if you are going to pick up the puppie by yourself, then you definitely need to use a crate for the puppy.
if someone is picking up the puppy with you, you can hold the puppy if someone else's driving.
the 'safe' thing to do is to use a crate. it is the safe thing, right thing to do. but i held milu when i brought her home, she was sleeping in my lap, it was a good boding experience for us.
