The short answer
Before shipping, remove toll transponders, garage remotes, parking passes, and anything hazardous like propane, gasoline cans, or aerosols. Personal belongings should be limited to under 100 pounds in the trunk if left at all, since carriers aren't licensed for household goods and loose cargo isn't covered by transit insurance. Aftermarket accessories and loose exterior parts should be secured or removed entirely.
- Carriers cap unofficial trunk cargo at around 100 pounds, and anything heavier risks a DOT weight issue at a highway scale.
- A live EZ-Pass or toll transponder left on the windshield can rack up tolls along the transport route that bill directly to you.
- Flammable and hazardous items — gas cans, propane tanks, aerosol cans, car batteries not installed in the vehicle — are refused by carriers on sight.
- Cargo insurance covers the vehicle itself, not personal belongings left inside it, leaving loose items completely uninsured during transit.
- Registration, insurance card, and one spare key should stay accessible, not buried in the glovebox under other paperwork.
The trunk allowance, explained
Many carriers will informally allow a small amount of personal cargo in the trunk, generally capped around 100 pounds, as a courtesy rather than a guarantee. This isn't an invitation to pack moving boxes — it's meant for a duffel bag or small box of items too awkward to ship separately. Anything over that weight risks pushing the carrier's rig over legal axle weight at a highway scale, which is a DOT violation the driver bears the liability for, not you.
Why your EZ-Pass costs you money in transit
A toll transponder left mounted on the windshield stays active as the carrier's rig passes through tolls across multiple states during transit. Since the transponder is registered to your account, every one of those tolls — often at commercial vehicle rates, which are higher than passenger rates — bills directly to you, sometimes weeks after delivery when you're trying to reconcile a statement that doesn't match your actual driving.
Items carriers refuse outright
- Gasoline cans, propane tanks, and any other flammable liquid or gas in a portable container.
- Loose car batteries not installed and secured in the vehicle.
- Firearms and ammunition, regardless of how they're stored.
- Aerosol cans, including common household items like spray paint or cleaning products.
- Any illegal substance or item prohibited by federal transport regulations.
Protecting aftermarket accessories
Roof racks, bike carriers, spoilers, and antenna extensions are common casualties of transport if left attached, since they're exposed on an open carrier and can catch wind, debris, or a low clearance during loading. Remove anything that isn't factory-flush with the body if possible. If an accessory can't be removed, photograph it clearly and note it on the Bill of Lading before pickup so any damage has a documented baseline.
The glovebox paperwork trap
It's common to accumulate old insurance cards, expired registration, and random receipts in a glovebox over years of ownership. Before pickup, clear it out and leave only current, relevant documents — the active registration and current proof of insurance. This isn't just for tidiness: if a state trooper or DOT inspector checks the vehicle mid-transit, outdated paperwork sitting alongside current documents can create unnecessary confusion.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I leave items in my trunk when shipping a car?
- A small amount, generally under 100 pounds, is often tolerated as a courtesy, but it's not covered by cargo insurance and isn't guaranteed by every carrier. It's safest to ship your car empty and send belongings separately.
- Should I remove my toll transponder before shipping?
- Yes. A live EZ-Pass or similar transponder left on the windshield will register tolls along the carrier's route, and those charges bill directly to your account, often at commercial rates.
- What items will a carrier refuse to transport?
- Flammable or hazardous items like gas cans, propane tanks, loose batteries, aerosols, and firearms are refused outright. These pose safety risks on a multi-vehicle trailer and violate federal transport rules.
- Do I need to remove roof racks or bike carriers before shipping?
- It's strongly recommended. Accessories that extend past the body can catch wind or debris on an open carrier. If removal isn't possible, photograph them and have them noted on the Bill of Lading before pickup.