Dependable auto shipping A Boat Services

If you are carriers a boat, we recommend that you schedule your move as soon as possible to insure that your boat is auto shipping within the time frame which best meets your schedule. This way we can have a truck assigned and on its way to pick-up your boat 1 to 7 days from the date the boat is first available for pick-up.
If your boat is available for pick-up immediately, we will work with you on getting your boat scheduled as close to the preferred date as possible. It is helpful when orders are submitted 15 to30 days in advance of the ready date. Scheduling your order in advance is helpful however not necessary for successful auto transport
Pick-up dates and delivery shipping times are not guaranteed. Guaranteed and immediate pick-ups are available at an additional shippers

The legal height for auto transport a boat on the road is 13'6" high. That means when we get the boat on our trailer that is what the overall height is. Usually, if the boat height is 12' we are within the legal height limitations. If you choose a marina or boat yard to which there is no clear access, the carrier cannot accept responsibility for damage caused by branches or wires. The larger the boat, the more clearance that is required. Boats that are over 8'6 wide are considered an "oversize load" and will require permits to shippers it in every state. Boats that are over 12' wide may require a "certified escort". We will get the required permits during carriers and run from $30 to $70 per state that we haul through and are ordered the day of your shipping (they expire after 7 days). Upon delivery the Auto Transport Group driver will provide you with the amount owed for obtaining the permits for reimbursement. If we are re-routed by the state when obtaining permits you will incur extra charges this ONLY happens when there are road construction detours that will not allow your boat to go on that particular road. When we are re-directed it adds additional mileage to the trip and you will be charged per mile over and above the mileage quoted in your contract. If you are ready to go, please fill out our shippers quote form to receive a quote for your move.

Auto Transport Group Boat shippers Specialists are trained to ask the right questions that will affect your auto shipping. They will review your quote request so we can accurately price your boat shippers. Pricing your boat carriers is determined by a few factors. The origin, destination, boat size, and the level of service desired. These all have a part in how your boat shipping is quoted.

There are two major factors to know how long your boat shippers will take for delivery. First is the distance between pick-up and delivery. Typically the longer the distance for the carriers the longer it will take the driver to deliver your boat. In addition to the distance, the number of stops the driver will have to make will also play a factor in the delivery time. Unexpected delays can be caused by traffic conditions, weather conditions, and roadway conditions; rare mechanical problems can also add time to the delivery. There are many State and Federal regulations that our drivers must comply with. These regulations include restrictions on the amount of daily and weekly time the drivers can log as on duty and driving. Additionally the drivers are required to conduct daily truck safety inspections and do routine maintenance as needed.
On average, shipping a boat up to 500 miles will take 1 to 3 days - 1,000 miles will take 2 to 5 days - 2,000 miles will take 4 to 8 days, and coast to coast will range from 7 to 14 days with 10 days being close to the average. Please remember these are just estimated times for delivery. Our Dispatch Department will try to provide an accurate estimate of delivery as the truck assignment is made.

Yes. Auto Transport Group insurance covers trucking liability, a general liability, and cargo insurance that will protect your boat up to the limit equal to the value of your boat. Standard insurance practices determine the value of your boat- just as if it were damaged in a accident. – is this applicable to boats?
If your boat is of unique value it is recommended that a reputable company appraise the craft prior to shippers it.
In the event we use an agent to assist with your boat carriers and auto shipping, we verify that all agents have an active insurance policy with acceptable coverage. In addition to verification, it is our policy to have agents name Auto Transport Group shipping to their trucking policy as a certificate holder. This ensures advance notice in the event an agent's insurance policy changes status. This certificate comes from the insurance agent's office, not from the independent contractor.
The amount of cargo insurance needed depends on the size and type of the equipment. The contractor pays any policy deductibles. Our customers will never have any deductible charges in the unlikely event of boat damage; assuming the claim has been validated. If boat damage is sustained, Auto Transport Group shippers will protect the customer and their property. We will act as liaison during the settlement of any valid claim.

