Questions about auto moving
1. Can I put clothes or boxes in my car during vehicle transport?
No. We recommend removing all personal items before transport to avoid weight issues and risk of damage.
2. Are personal items inside my car covered by insurance?
Unfortunately, no. Insurance covers the vehicle itself, but not any belongings inside.
3. What happens if I leave items in the car anyway?
If items are found, your carrier may refuse to load the vehicle or could delay transport. It’s always best to follow guidelines.
4. Can I leave things in the trunk during auto transport?
Some companies allow up to 100 lbs in the trunk, but EZ Auto Movers strongly recommends transporting items separately.
5. How do I get a quote for vehicle transport?
It’s simple just visit the EZ Auto Movers website and fill out the form to receive your personalized quote.
At EZ Auto Movers, we want your auto transport experience to be stress-free and successful. Keeping your car clean and empty ensures faster, safer, and more reliable car shipping from start to finish.