Does your car have to be empty if you ship it?

While it’s not illegal to have items in your vehicle during shipping, many car shipping companies require that your vehicle be empty before transport. Failure to comply with this request can lead to the shipping company rejecting your car, emphasizing the importance of adhering to their specific guidelines.

When preparing to ship your car, a common question arises: does it have to be empty? Although not illegal, many car shipping companies have policies that require you to empty your vehicle before transport. This is mainly for weight, safety, and liability reasons. Items inside the car can shift during transport, potentially causing damage. Moreover, the added weight can affect transportation efficiency. It’s essential to adhere to your chosen company’s guidelines to avoid complications, including potentially rejecting your vehicle for transport.

The Impact of Personal Belongings on Car Shipping

Personal belongings can significantly influence the dynamics of car shipping. This is largely due to two primary reasons: weight considerations and car protection policies. Personal items add to the car’s overall weight, potentially pushing it above the transport company’s weight limit. Subsequently, this may increase the shipping cost or even result in a refusal to transport the vehicle. Additionally, contrary to popular belief, transport companies’ car protection policies often do not cover personal items. Therefore, any damage or loss that occurs during transit goes uncompensated.

Including personal belongings in a car also impacts the legal aspects of shipping. Laws govern the shipping of vehicles from state to state, stipulating that vehicles should not carry personal items during transit. Filling your car with items can cast suspicions of potential illegal goods transportation or draw undue attention from authorities. This could delay the shipment and expose you to possible legal penalties, making the process more complicated and expensive than anticipated.

Car Shipping Specific Guidelines

The Risks of Shipping a Car with Personal Items Inside

Insurance concerns are a major risk factor when shipping a car with personal items inside. Most car shipping companies don’t provide insurance for the personal belongings inside the car. Essentially, these items are transported at the owner’s risk, meaning that the auto transport company won’t be liable if any damage or loss occurs.

Another risk involves potential damage to the car during transportation. Loose objects within the car can move around, potentially causing damage to windows, upholstery, or the car’s interior in general. As car shipping insurance doesn’t cover these damages, the cost of any repairs will directly fall upon the owner. Therefore, shipping a car with personal items inside can be risky.

Empty Personal Belongings Before Car Shipping

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ship personal items along with my car?

Some car shipping companies may allow you to include a few personal items in your vehicle. However, it’s crucial to understand that restrictions and risks are involved in doing so.

What are the risks of shipping a car with personal items inside?

Shipping a car with personal items inside can pose several risks, such as potential theft, damage to the vehicle’s interior, increased weight, which may lead to additional shipping costs, and non-compliance with transportation guidelines, which might result in fines.

How does the presence of personal belongings impact car shipping?

Personal belongings in your car during shipping can potentially increase the vehicle’s weight, possibly increasing the shipping cost. Additionally, it may increase the risk of theft or damage to your vehicle or the items inside.

Can I be fined for shipping my car with personal belongings inside?

Yes, shipping a vehicle with personal items inside can lead to fines as it may be in non-compliance with regulations set by the Department of Transportation. These rules are designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of transportation.

Are there any guidelines to follow when shipping a car?

Yes, guidelines for car shipping typically require that the car is empty of personal belongings. The car should also have less than a quarter gas tank, no leaks and its battery should be secure. It’s always best to check with your car shipping company for specific instructions.