How to Choose a Boat Transporter

• Whatever carrier you select must have the correct authorization. Any legal carrier should be authorized by the Federal Motor Carrier Authority and the Federal DOT. The website SAFER (www.safersys.org) allows you to look up your carrier by their MC and DOT license numbers.
• You will need additional insurance from the shipping company because your personal boat insurance probably won’t cover any professional transportation damages. You can look up a carrier’s insurance information on SAFER (www.safersys.org). Make sure they offer cargo insurance, as basic liability insurance won’t cover your boat. If their base insurance policy doesn’t cover your boat’s value, it may be a good idea to ask about purchasing additional coverage.
• Many transportation companies allow you to track your shipment online. If you’d like to stay on top of where your boat is, ask potential carriers about their tracking options.
• It is important to check a carrier’s references and track record. Through the Better Business Bureau, you can look up any major complaints against the company and compare their rating to other possible carriers. Ask any friends or relatives who have shipped their boat before for recommendations. Finally, when listing your boat on uShip, you can compare carriers by user feedback and consumer ratings before you accept a bid.

Getting the Best Boat Transport Quote

You will want to get several boat transport quotes when you decide to ship your boat. Quotes are based on the origin, destination, desired transport dates, and measurements of your boat. Having this information prepared along with the make and model of your boat allows a carrier to provide an accurate price for shipping your boat.

After you’ve received your boat transport quote, ask the shipping company how they have configured the quote. You should receive all-inclusive transport quotes, but demand that any variable costs, such as permit fees, tolls, or gas, be documented by receipts. This way, the final price can be adjusted to match actual costs. Always demand the boat transport quote be written and itemized. Once a contract is presented, carefully review the terms before signing.

Take time to shop around for a good quotes, but don't take cuts in quality just to get a lower price. Always approach a bargain transport quote with caution. Do not hire a carrier who cuts corners by dropping cargo insurance or permits that hauling your boat requires. As the shipper, you can certainly influence the price of your shipment. With some flexibility on your part, some companies may be legitimately able to offer lower quotes.

• Keeping your boat under heights that require extra permits.
• Filling a back-haul, which requires advance planning and flexible shipment dates.
• Choosing marinas that have proper clearance to avoid trailer changes (and charges.)
• Properly preparing your boat for transport to avoid damages.
• Leveraging competing transport quotes to receive a lower price.

The best way to save money on boat shipping is to be prepared throughout the whole process. The easier it is for a transporter to haul your boat, the more money you save. Look for reputable companies, like SW Florida Transporter, that can provide cheaper options, but put service, safety, and security first.

Communicating With Your Boat Hauler

Good communication with your boat hauler will help ensure a good experience for both of you.

• Make sure the companies you speak with transport boats of the same size and type as your boat.
• Get information on the equipment they plan on using for your boat.
• Ask questions about their loading and unloading procedures.
• Find out if there are any specific needs they may have regarding your boat.
• Will they need a special permit for your load?

If they are unwilling to answer your questions professionally, you may want to think about looking at another carrier.

You need to be clear about the pick-up and drop-off locations. Do not, however, give the hauler the specific pick up and drop off addresses until you are sure you will be doing business with them. This ensures that they do not pick up the boat early without your permission.

Some companies transport boats on a large flatbed trailer; if so the boat hauler may need to transfer your boat to a smaller tow vehicle to reach residential areas. Make sure you know these details, so that you aren't surprised by any extra costs.

Payment

Discuss the payment process early on with your service provider. Clearly set up how the transaction will be made, and if there will be a required deposit. Your payment should be due by the boat's delivery date, and you will most likely be asked for a deposit and signed order beforehand. Make sure to get a deposit refund policy in writing, otherwise, if something goes wrong, you can lose your deposit. Deposits should not be excessive, and you should never be required to pay in full in advance. If a company requests this, start looking for another company.

Possible forms of payments are as follows: Cash, Postal Money Order, Cashier's Check, or Major Credit Cards. It may be in your best interest to charge the transaction in case you need to dispute it later on.