This question requires an answer based upon several facts and situations and many different answers are given by many different people. Although, truthfully, there is only one real answer
That answer is determined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (the D.O.T.) and the carriers own insurance company.
1. The insurance coverage that your carrier has will not cover items loaded inside your car. This “cargo” insurance is for his cargo… not yours. So, if that lamp you place in your car bounces around and breaks your car radio you lose, as it is not insured ..
2. The law (in this case, a rule by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) says that no household goods may be transported inside your vehicle. The reasons behind this are primarily due to licensing. Your transporter/carrier is licensed to transport automobiles and vehicles, but not to transport household goods. He would have to be licensed as a household mover to be in compliance.
This would require filing the appropriate forms, obtaining the proper bonds and insurance, and paying the proper fees.
3. Another reason not to load your vehicle with household goods when shipping by an auto transport carrier is weight.
Your auto shipper will have to cross the scales many times while in transit to your destination. Although the common thought would be “my stuff only weighs a couple of hundred pounds” remember, your car is one of up to 10 on his truck .. A couple of hundred pounds multiplied by 10 turns into a couple of thousand pounds. This becomes a fuel burner and a “scales buster”. When a carrier exceeds his allowable weight on the scales, he pays a major fine and penalty.
With the above listed reasons, the answer must be emphatically no.
Some auto transport brokers might tell you that it is all right for you to load “just a few items”, or “up to 100 pounds” or maybe “not over 200 pounds in the trunk” or some other figure.
So, are they right ? No, in spite of their attempts to capture your business by being agreeable. They can’t change the law.
When you get caught, your “advisor” who suggested you break the law will quickly go into hiding.
Your should use only those top-notch Brokers and Carriers who want your business and want it done safe, fairly, and in a completely legal manner.
When ready to ship your vehicle, go to websites that offer quotes and give them the information they request. They will provide you with quotes on shipping your vehicle by several of the really great trucking companies that they recommend. There will never be an obligation, you can select the one you want, or simply select none. with quotes in hand you will be a much better shopper.
Some good advice, be safe, be smart, and pick a reputable Broker/Carrier.
Learn more about auto transport quotes. Stop by Bob Frost’s site where you can find out all about car shipping quotes and what it can do for you.