Uncover rules on leaving belongings in your vehicle while shipping. Learn what’s allowed, risks involved, and how to avoid insurance issues or damage.

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Can You Ship Personal Items in Your Car During Auto Transport?

People ask this all the time. Can I leave my suitcase in the trunk? What about my golf clubs? The short answer: yes, but with strict limits. Auto transport isn't a moving service. It's for your vehicle. Personal items complicate things. They add weight. They shift during transit. They invite theft or damage.

As a logistics manager at AMG Transport Co., a Texas-based auto transport broker, I've seen it all. We handle nationwide vehicle shipping door to door. From Houston to Los Angeles. Or relocating to Florida from Texas. Our parent company, AMG Endeavors, runs carriers. So we know both sides. Brokers like us buffer you from carrier headaches. We vet insured carriers. We do VIN scans. Stripe deposits. 72-hour pickup windows. Honest quotes. No surprises.

Leave too much stuff? Expect issues. Let's break it down.

What Items Are Allowed in Your Car During Auto Transport?

Rules come from carriers. Federal DOT guidelines. And common sense. Most allow light personal items. But nothing loose. Nothing hazardous.

Here's what's typically okay:

Clothes or linens in the trunk.
Small toiletries in glove box.
A spare tire or jack (if already there).
Loose floor mats (secured).

Limits: 100 pounds total. All items must fit inside. Trunk closed normally. No roof racks. No external carriers.

Prohibited:

Fuel over quarter tank.
Liquids or chemicals.
Weapons, ammo, drugs.
Valuables like jewelry, cash, laptops.
Perishables or food.
Pets or plants.

At AMG, we tell clients upfront. Ship valuables separately. Use UPS or similar. It's safer. Cheaper peace of mind.

Why Are Personal Items Strictly Limited?

Safety first. Roads are rough. Brakes slam. Items fly. Damage your car interior. Hurt the driver.

Weight matters. Extra pounds hike fuel costs. Slow the truck. Affect handling on open car carriers.

Liability nightmare. Carriers insure the vehicle. Not your grandma's china. Theft risk skyrockets. Doors get opened at stops.

Fraud in this industry. Brokers guide you away from scams. Carriers focus on driving. Not babysitting boxes.

What Happens If You Leave Prohibited Items?

Carrier spots it at pickup. They refuse the load. Truck leaves empty spot. You pay delay fees. Reschedule.

Worst case: they load anyway. Damage occurs. No claim. Insurance voids for violations.

I've dealt with this. Client left tools in SUV. Truck hit pothole. Tools scratched paint. Carrier denied claim. Client out $2k.

Don't risk it. Empty the car.

How Do Carrier Policies Vary on Personal Belongings?

Not all carriers same. Open trailers looser. Enclosed stricter for luxury cars.

Open car carrier: common for standard sedans. Allows 100lbs. Items secured.

Enclosed auto transport: for classics or exotics. Often zero personal items. Protects high-value vehicles.

Brokers negotiate. We use vetted carriers with clear policies. Texas-based, nationwide reach.

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Table shows basics. Always check your quote.

Common Weight Limits and Secure Storage Rules?

Industry standard: 100lbs max. Measured at pickup.

Secure means strapped. In trunk. Doors closed tight.

Non-running vehicles? Same rules. Can't access interior easy.

Door-to-door service helps. We coordinate pickup at your spot. 72-hour window standard.

What Are the Insurance Risks of Shipping Items Inside?

Biggest trap. Carriers cover vehicle damage. $100k cargo insurance typical. Contents? Zero.

Your auto policy? Ends at pickup.

Renter's or homeowner's? Might cover off-site. But limits low. Deductibles high. Prove value tough.

Damage claim? Photos needed pre/post. But prohibited items kill it.

AMG practice: we require photos. VIN scans. Protects everyone.

Why Isn't Your Personal Insurance Covering Belongings?

Policies exclude transport. It's commercial haul. Not personal use.

Call your agent. They'll confirm. Better safe.

Ship cross-country? From Texas to California? Costs $1k-$2k. Open cheaper than enclosed. Don't add risk with junk in trunk.

Final Word: Ship Smart with a Trusted Broker

Bottom line: limit personal items. Or remove them. Avoid delays. Claims. Headaches.

Carriers hate people problems. They drive. We handle sales. Coordination. Backend.

That's AMG Transport Co. Experienced auto transport broker you can trust. Vetted carriers. No hidden fees. Door pick-up and delivery.

Best auto transport company for out-of-state moves? Us. Ship a car from Houston to LA. Or nationwide.

Ready? Get a free quote today. No obligation. Honest pricing.

Written by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.