Sunrise FL, 33322
Can I put boxes in my car or can I pack items in my vehicle when it is being shipped?
When preparing to ship your car, one of the most important things to know is that auto carriers prefer transporting vehicles empty. While it may seem convenient to load up your car with clothes, boxes, or other belongings, doing so can cause complications for both you and the driver.
By law, all auto transport carriers must have auto transport cargo insurance to protect vehicles in the event of damage during transit. This coverage applies to the automobile itself and everything that is considered a permanent part of it. However, personal items inside the vehicle are not covered. That means items such as clothing, electronics, boxes, or furniture fall outside of the carrier’s insurance protection.
If personal belongings are lost, stolen, or damaged, the driver assumes no liability. The carrier’s responsibility begins and ends with the vehicle itself.
Most auto carriers discourage or outright refuse to haul cars filled with personal belongings. Here’s why:
Lack of insurance coverage: Since personal items are not listed in any inventory, they cannot be insured by the carrier.
Driver liability: Drivers do not want to risk being blamed for missing or damaged items.
Legal restrictions: In some states, transporting vehicles loaded with household goods can result in fines or penalties.
Risk of inspection: Heavily packed vehicles are more likely to be flagged and searched during traffic stops, causing delays.
Ultimately, the driver is only responsible for what falls under the carrier’s official insurance. Anything else is at the owner’s risk.
The best practice is to remove all personal belongings before shipping your car. This keeps the process simple, avoids liability issues, and reduces the risk of delays on the road.
That said, some drivers may make exceptions. If a driver agrees to allow personal items, it is often handled at pickup as a negotiated arrangement. In many cases, this involves a tip or small extra fee. Still, it’s important to remember that drivers are not obligated to transport personal items, and the final decision rests entirely with them.
While most carriers strongly prefer empty cars, some drivers will allow up to 100–150 lbs of personal items inside the vehicle. This is always at the driver’s discretion and comes with strict conditions:
The items must be concealed and secured.
They remain uninsured under auto transport cargo insurance.
The driver will not accept liability for loss or damage.
If your driver agrees to let you keep a small amount of personal belongings in your vehicle, follow these guidelines:
Keep everything between 100–150 lbs.
If placing items in the back seat, keep them below window level and cover them with a blanket.
Never put anything in the front seats.
Avoid drawing attention to the items as drivers often prefer not to know what’s inside, since they cannot assume responsibility.
If you stick to these rules, most carriers won’t have an issue with a small load of personal belongings.
Carriers are in the business of safely transporting vehicles, not moving household goods. While some drivers may allow a little flexibility, it’s always safer to ship your car empty. This protects your belongings, minimizes risks, and ensures a smooth auto transport process.
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