Here's a concise guide to help you choose the best boat transportation company:
1. General Preparations \uddf0
- Accurate Measurements: Measure length, height, and beam for precise shipping quotes.
- Shipping Route Planning: Research state tolls, international customs forms, fees, and taxes.
- Remove Covers: Protect snap-on canvas covers by storing them during transport.
2. Protecting the Boat
- Insurance: Ensure quotes include insurance; consider extra coverage for complex routes.
- Shrink Wrap: Use heavy-duty wrap for protection against weather and debris.
3. Extra Services
- Professional Wrapping: Companies can shrink-wrap your boat for a fee.
- Tracking Options: Some companies provide GPS tracking for peace of mind.
4. Trailers Provided by the Company
- Adjustable Trailers: Adaptable to various boat sizes.
- Custom Cradles: Built for secure transport if you don't have a trailer.
5. Company Qualifications
- Licensing: Ensure the company is legally recognized.
- Bonding: Guarantees contracts will be fulfilled or offers consumer reimbursement.
- Insurance: Check coverage details and add insurance if needed.
6. Pricing
- Instant Quotes: Accurate measurements help with quick quotes.
- Marketplaces: Compare bids from multiple companies online.
- Secure Payments: Use verified payment methods, such as checks or secure online platforms.
Types of Boat Transportation
- Overland: Requires trailers; may incur tolls and border fees.
- Oversea: Boats shipped via cargo ships; captains may move boats between nearby harbors.
- Air Shipping: Ideal for smaller boats or specialty parts like masts; costly but fast.
Who Benefits from Boat Transportation Services?
- New Boat Owners: Shipping purchases from distant locations.
- Showroom Promoters: Moving multiple boats for shows.
- Relocators: Transporting boats to a new home.
- Vacationers: Shipping boats to vacation spots without hauling them.
- Boat Dealers: Efficient inventory management.
Top Boat Transport Companies & Key Details
Here's an overview of trusted boat transport companies, their specialties, and who they"9re best for:
1. We Will Transport It
- Specialties: Transporting vehicles, boats, yachts, and heavy equipment domestically or internationally.
- Key Features: Provides multiple quotes from licensed and insured companies.
- Best For: Consumers needing oversized vehicle or international boat transport.
2. Boatmovers.com (Showroom Transport)
- Specialties: Transporting boats and jet skis nationwide since 1994.
- Key Features: Offers fast, safe transport across the U.S.
- Best For: Consumers shipping boats or watercraft within the continental United States.
3. uShip
- Specialties: Online marketplace connecting consumers to global transportation services.
- Key Features:
- Companies bid for consumer business.
- Real-time tracking of shipments.
- Dedicated fraud prevention team.
- Secure online payment options.
- Best For: Consumers wanting competitive shipping bids.
4. Boats Express
- Specialties: Marine transportation across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
- Key Features: Large-scale operation for cross-border transport.
- Best For: Domestic and North American boat transport.
5. Express Boat Transport
- Specialties: Domestic and international land and sea shipping since 1998.
- Key Features:
- Offers free quotes and preparation tips.
- Shrink wrap and cradle services for extra protection.
- Informative blog for transport laws and consumer insights.
- Best For: Consumers needing boat transport with added care or international shipping.
6. Joule Yacht Transport
- Specialties: Overland yacht transport since 1954.
- Key Features:
- $2 million insurance coverage on all jobs.
- Customizable trailers and fabricator services.
- Prep guides and links to dealers, harbors, and shipyards.
- Best For: Large yachts needing secure overland transportation in the U.S.
7. Peters & May Group
- Specialties: Logistics solutions for land, sea, and air transport.
- Key Features:
- Global presence with offices worldwide.
- Handles VAT and customs advisory for international transport.
- Special racing team logistics support.
- Best For: Shipping luxury or specialty vessels internationally.
8. Sevenstar Yacht Transport
- Specialties: Worldwide yacht shipping with access to over 120 vessels.
- Key Features:
- Includes All Risk insurance in quotes.
- Strong focus on racing yacht logistics.
- Transparent loading details and videos for consumer assurance.
- Best For: Yacht owners transporting vessels globally.
9. Interstate Haulers
- Specialties: U.S.-based transportation of boats, RVs, and freight since 1997.
- Key Features:
- Transparent pricing with no hidden charges.
- Comprehensive consumer guides on choosing transport companies.
- Handles all boat types with dedicated customer service.
- Best For: Consumers shipping boats within the U.S.
Pro Tip for Boat Owners
When choosing a company, prioritize those with strong insurance policies, preparation guides, and transparent pricing to ensure a smooth and secure transportation experience.
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