As service providers will not be held responsible for damages incurred from improper travel and loading preparations, it is important that you prepare the boat yourself, or have a qualified boat yard do so.  It is also advised that you have it inspected by a licensed marine surveyor.  You need to have your boat prepped for pick-up before the transporter arrives.  Give yourself plenty of time for this; it may take more than a day.  If possible, be prepped early just in case the transport company needs to come a day early for weather or any other reasons.

Pick a marina or boatyard as a loading spot that has a 14' clearance, so that branches and wires will not interfere with your boat at the beginning of its trip.  If you or your agent have not already chosen a marina or boatyard for your drop-off point, you can ask your service provider if they can refer you to one in the destination area.  Again, make sure it has a 14' clearance.

Before dismantling anything on your boat, take photos so that you have something to reference when reassembling the boat after the transport.  Then, you can remove all personal items from your boat.  Clean and inspect your boat's exterior for any damages.  Make a list of any problems found and take photos and date these if possible.  The driver you hire will run another assessment with you for your Condition Report, but its good to have an idea of what to point out to him when he arrives.  

• Secure all loose gear above and below deck. 
• Close and secure any hatches by tying or taping them.  If they leak, seal them to avoid any possible water damage. 
• Cabin windows also need to be latched and taped from the outside. 
• Drain all fuel and water tanks (some companies say to drain until 1/4 full, others want them completely empty), and remove any drain plugs from the hull. 
• To avoid damage during the winter months, all water systems, pumps, and air conditioners, etc. should be drained of any water. 
• Disconnect batteries, and secure the cables away from it to prevent any contact.

Any external accessories and anything protruding past the hull must be removed, securely padded, packed and stored below. 

• Remove any valuable electronics and anchors from the deck, pad and secure what you can in the cabin.  The same goes for any windshield or Plexiglas that protrudes over the flying bridge. 
• In the case of something large, such as a dinghy or any superstructure, secure it on board and make sure it is well-padded. 
• If your boat has a radar arch or fly-bridge which causes it to load out higher than 13 Feet 6 Inches, they will need to be removed, padded and secured to the boat. 
• Damage or loss of these external items do not fall under the service provider's responsibility.  Once everything is secured below, lock the cabin and keep the key during travel.  

Remove any boat covers.  Shrink wrap is not always advised, because it easily rips during travel and can cause damage to your boat.  If you do choose to have your boat shrink wrapped, transporters will attempt to fix any tears during travel, however they cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by shrink wrap, or any other coverings.
 
To avoid having a wooden boat dry out during transport, coat it with linseed oil.
 
Remember, your boat will be experiencing stronger winds than it is used to, so expect it to arrive with normal travel wear and dirt from the roads.

Preparing a Sailboat for Transport

The keel of a sailboat will often give the appearance of some separation from the hull, but keep in mind this is just minor cracking in the paint or sealant.   Your mast will be secured to the trailer, not on your boat.  Be sure it is secured on carpet at the spots it is tied down, if not completely wrapped in carpet, to help avoid paint scratches.  Be forgiving of paint cracks and wear in these areas; it is close to impossible to avoid them due to the chafing from road vibrations. 
   
As previously mentioned, some disassembling and rearranging of the sailboat may be necessary in order to reach the desired traveling height.

International Boat Transport

You will need to take extra steps when preparing for international boat shipping.  Make sure well in advance you have all the necessary documents for your boat to pass through customs.  Choosing a transporter with experience in international boat transport will save you headaches down the line.  He will be able to tell you exactly what forms you will need and any special precautions he recommends.  The forms will vary by country, so finding a hauler who specializes in boat shipping to that country is ideal.