Not everything that’s packed in a box is meant to travel.
Ever had that moment when you're packing for a move, and you think, "Hey, let’s just throw this in the truck"?
Well, non-transportable items aren’t just things you can't throw in a box; they’re items that could cause big headaches if you do.
Picture this: a moving truck full of flammable liquids, hazardous materials, or even toxic chemicals—it’s not only dangerous, it’s a total disaster waiting to happen.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, nearly 1.5 million hazardous materials incidents occur annually.
So, it’s no surprise that movers have a strict policy about what they will and won’t move.
And the last thing you want is to be caught with a cargo exclusion list of items that could cause a major delay or even stop your move in its tracks.
Before you start packing, it is essential to know exactly what’s non-shippable.
From dangerous goods regulations to items prohibited for transport, the rules are there for a reason: safety.
So, let’s get into the list of non-transportable items that will never make the move with you.
Why You Can Trust My Moving Journey
100+
Moving companies listed across the USA
1,000+
Customer Reviews to Guide Your Decision
50+
States served with reliable moving services
100%
Free moving quotes provided instantly
Why Movers Have Restrictions
The reason is pretty simple: safety.
Not just for your stuff but for the movers and everyone else involved in the process.
There are a bunch of regulations out there that make it illegal—or just too risky—for movers to transport certain items.
Imagine if your moving truck caught on fire because you packed your gasoline tank in with your furniture.
Movers also need to comply with federal and state laws, which is why certain items are just off-limits.
Confused About What to Pack? Check out our comprehensive packing guide ur comprehensive packing guide!
Restricted Goods
Let’s start with the basics—restricted goods.
These are the items that movers just can’t touch.
They are the big no-nos, the items that you’ll need to make special arrangements for.
And you can’t just bribe your mover with a six-pack of beer to take these off your hands.
Flammable Liquids: You know that bottle of lighter fluid you’ve been holding onto for your summer BBQ? Yeah, that’s gotta go.
Gasoline, paint thinners, and even some cleaning products are considered non-shippable products because they’re a fire hazard.
Explosives: This should go without saying, but if you’re moving with fireworks or ammunition, it’s not happening.
Movers won’t take anything that could potentially blow up during transit.
Better leave those fireworks for the 4th of July—just not in your moving truck.
Compressed Gases: You might think it’s no big deal to toss your propane tank in with your boxes, but it is.
Pressurized containers like oxygen tanks or gas canisters are a huge safety risk. If the pressure gets too high, you’ve got a serious problem.
Corrosive Substances: Acids, bleach, and other chemicals that can eat through surfaces; movers aren’t touching those either.
These items can damage the truck and your other stuff, or worse, spill and harm someone.
Toxic Chemicals: We all love our cleaning supplies, but some are toxic and cannot be moved.
Pesticides, fertilizers, and even some industrial cleaners fall under this category.
Perishable Items: If you’ve got any kind of food that can go bad, like meat, dairy, or even that half-eaten sandwich you were going to finish—don’t expect movers to take it.
They’ll leave you with a spoiled mess and a smelly truck.
Live Plants and Animals: You may love your plants, but they won’t get to go for the ride.
Movers can’t guarantee that they’ll stay healthy, and transporting live animals (including pets) is a whole different debate as it requires special handling.
Personal Valuables: If you’re moving things like family heirlooms, important documents, or other irreplaceable items, it’s best to move them yourself.
You never know what could happen during the move, and you don’t want to be the one who loses grandma’s engagement ring.
Don't leave your move to chance! Find the best movers for your needs with just a click.
Items Prohibited for Transport
These are the items that movers legally can’t move, and they include anything that could be illegal, dangerous, or just too much of a hassle to deal with.
Illegal Substances: Drugs, weapons, and anything that breaks the law—you get the gist. This isn’t just a moving policy; it’s a legal one. No one wants to deal with that headache.
Firearms and Ammunition: Depending on where you live, you may need special permits or a licensed carrier to transport firearms. Movers typically won’t deal with these for you.
While you’re preparing for your move, don’t forget the essentials! Check out our guide on the most common things people forget to pack.
Hazardous Materials Shipping Restrictions
Some materials are considered hazardous and regulated by various government agencies, which means you’ll need to follow very specific hazardous materials shipping restrictions if you plan to transport them.
Some of the main ones include:
- Explosive materials (like fireworks or dynamite) are extremely dangerous.
- Flammable liquids like gasoline, paint, and certain solvents.
- Corrosive chemicals that could damage other items or harm people.
Dangerous Goods Regulations
So, here’s where things get a little tricky.
When it comes to dangerous goods regulations, we’re not just talking about dangerous stuff in your kitchen or garage.
Certain items are classified as dangerous for transport by air, rail, or road, and moving companies follow these guidelines to keep everything safe.
Movers are required to follow federal regulations, and they must properly label and store any dangerous goods to make sure they don’t cause harm.
Even if something seems harmless, it could still fall under the regulated articles for shipping category if it’s a fire hazard, explosive, or toxic.
To make your move even smoother, avoid common packing blunders—learn about the biggest packing mistakes people make when moving and how to avoid them!"
Cargo Exclusion List
Movers maintain a cargo exclusion list, which is basically a fancy way of saying, "Here are the things we can’t touch."
This includes:
- Black powder, smokeless powder
- Igniters or primers
- Fireworks
- Lighter fluid/matches
- Propellers
- Signal flares
- Acids/Ammonia
- Gasoline/Kerosene or other petroleum products
- Yard equipment containing fuel
- Motor oil/Antifreeze
- Lamp oil
- Fluid cleaners
- Dyes
- Disinfectants
- Pesticides/Fertilizer/Weed killers/Poisons
- Propane tanks
- Paint, paint thinners, and other paint-related materials
- Nail polish and nail polish remover
- Aerosol cans (deodorant, hair spray)
- Charcoal
- Pool chemicals
- Fire extinguishers
- Scuba diving tanks
- Car batteries
- Cleaning supplies/bleach
- Liquor (alcoholic beverages)
- Candles
- Dangerous or unidentified liquids
Non-Transportable Cargo Guidelines
So, how do you deal with all this?
Here’s what you need to do:
- Create a list of all the non-transportable items in your home. Go room by room and separate the ones that can’t go on the truck.
-
Find alternatives. For example, if you have hazardous materials, you’ll need to make special shipping arrangements or dispose of them safely. If you’re moving plants or pets, you’ll need to hire a specialized service or transport them yourself.
- Talk to your moving company. Every mover has their own restrictions, so it’s worth asking upfront about anything you’re unsure of. The last thing you want is to pack something and then find out last minute that it can’t be moved.
Get Prepared for Your Move
Now you’ve got the idea of non-transportable items, and everything movers won't move. We know it's a lot to take in, but now you'll be way ahead of the game.
Remember, the key is to stay organized and know ahead of time what can and can’t go.
If you have hazardous materials, restricted goods, or anything else on the cargo exclusion list, make sure you have a plan in place for them.
You don’t want any surprises when moving day rolls around.
By doing your homework and knowing what to expect, you’ll have a much smoother move.
And who knows? You might even end up feeling like a pro by the end of it.
Have Questions About Moving? No problem! Get the answers to your burning questions about moving.
Recommended Resources
