Prohibited Items
Some items can't go in a moving truck or shipping container because they are dangerous, perishable or banned at your destination. Rules differ by company and country, so always check with your shipping company before you pack.
Dangerous goods: never pack these
- Gasoline, propane tanks, lighter fluid and other fuels
- Paint, paint thinner, solvents and strong cleaning chemicals
- Aerosol cans, fireworks and matches
- Ammunition and explosives
- Car batteries, and loose lithium batteries unless your company allows them
- Pool chemicals, fertilizer and pesticides
Perishable and living items
- Fresh, frozen or open food
- Plants, soil, seeds and firewood
- Pets and other animals (use a pet transport service)
Keep these with you
These are usually allowed but should travel with you, not in the container:
- Passports, birth certificates and other important documents
- Cash, jewelry and valuables
- Medicines you need, with your prescriptions
- Laptops, hard drives and family photos
Check with destination customs
Many countries restrict items such as weapons, alcohol, tobacco, certain medicines, meat and dairy products, wooden items with bark, and used car parts. Some countries, such as Australia and New Zealand, have very strict biosecurity rules. Ask your shipping company and check the official customs website of your destination before you pack.