The short answer
- Carriers generally accept up to about 100 pounds, in the trunk or rear cargo area below the window line, if the driver agrees at pickup.
- Personal items are not covered by the carrier's cargo insurance.
- Extra weight can be refused or charged for at pickup.
- Tell us what you plan to leave in the car so we can confirm it with the carrier first.
Why the limit exists
A car carrier is authorized to haul vehicles. Moving household goods is a different kind of operation with its own rules, so carriers keep the contents of the cars they haul to a minimum. There are practical reasons too: every pound counts toward the truck's legal weight, loose items can shift and damage the interior, and anything visible through the windows invites theft at truck stops.
What is usually acceptable
- Up to about 100 pounds in total, in the trunk or rear cargo area.
- Packed below the window line, so nothing is visible and the driver can see out of the vehicle when loading it.
- Soft, securely packed items that cannot slide around.
- Things the vehicle needs: a spare tire, jack, owner's manual and child seat properly installed.
What carriers usually refuse
- Anything hazardous or flammable: fuel cans, propane, paint, aerosols, batteries other than the vehicle's own.
- Firearms and ammunition.
- Illegal items of any kind.
- Valuables: cash, jewelry, electronics, documents you cannot replace.
- Anything that would put the vehicle over its weight allowance or block the driver's view.
Why belongings are not insured
The carrier's cargo insurance covers the vehicle itself. It does not cover what you leave inside it, whatever the carrier agrees to carry as a courtesy. Your homeowner's or renter's policy may cover belongings away from home; check with your insurer before relying on it.
The safe rule is simple: ship nothing in the car that you would mind losing. See insurance and claims for what cargo insurance does cover.
If you need to move more
If you are relocating and want to send boxes with the car, use a moving company or a freight service for them. It is usually cheaper than paying for overweight charges, and your belongings are then properly covered. If you are moving a campus car, see college student car shipping for what families typically send.
Common questions
How much can I leave in my car?
Carriers generally accept up to about 100 pounds in the trunk or rear cargo area, below the window line, subject to the driver agreeing at pickup. Tell us in advance and we confirm it with the carrier.
Are my belongings insured while the car is shipped?
No. The carrier's cargo insurance covers the vehicle, not items left in it. Check whether your homeowner's or renter's policy covers belongings away from home.
What happens if I leave more than the allowance?
The driver can refuse the vehicle or charge for the extra weight at pickup. Either delays your shipment, so it is better to remove the excess beforehand.