When relocating, purchasing a car from out of state, or shipping a vehicle across the country, car shipping serves as a convenient option. However, a recurring concern crops up: Can I leave custom items in my car during the shipping process? Although tempting, there are several issues you must consider before packing your items inside your car to be transported.
This guide will provide you with the do’s and don’ts of shipping personal goods in your vehicle, the risks involved, and the assistance that 1A Car Shipping can provide in managing the vehicle transport with ease and security.
Step 1: Analyzing the Limitations of Personal Effects During Vehicle Shipment
It is crucial to know that car shipping companies, as a rule, do not encourage nor allow personal items to be placed in vehicles during shipping. It is a common question if someone can fill their vehicle with personal effects to maximize space during relocation; however, for several reasons, this poses challenges:
- Concerns Regarding Insurance and Liability
Shipping companies, as a policy, do not assume responsibility for personal items in the context of destruction or loss. The majority of vehicle shipping insurance policies available in the market are restricted to the vehicle alone during transportation; its contents are not covered. If personal items are in fact damaged, stolen, or lost during transit, which notably is the case, you cannot expect reimbursement. The reason is that most credible firms including 1A Car Shipping do not allow personal items in the vehicle for these reasons.
- Likelihood of Car Theft
Usually, a car is put in an open area where other cars are parked before being placed on a transport truck. Such practices expose cars to theft. Even though the car is locked, valuables inside are not safe. During long-distance or International transport, items left in the vehicle can be exposed.
- Weight Restrictions Explained
Shipping companies always have limits on the total weight of the car being transported. The weight of personal belongings greatly increases the vehicle’s total weight, which leads to extra costs. Moreover, increased weight would negatively affect the safety and maneuverability of the transport vehicle. This is why most companies prefer to board as few goods as possible.
- International Customs Regulations Explained
Strict policies regarding the contents of vehicles are enforced by many countries when it comes to international shipping. Customs agencies may require that every vehicle be devoid of personal belongings for inspection. If personal items are lost, you may suffer penalties, delays, or even lose certain items.
Step 2: What Happens If You Do Leave Personal Items In Your Car?
There are car owners who, for the sake of convenience, tend to leave some small personal belongings in the car. In case you belong to this category, this is what you should pay attention to:
- Potential For Damage or Loss
In case you attempt to ship a car with a personal item or two, there is a high chance of risk and damage occurring. Despite the chances of the shipping agency allowing your personal items, it is greatly possible that at some point the items may get damaged. Cars are subjected to various weather conditions during the crossing period and, to add to it, there is a lot of road debris and rough handling during the loading and unloading stages. If your personal items are not well packed or protected during the shipping process, it is highly possible that they may be damaged, lost or completely hinder the shipping process.
- Increased Shipping Costs
As stated, paying for extra weight can, in some instances, prove to be a burden in regards to excessive personal items. In this given scenario, a couple of small items would pose no risk but the chance of large and heavy belongings would prove to be greatly detrimental to the price of the car’s shipment.
- Non-compliance with Guidelines and Delays
Leaving personal belongings in your vehicle might complicate shipping it internationally. Customs may require non-essential items to be extracted, which adds unnecessary work and greater processing time. In addition, there is the risk of import-related items being confiscated by customs.
Step 3: Is the vehicle Personal Item Shipment Allowed?
In case some belongings have to be placed inside the vehicle, it is critical to know what is usually permitted and what is best left out. The following categories are suggested.
- If Allowed Using the Vehicle as Storage.
There are instances where small car items of minimal value do not need to be removed. Such items include:
– Clothing and small personal effects: jackets, shoes, books, and other items. However, check with the shipping company first.
– Loose change or low valued small items: Coins and other non-valuable personal accessories can be left in without worry.
– Emergency Kits: Items associated with injury treatment and those that assist during emergencies, like a minor automobile emergency kit with a tire inflator and jumper cables usually are ok.
Avoiding Specific Items
While preparing for shipping, the following items should not be kept in the car:
– Electronics: It is recommended that smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other high-value electronics be removed from the car to mitigate the risk of theft.
– Valuables: Any and all items such as jewelry, cash, personal documents, or any other items of significant value should always be stored securely outside of the vehicle and not within it.
– Hazardous Materials: Items such as firearms and other safety risks alongside items that are flammable or violate shipping policies and regulations must not be stored in the vehicle.
A policy we have at 1A car shipping is that all personal items be taken out of the vehicle in order to ensure safety and compliance with shipping policies.
Step 4: Alternative Methods of Storing Car Personalization Items
Diagrams should use the provided list resources to inform of packing the car with personal belongings present.
- Employ personal belongings relocation services
If you are changing residence, consider a professional moving service that will take care of packing and shipping your items. These types of businesses focus on ensuring that household items are safely packed and coordinate the delivery, removing the additional stress from you in the event that damage or loss occurs during transport.
- Put in Boxes and Ship Individually
For smaller items, packing them into boxes may allow sending them through the postal services or courier services. This conveniently enables you to send your items separately and securely, along with a vehicle, ensuring that both parts arrive at the destination without issues.
- Buy A Storage Unit
Storage units can be helpful if personal items cannot be sent together with the car. This option is especially beneficial if you are planning to relocate and do not require immediate access to some items, as it provides long-term storage solutions.
Step 5: In What Ways 1A Car Shipping Can Assist In Safely Shipping Your Car
We at 1A Car Shipping know how important your car is to you and work towards helping with the safe transport of your vehicle.
– Transporting in a Safe and Secure Way: We offer open and closed transport methods for vehicles, ensuring safe loading and hassle-free delivery of the vehicle.
– No Personal Items Concerns: We recommend that emptying all personal belongings from the vehicle be done as a primary step. This is necessary to enhance the protection of the automobile during transit to remove any weight-related concerns affiliated with hauling the car.
– Insurance and Protection: We protect your vehicle during transit with insurance, meaning that every shipment made will be insured.
– Competitive Pricing: Shipping your car doesn’t need to be an added burden with our clear and low car shipping fees.
Conclusion
A car shipping might seem like an appropriate time to set personal belongings in their respective places, but for the sake of safety, insurance policies, possible damage, and customs laws, doing so is not advisable.
If you would like reliable and safe car shipping services that guarantee the efficient arrival of your vehicle to the specified location without damage, 1A Car Shipping is just a call away. Reach out today to receive a no-obligation quote and familiarize yourself with a streamlined car shipping process that minimizes your stress and effort.
