The short answer
Perishables spoil, leak and attract pests during a trip that can take a week or more, and nothing inside your car is covered by the carrier's cargo insurance. Most companies want the car empty apart from standard equipment; some allow a small amount of non-perishable items in the trunk. Ask the company you book with before you pack anything.
★ Key Takeaways
- ✓A cross-country shipment usually takes about a week to ten days, with the car closed up on a trailer the whole time.
- ✓Carrier cargo insurance covers the vehicle, not the things inside it.
- ✓Most companies want the car empty apart from the spare and jack; some allow a small amount in the trunk below the window line.
- ✓Flammable or hazardous items are never allowed, and most companies refuse firearms and ammunition.
Every so often someone asks whether they can tuck a cooler of groceries, a few cases of drinks or the contents of their fridge into the car they're shipping. It's a fair thought - the car's going anyway. The answer is no, and the reasons apply to a lot more than milk.
First, time. Your car isn't driven straight to its destination. A carrier picks up and drops off several cars along the way, and a long trip takes days. Our estimates use roughly one day per 500 miles at the quick end and one per 350 miles at the slow end, plus a day or two for loading - so a cross-country shipment is usually about a week to ten days, much of it sitting in a closed car on a trailer through heat or cold.
Second, damage. Food spoils, drinks freeze, expand or leak, and smells soak into upholstery and carpet. Spoiled food also draws insects and rodents. None of that comes out easily, and cleaning it up isn't part of anyone's job but yours.
Third, insurance. A carrier's cargo insurance covers your vehicle, not what's inside it. If a cooler leaks into the seats or a box goes missing, there's no coverage for the item - or for the damage it causes.
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Get My Free Quote →Fourth, weight and safety. Car haulers plan every deck around the weight of each vehicle, and loose items can shift, break glass or fly around when the car is driven on and off the trailer. That's why most companies want the car empty apart from standard equipment like the spare tire and jack. Some allow a small amount of non-perishable belongings in the trunk, below the window line - ask the company you book with what it allows, and get the answer in writing.
Some things are never allowed: anything flammable or hazardous, such as spare fuel cans, propane tanks and paint, and most companies also refuse firearms and ammunition. If you're not sure about an item, leave it out.
What to do instead: eat it, give it away or toss it before the move; ship household belongings separately with a moving company; and carry valuables and important papers with you. Clean the car out a day before pickup, then do a final sweep of the trunk, glovebox, door pockets and under the seats.
When the car's ready, get your free estimate online and compare offers from licensed auto transport companies - you choose the one you book with, and you never pay us a cent. Call us any time at 800-930-7417 with questions about what can and can't stay in the car.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put food in my car when I ship it?+
No. The trip can take a week or more, food spoils and attracts pests, and nothing inside the car is covered by the carrier's cargo insurance.
Can I pack personal items in a car I'm shipping?+
Plan on an empty car. Some companies allow a small amount of non-perishable items in the trunk below the window line; ask the company you book with and get its answer in writing.
Is anything inside my car insured during shipping?+
The carrier's cargo insurance covers the vehicle itself, not personal belongings or damage they cause.
What items are never allowed in a shipped car?+
Anything flammable or hazardous, such as fuel cans, propane tanks and paint. Most companies also refuse firearms and ammunition.
About the Author
Dave Armstrong · Updated by American Auto Shipping
Dave Armstrong is one of American Auto Shipping's longest-tenured team members. As content manager and strategist, most of what you read on this website came from him. He has extensive knowledge of the auto transport industry, having spent time in every role the business has to offer.