Shipping Personal Effects Inside Your Vehicle: What You Need to Know

Many customers ask whether they can ship personal belongings inside their vehicle when transporting it overseas. The answer depends on several factors including the shipping method (Roll-On/Roll-Off or container), destination country, shipping carrier, and the type of items you intend to ship.

We understand that including personal items with your car shipment can be a cost-effective solution, especially when sending just a few boxes overseas. If you’re already paying to ship your vehicle, it may seem practical to make the most of the available space.

Shipping Personal Effects via Container

Shipping your vehicle in a container is the most secure and flexible option for including personal belongings.

• Secure Transport: Your vehicle is strapped down using chocks and straps to prevent movement. The container is sealed with a unique seal number, ensuring only you, customs, and unloading staff have access.

• Insurance Coverage: If you want your personal items insured, you must purchase an additional transit insurance policy.

• Packing Guidelines: All personal effects must be loaded inside the vehicle. Items placed outside of the vehicle inside the container are not allowed.

• Restrictions: We do not accept large household goods or furniture, even in 40ft containers. These are beyond the scope of our vehicle shipping services.

Shipping Personal Effects via Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo)

Shipping personal effects in your vehicle using Roll-On/Roll-Off services is more restricted and depends on the nature of the shipment. We specialise in shipping vehicles overseas for tourism purposes and expeditions,  as such many of these vehicles need the travel of items for those purposes, and therefore we have negotiated with some of the carriers to be able to transport some items on some roll on roll off services.

• Tourism & Expedition Vehicles Only: We allow personal items in vehicles used for tourism purposes (e.g., campervans, expedition trucks, overlanding vehicles). Items must be properly secured in storage compartments and not visible.

• Strict Requirements:

  • No hazardous materials, food, liquids, or medicines.

  • Vehicles must appear empty and tidy.

  • Acceptance of personal effects is at the discretion of the port and the carrier.

• Standard Vehicles Must Be Empty: Sedans, standard SUVs, and non-expedition vehicles must be completely empty except for standard tools and manufacturer-supplied accessories.

When you request a quote or book a shipment, we’ll provide official guidelines from the carrier outlining what is and isn’t permitted inside the vehicle.

Important Considerations

• Risk of Theft: Items shipped inside your vehicle are at your own risk. Neither we nor the carrier are liable for loss or damage.

• Insurance: Optional insurance may be available to cover personal belongings during transit.

• Carrier Discretion: Final approval for loaded items lies with the shipping carrier and port authorities.

Need More Info?

To find out which shipping methods allow personal effects inside vehicles, request a quote online and feel free to contact us with any questions. We’re here to help you navigate your international vehicle shipping options.