Putting stuff in your car while you ship it to your next destination can seem like an easy way to get more of your items moved. After all, your car is going to the same place you are, and packing it can help reduce the boxes you need to cram into a moving truck. However, putting stuff in a car when shipping it may not be possible, and if it is possible, there are most certainly regulations that you will need to follow.
Our article tells you if you can put stuff in a car when shipping and what to know about filling your car with items before shipping.
Is It Legal to Pack Your Car While Shipping It?
According to Department of Transportation (DOT) laws, you can technically only ship personal and household items in your car when using a shipping carrier that has been licensed to do so. If a carrier is caught shipping cars full of personal or household items and they are not licensed, they risk thousands of dollars in fines and other difficulties with the DOT.
However, this law is not always enforced, though it easily could be, and many auto shipping carriers will allow individuals to fill their cars with limited personal and household items.
Keep in mind that you will need to follow all regulations that a shipping company has about packing your car with stuff before shipping, and you may need to pay extra fees for this shipping service.
What Can I Put In My Car When Shipping It?
If you decide to put some items in your car while shipping it to alleviate the burden on your moving truck, it’s important that you stick to personal items that can easily be replaced and are not easily broken.
For example, you can easily ship books, magazines, toys and games, clothing, and sealed cosmetics or non-liquid toiletries in your car. You should stay away from packing very valuable items, sentimental items, or electronics that you don’t want to risk losing such as gaming systems and laptops or phones.
Things to Be Aware of When Shipping Items in Your Car
As you consider packing items before your car is shipped, there are a few things to be aware of that can influence your decision. One of the biggest considerations to make is whether or not you want to risk leaving your personal items in your car.
For the most part, shipping stuff in your car is safe, but theft does occur, and there is a risk of your items damaging the interior of your car. You will need to be aware of your insurance coverage’s limitations, and you may need to speak to your shipping company about what their insurance covers should your car be broken into and your items stolen.
Additionally, you will need to keep in mind any regulations that your shipping company must follow, including federal Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. You must also be aware that police can search cars that are being shipped from time to time, and you should be ok with the possibility of whatever you have packed in your car being searched.
You’ll also want to check and make sure the shipping company you’ve chosen allows you to pack things in your car. It’s a good idea to reach out to several at once to find out if it’s allowed and how much it would cost; we recommend starting with these car shipping companies and branching out from there.
Tips for Packing Your Car for Shipping
When you start to pack your car for shipping, it’s essential that you keep these tips in mind to ensure the packing goes smoothly and that your items are as safe as they can be while your car travels to its destination.
Tips for packing your car for shipping include:
- Ensure all of your personal items are safely secured in a bag, box, suitcase, or duffel bag to keep them from sliding around and breaking or damaging the interior of your car
- Make sure all items are below the window line of your car to discourage theft and prevent damage
- Place items in the trunk in secured bags or boxes when possible
- Do not place fragile or illegal items in your car, and do not transport firearms or ammunition in your car
- Make sure your items do not exceed your shipping company’s weight limit, which is generally around 100 pounds
You should also refrain from packing items that are highly valuable and sentimental, as your shipping company’s insurance will generally not cover the loss of these items, and you do not want to deal with the theft of your items.
Moving Your Items Efficiently
Transporting your car to your next destination can be a great way to simplify a move and ensure that your car reaches its destination safely. However, you may not be able to pack your car to the brim with items you don’t wish to put on your moving truck. It’s important to understand federal regulations and the rules of the auto shipping company you are using to know what exactly you can pack in your car and whether or not there are extra charges for this.
Always reach out to an auto shipping company with your questions if you need to learn more about shipping your car.
