Whether you're shipping a boat cross country or across the state, finding the right transporter can be nerve-wracking. You've already prepared your boat and received some competing quotes on uShip- and now it's time to pick a transporter that will haul your boat efficiently and safely. Take your time and follow these easy steps to find the right carrier for your boat.
Step 1: Verify Your Transporter's Authority
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) and the USDOT must authorize every carrier in the United States. An MC Number proves that the FMSCA has verified the carrier and that the carrier has proper liability coverage and clearance to travel across state lines. A DOT number is a unique identifying number used to verify and monitor a transporter's safety information during government audits, compliance reviews, crash investigations and inspections. Make sure the transporter you choose has an updated MC number and DOT number as a clear sign they're operate legally.
Step 2: Check Insurance Coverage
Along with an MC and DOT number, sufficient insurance coverage is important in choosing a transporter. Verify a carrier's insurance information on their website or business profile, or visit SAFER to make sure the carrier offers what you need. While your standard boat insurance with liability coverage may not cover any incidents in transit, your carrier's quote should at least include the cost of cargo insurance. Quality carriers will help you find the necessary coverage you need if they're unable to offer sufficient coverage upfront.
Step 3: Discuss Communication and Tracking
Potential carriers should provide sufficient tracking options during your move. Independent transporters may offer a plan of communication while on the road, personalized specifically for your trip. Transporters should be available via phone at all times. Some larger carriers offer online geo-tracking that allows you to track where your boat is at all times. The best transporters will update their customers throughout the haul, including the estimated time of arrival prior to delivery.
Step 4: Look for Feedback from Other Customers
A carrier's track record is the most important thing to take note of after verifying their MC and DOT number. Take a look at a carrier's online feedback to make sure the majority of comments come from happy customers. Google is a helpful tool for researching other people's past experiences with the transporter. Sites like uShip offer carrier profiles with first-hand reviews and feedback ratings from past customers so you know exactly who you are trusting your boat to.
This article was contributed by our friends at uShip. uShip is the world's largest and most trusted transportation marketplace, primarily serving the freight, household goods and vehicle shipping markets.