Car Shipping Companies That Allow You to Pack Your Car

Hey, we get it—moving trucks and containers are expensive. If you're going to ship your car anyway, why not cram it full of stuff and save a little cash? 

Unfortunately, that's a surefire way to get your driver in trouble with the Department of Transportation.

Although stuffing your vehicle to the gills is out of the question, there are car shipping companies that allow you to pack your car with about 100 pounds of personal belongings. And they happen to be some of our favorite car shipping companies too. 

We'll explain everything you need to know about the risks of packing items in your car before shipping, common workarounds, and agreeable companies below.

Carriers have good reason to limit what's inside your car during shipping: they can get fined for transporting anything other than a vehicle.

Their carrier license doesn't cover household goods, and neither does their insurance. Packing things inside your car might be convenient for you, but it's risky for the driver.

Does that mean your car has to be squeaky clean inside before it's driven onto the trailer? Not exactly. According to Ship a Car Direct, "The Department of Transportation is probably not going to split hairs and fine the trucker over items of that amount [100 pounds or less]."

But drivers can still get fined if their trailers are over the weight limit.

Trailers can only hold so much and still operate safely. Too much weight strains the tires and brakes, slows braking time, increases the risk of tipping over, and limits the roads and bridges the carrier can drive across.

Drivers know about how much each type of car weighs and are careful not to exceed the maximum weight limits. If you pack a sedan full of stuff until it weighs more like a full-size pick-up truck, there could be a problem.

Finally, drivers don't want to be on the hook for any damage to your items. Their insurance only covers damage to the vehicle itself, not to anything inside. 

For some car carriers, the answer will always be no—no items in the car, period.

Others will allow you to pack some items but ask that you do the following:

• Sign a waiver acknowledging that the driver/car shipping company is not responsible for any damage to your items during transport
• Pay an extra fee to cover any fines incurred while transporting extra items
• Ensure the total weight of the items is less than 100 pounds
• Pack the items in the trunk or below the window line
• Keep the driver's seat clear for safe loading and unloading
• Don't pack valuable items or cash
• Never pack dangerous or illegal substances

Some of our favorite car shipping companies do allow you to pack a few personal belongings. Here's what you need to know about their policies.

AmeriFreight allows you to pack items in your car, but says it's not recommended due to the potential for damage and the lack of insurance coverage. 

Items must have a total weight of 100 pounds or less and be stored below the window line.

SGT allows a single box or suitcase full of items weighing up to 100 pounds. It must be stored in the trunk or cargo area of the vehicle. 

Additional items can be stored for an "all-inclusive price" based on weight. This price also includes back-seat storage. Talk to an SGT Auto Transport representative for details.

Montway allows a single suitcase or bag full of items weighing up to 100 pounds for free. It must be stored in the trunk or storage area of the vehicle, stay below the windows, and not require the seats to be folded or reclined.

In order to avoid shipping delays, tell your Montway representative that you're planning to pack items in the car.

Sherpa allows you to pack up to 100 pounds of personal items in the trunk or below the window line free of charge.

Easy Auto Ship doesn't guarantee that its carriers will agree to ship personal belongings, but says one box or suitcase weighing up to 100 pounds is "generally allowed." 

Items must be stored below the window level and stay out of the driver's seat. Easy Auto Ship customer service told us it's best to keep items in the trunk. There's an extra fee for transporting personal belongings, and the carrier has to agree to take your car with things inside.

What should you ship with your car if you're limited to only about 100 pounds?

If you're like me, there's already a fair bit of stuff in your car as it is. Consider putting things like your tool kit, first aid kit, and other "just in case" supplies into a box and weighing it. If it's under 100 pounds, keep it in the trunk during shipment. That way it's exactly where you need it once your car is delivered.

Since we squashed the idea of cheaply shipping your belongings inside your car, be sure to read our guide to moving on a budget for more feasible money-saving tips.