Boat Transport

Relocation in itself is very stressful and when it comes to vehicle shipping, nothing compares the pressure. Professional car carriers are there for car moving. As far as shipping of smaller vehicles like motorcycle shipping is concerned, they can be shipped, crated or uncrated in a variety of ways. However, boat transport is really a very sensitive issue to deal with. However, there are many boat transport companies that do the work of boat shipping in the most professional ways.

Types of Boat Shipping Services
Towable Service: In towable boat transportation, the contractors haul the boats on trailers with about 1-ton pick-up trucks. This service can be availed only if boats are on trailers.

Non-towable service: In cases where boats are not on trailers, the boat haulers have access to a variety of equipment to handle boat shipping process. Specially engineered trailers that are equipped with custom racking and bunking are used for safe and secure transportation of boats.

Boat Trailers
It totally depends on the decision of the boat owners as to how they want their boats to be transported. They can either transport the boat on its own trailer, or use one of the company's boat trailers. Boats Own Trailer: If the boat's own transport trailer or cradle is used then full responsibility of any damage or mishaps that may occur as a result of the trailer not being fit for transport, lies with the owner. Therefore such boats and trailers should be checked thoroughly before transportation. As far as wooden boats are concerned, it is always advisable to transport them in their own custom cradle because they are made to spread the boat's weight properly.

Transporter's Boat Trailers: If anyone uses transporter's trailer, any specific details must be discussed beforehand that they may need the customer to comply with. Different companies offer different boat trailer transport facilities. For example, some companies have the equipment to transport the boat and trailer on their trailer, while some others may not have such a facility. Some other companies transport boats on a large flatbed trailer. In such cases, the boat hauler may need to transfer the customer's boat to a smaller tow vehicle to reach residential areas. Extra costs may involve for the additional services.

Boat Transport Process
Once a customer places order with a boat transport company, generally a customer service representative is assigned to be in touch with him/her. Before hiring a company one should always ensure that company has a proper insurance ( trucking liability, general liability, and cargo insurance) so that the boat is protected up to the limit equal to the value of the vehicle.

• When all the paperwork is done, the transportation of boat is scheduled.
• A truck is assigned by the company for the purpose.
• The customer receives an email, call or is informed personally about the estimated pickup date and time.
• The driver calls the customer usually 12 to 24 hours in advance of pick up or delivery.
• Upon picking up the boat, the driver performs a detailed inspection of the boat on a Bill of Lading.
• The client and the driver sign this Bill of Lading and one copy is left at the boat point of origin. This Bill of Lading is presented on delivery so that the boat can be re-inspected before being released.
• After inspection the boat hauler is loaded.
• The loaded boat is securely fixed to the trailer to avoid any damage during transportation.
• The transporter notifies the length of time it will take for the boat to arrive at the destination point.
• On its arrival, the boat is safely unloaded and stored at a boat storage facility until the customer comes to pick it up. Mostly all the boat transport companies provide this storage in-transit service.

International Boat Transport
Just as in case of international relocation, some extra steps have to be taken during international boat transport. It has to be ensured well in advance that the customer has all the necessary documents for the boat to pass through customs. Experienced international boat transport companies can tell exactly what forms the client will need and if there are any special precautions to be taken. The forms and formalities vary from country to country. So, a hauler who specializes in boat shipping to a particular country is ideal for safe and legal boat transport.