There are a lot details to look at in case you are shipping a car. A common question is “What are restricted items in car shipping?When your vehicle is being shipped, it’s important to know what must, may, and may not go in your car. There are reasons the airline will not allow the transport of certain items.
In this guide, we will highlight the restricted items in car shipping. We will clarify what these restricted items are and why shipping companies restrict them. And tips to prepare your car for shipment. If you understand those restrictions then you will have an easier time shipping a car.
A well-defined shipping process takes the hassle out of shipping your car. 1Car Shipping is transparent and professional in its services and pays attention to safety.
Why Are Certain Items Restricted in Car Shipping?
Ship a car is restricted in certain items for a few reasons. By knowing such, you can avoid delay or complication during shipping.
Safety Concerns
Transporting dangerous items like hazardous materials can be risky. There is a good reason for the restriction on flammable substances, explosives or anything that can damage vehicles. All shipping companies are compliance with strict rules that keep everyone safe.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
The state and federal laws dictate what a shipping company can and cannot ship. Items considered illegal by law such as weapons, drugs, perishable items aren’t allowed at all. It helps prevent legal issues and potential fines and can even help improve brand image.
Liability and Insurance Issues
Most car shipping companies do cover the vehicle for insurance agreements, just not any personal belongings or objects in the car. If a car contains prohibited items, it may complicate insurance coverage for an accident or theft.
Space and Weight Constraints
Shipping services have limited design trucks and adding too many or too large items can affect the safe transport of your car. Do not load your personal belongings in your vehicle. It will make the loading and unloading of the car difficult.

What Are Commonly Restricted Items in Car Shipping?
Now that we understand why not all items can be ship, let’s check out what are the types of items typically restricted for shipping a car.
Hazardous Materials and Chemicals
- Flammable liquids (gasoline, alcohol, etc.)
- Toxic chemicals (pesticides, fertilizers, cleaning agents)
- Explosives or fireworks
- Paint or aerosols
This material does not allow as it can create a dangerous situation for the vehicle, the driver, and other vehicles.
Personal Belongings
Although it may seem easy to use your vehicle’s interior space to ship clothing, electronics, or household goods, companies usually don’t allow personal items. Potentially, some firms permit minute items, but shipping personal items may not be worthwhile. Here’s the reason.
Insurance generally does not pay for damage to items in the vehicle being transport.
Theft: The likelihood of personal property being taken is higher when the car is parked in an unsafe area.
Damage: Items can shift during transport, causing damage to your car’s interior.
Inquire into the shipping company’s policies and restrictions if you would like to ship personal items. Some employers may consent to a minor quantity of inconsequential personal effects, but it is best to get rid of personal effects entirely.
Firearms and Ammunition
Transporting a firearm or ammunition is ban. Due to firearm shipping restrictions, most shipping companies do not permit weapons mounted within the vehicle.
Regulations of the federal and state government: Each state and country has certain laws on the transport of firearms and shipping companies have to comply with these regulations.
There is a risk of causing an accident or theft while transporting the firearm.
If you have firearms that need transporting, ship them separately via a carrier authorized to engage in the transportation of firearms.
Perishable Goods
During car shipping typically doesn’t allow items that can spoil such as food or plants. Due to the days or even weeks of transit for vehicles, perishable products get spoiled and cause bad odour, mold or contaminating the vehicle’s interior. Shipping perishable goods may violate customs laws if you’re shipping overseas.
Drugs or Controlled Substances
Even if you’re carrying a medication legally prescribed to you, check with the shipper first. Some companies might allow medicine if it is in the original pack and in reasonable quantities. But better check to be sure.
Animals or Pets
It’s uncommon for car shipping companies to allow animals to ride on vehicles. Zoos include pets such as dogs, cats, and others. Animals can be a danger to themselves and their surroundings during shipping inside a vehicle. Moreover, the transport may become difficult.
How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping
It is important to prepare your car and follow the shipping company’s guidelines so that your car shipped without a hitch. Getting Ready for Your Airport Transfer – Tips to Remember.
Remove All Personal Belongings
Previously stated, remove all personal items from the vehicle car before tow. Such actions will lessen the chances of damage, loss, and insurance problems on the way It will also make the vehicle easier to load and lighter.
Check for Restricted Items
Before you pass your car on to the shipping firm, do a double check to make sure there are no restricted items in the car. Clear out the trunk, glove compartment and anything else stored in the vehicle. This makes sure that shipping has no compliance failure.
Secure Loose Parts
Ensure all aftermarket parts or loose items are secure. Luggage racks and spoilers well secured and soft tops of the car secured to avoid any damage.
Check Fluid Levels and Fuel
This will assist in distributing weight and meet the guidelines the shipping company sets.
Take Photos of Your Vehicle
Take picture of your vehicle to show its condition. It is necessary for the possible damage happening during transport. Capture images from various angles to highlight any pre-existing scratches or dents.
Avoid Issues by Understanding Restricted Items
In short, you must know the restrictions in car shipping to avoid troubles. Knowing what are shippable and non-shippable items e.g. hazardous material, personal belongings, firearms, perishables etc. can help you to avoid a delay, fine or other issues.
1st Car Shipping guarantees safety with easy and straightforward auto transport that will successfully ship vehicle to a destination without incident.
By taking these easy steps, your car and additional parts prepared for shipping properly without any issues. This will make things easier for you.

