Whether you’re relocating, selling a car, or buying one from out of state, car shipping is often the smartest move. But there’s a small detail many folks overlook: what’s left inside the car can cause big problems.
At Bridgetown Express, we always aim to deliver a smooth, damage-free experience, and part of that means helping you prepare properly.
1. Personal Belongings
This is probably the most common mistake people make. Packing your car with clothes, suitcases, or household goods might seem like a smart way to save space on a move, but unfortunately, it can lead to delays or even fines.
Auto transport carriers are not legally allowed to ship household goods. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) classifies vehicle haulers differently than moving companies. If a carrier is caught hauling personal belongings, they could be fined or delayed at weigh stations.
What could go wrong:
- Your shipment could be delayed if your driver has to stop and remove items.
- Any stolen or lost items aren’t covered by insurance.
- Items can shift during transit and cause interior damage to your car.
- Too much extra weight may result in extra fees or even shipment refusal.
What to do instead:
If you really need to ship a few things in your car, check with your carrier first. Some companies allow under 100 lbs in the trunk, but this is entirely at your own risk.
2. Electronics
Leaving behind electronics, whether it’s a phone charger, tablet, GPS unit, or even a dash cam is a big no-no.
Electronics are among the most commonly stolen items in unattended vehicles. Even if you’re using an enclosed carrier, your vehicle could be left in staging yards, transfer locations, or temporarily unsupervised. Plus, the interior heat inside a vehicle can get intense, especially in summer months, and that can fry batteries or screens.
Examples to remove:
- Phone chargers and mounts
- Tablets or laptops
- Portable speakers
- GPS units
- Bluetooth accessories
Always do a full sweep before car shipping, even under seats and in the glove box.
3. Cash & Valuables
You might think, “I’ll just leave a small stash of cash for emergencies.” But trust us, don’t.
Why?
Cash is untraceable and not covered under any transport insurance. If someone breaks into your vehicle during a stop, or if something mysteriously disappears, it’s gone for good.
The same goes for any high-value items, such as:
- Watches or jewelry
- Gift cards
- Checkbooks
- Collectibles or antiques
Your car is being transported, it’s not a safe or a suitcase. Keep anything valuable with you.
4. Important Documents
Think about everything that could be sitting in your glove box:
- Vehicle title
- Insurance policy
- Work folders
- Medical info
- Legal paperwork
- Passport or ID copies
Why remove them?
If your vehicle is delayed or rerouted, and you suddenly need one of those documents, you’re stuck. If the car is delivered somewhere else, your sensitive info is now with a stranger.
Also, if your vehicle is ever involved in an accident or a claim, you may need those documents to file a report or prove ownership, don’t risk it!
5. Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials are a strict no-go. These include items like:
- Gasoline cans
- Propane tanks
- Aerosol sprays (cleaners, air fresheners)
- Paint or paint thinner
- Car batteries (spares or loose)
These items can explode, leak, or cause fires under pressure or extreme heat. And again, the DOT does not allow any hazardous items in vehicles during commercial transport.
Leaving anything flammable in your car puts not only your vehicle at risk but also the entire trailer and other customers’ cars.
6. Loose Car Accessories & Add-Ons
You might forget about the portable GPS unit or the custom stereo faceplate, but those are among the most frequently stolen items during car transport.
Things to remove or secure:
- Removable radios or screens
- Dash cams
- Phone mounts
- Detachable spoilers or roof racks (unless bolted down)
- Bike racks and rooftop carriers
If it’s not factory-installed and it can be easily removed, remove it before transport.
7. Pets (Seriously!)
You’d be surprised how often someone tries to sneak a cat carrier or even a dog into a car for “just a few hours.”
Please don’t do this.
Not only is it inhumane and illegal, but carriers are not allowed to transport living animals. There’s no AC, no water, and no supervision. It’s dangerous and could result in fines or criminal charges.
8. Food & Drinks
That Starbucks cup in the console or the bag of chips in the back seat might seem harmless — until it starts to smell, leak, or attract bugs.
Here’s what happens:
- Food spoils quickly in a closed car, especially in the heat.
- Liquids (even water bottles) can expand or burst, damaging upholstery.
- Crumbs and wrappers = pest problems.
Your car might be in transit for 3–7 days. Don’t treat it like a snack drawer.
9. Power Banks & Spare Batteries
Power banks and loose batteries can overheat in hot conditions and pose a fire hazard. Some carriers may even inspect vehicles for battery-powered devices if it’s part of a safety checklist.
They can also drain quickly or become unstable when left in a hot cabin or trunk for days at a time.
10. Trash or Dirty Items
It sounds simple, but it’s often overlooked.
Why clean out your car before shipping?
- Trash left in the car can rot, melt, or smell awful.
- If damage occurs and you file a claim, photos of a clean car help prove your case.
- A clean car shows respect for the driver and makes inspection easier.
This includes gym bags, fast food wrappers, old receipts, used masks, or anything that doesn’t belong long-term.
Final Pre Car Shipping Checklist
Before your pickup appointment, double-check the following:
- Remove all personal belongings
- Take out electronics, chargers, and batteries
- Clear out glove box and center console
- Remove valuables and important documents
- Clean the interior, no trash, no food
- Take photos of your vehicle (inside & out)
- Confirm your gas tank is under ¼ full
- Lock the car, but provide a spare key if required
Need Help With Car Shipping? We Have Your Back
At Bridgetown Express, we don’t just move your vehicle, we guide you through every step so there are no surprises. Your driver will perform a full inspection at pickup, and we’ll keep you informed every mile of the journey.
Have questions about preparing your car? We’re happy to help.
Call us or request a quote online:
👉 https://bridgetownexpressllc.com