Shipping my truck with stuff in it

Three and a half years ago my wife and I shipped cars down and were not allowed to leave anything inside. And its a good thing we didn't! Both of our cars were ransacked. Batteries taken from a flashlight under the seat, the jesus handle broken from the dash in front of the passenger seat (I guess it looks kind of like a glove box handle), upholstery peeled back, etc in my car. My wife's car had crayons and barrettes and other items (that had been lost years before by her niece under seats) left in the floorboards from the thorough going-through her car received.
I guess a few days on a boat full of unlocked cars is too much for some people.

I called and got three quotes yesterday. All of them said the van had to be empty except for what was literally bolted or screwed down. I was concerned because I have built cabinets and have a couch/bed in the back. They said as long as it is attached as a part of the vehicle that is fine. I will, of course, have to empty the pantry/drawers and pull out all my camping gear.

Thanks, guys. I don't have a problem with shipping what little personal stuff we plan to bring, but I have toolboxes and tools that are gonna cosst big bucks to move. Was hoping to be able to put those in the truck at least. On to plan B.

If you're worried about the weight of the tools and such, don't be. We used VICargo and shipping was based on cubic feet, not weight.

I owned a cartage and special delivery business for 8 years. When dealing with air and ocean the charges are generally charged by dimension, unless the item is abnormally heavy and that is very rare. Cartage, delivery from airport/dock to a specific location will usually be charged by weight unless the freight has strange dimensions and requires special handling (also rare). Just pick it up at the port/airport yourself and avoid cartage charges unless you need a van/truck to deliver. If I take the plunge, I plan on shipping from Miami via ocean on a packed pallet(s) and hiring some day laborers to help load/unload my van even if it takes a few trips.

VI Cargo may charge extra for heavy items. From their home page: "The ocean freight cost is usually calculated per cubic foot but heavy items are sometimes subject to weight charges."

My husband and I moved back to STX in November, 2012. We bought one of those roll-back covers custom made of the model truck and packed it to the brim. Our extended cab was full of paintings, TV, etc. We used International logistics out of STT and ask for Mimi.

We drove to j'sonville, FL and shipped it out of there. Took cab to airport, they call them for you, and rented a van and took dog and cat to Miami to fly out of there non- stop.

Absolutely nothing was missing.. But, for customs sake, label every box and have a master list of all items in vehicle. There is no guarantee, but, not only I have used them and shipped household goods in vehicles, I personally know 3 other families who have used them as well with no problems.