All canvas covers, tops and side curtains must be removed as they will tear or fly off during shippers this can cause cracks and scratches to the boat during carriers. If they are not removed, the carrier cannot be Dependable for damages. The carrier will auto transport shrink-wrapped boats; however the shrink-wrap may tear or fly off in shipping. The Dependable auto transport do carry extra shrink wrap tape and every effort will be made to repair the shrink wrap, however, if the shrink wrap becomes unfixable, it will be removed to avoid damage from the shrink wrap beating against the boat. Please make sure the covers or tarps are removed, we will not assume responsibility for canvas covers, or tops, which remain topside during auto shipping. The Dependable auto transport will not be held responsible for any damage due to coverings or torn shrink wrappings.

If your boat has its own cradle, please inspect it carefully for loose bolts or weakness of any kind. If your cradle breaks in shippers, causing damage to your boat, the carrier cannot accept responsibility. If you are shippers your boat on its own trailer service or replace the wheel bearings, check tires for proper inflation and make sure the tread is sufficient and that there are no cracks, bubbles or gouges in the rubber. Check the lighting system and make sure wires are in good condition. If repairs need to be made, have them done well in advance of the scheduled pick up date. The carrier cannot accept responsibility should the trailer rollers or frame cause damage, or if the trailer breaks apart, causing damage. We will not carriers a boat on a trailer that is not fit for travel. We will not jeopardize our safety, equipment, or your boat. You will be responsible for any repairs, damage or problems cause by your trailer. Any time spent by carrier to maintain or repair a trailer will be billed to the customer at the carrier’s hourly rate.
Loading and unloading the boat on/off our trailer is the responsibility of the owner of the boat. Owners must make their own arrangements to pay for these services and or provide services.

We only need a deposit to start your auto shipping. For your convenience we accept all major credit cards. The balance should be paid to the driver as they make the delivery. The remaining balance must be paid via Cash, Certified Check or Money Order (No Credit Card, Personal or Business checks, or any other form of payment will be accepted upon delivery). You may make payment in full, with a credit card; at the time the order is placed if necessary.

All standing rigging, turnbuckles, mastheads, antennas, spreaders, wires, winches, wind indicators, and lights must be removed from the mast after it is un-stepped and prior to shipping. Carpet should be provided for the mast at the points of tie down. Expect some chafing at these points. If the mast is painted, it is almost impossible to keep the paint from chafing. The carrier will not pay to repaint masts if chafing occurs. Do not secure the mast to the boat unless it is discussed with the hauler the mast is to be secured on the top of the boat, it is the customer’s responsibility to make sure that the mast will not move. It should be secured side-to-side and front and back. The shippers company will make sure that the mast is tight before shippers. However, it is not carriers companies’ responsibility to lash it down entirely unless customer has requested him to do so at an additional cost. Life lines, stanchions, bow and stern pulpits should be removed if they render the boat over height, generally over 12' keel to highest point not on the carrier’s trailer. On centerboard sailboats, make sure the board is secured and will stay up in shipping. Keel sailboats may expect some separation where the keel joins the hull. This is not structural damage, but rather is the paint or filler cracking at the joint. Light built or racing sailboats can expect some hull indentation from the support pads. These indentations generally disappear when the boat is returned to the water.

Remove all propellers, flag masts, lights, outriggers, antennas, etc. If your powerboat is low enough to auto transport with the flying bridge on, remove all lights, wheels, masts and windshields that protrude over the bridge. All Plexiglas should be removed and packed below with a cargo blanket. If your powerboat is not low enough to auto transport with the flying bridge on, you will have to have a cradle built for the bridge to be auto transport in on the forward deck or cockpit area. Every point touching the deck or rails must be sufficiently padded. Remove all electronics and valuable items from the bridge, pack securely, and store below.

Overall length includes bow pulpits, swim platforms, motor brackets and the length of the motors or outdrives in the raised position.
Width is measured as the widest point of the boat including anything attached to the sides of the vessel. You may have to mark the wide points on the ground by a drop line and then measure those points.
Overall height is measured from the bottom of the keel to the highest non-removable part of the vessel. Should the boat be auto transport on a cradle the height is from the bottom of the cradle to the highest point on the boat. Should the boat be auto transport on a trailer the dimensions must include those of the trailer.
Weight is the fully loaded weight with all equipment, trailer/cradle and water/fuel if applicable.
For a sailing yacht you will also need to provide the dimensions of the mast or masts.

We can deliver the container to you and you can do it yourself or the boat can be delivered to a packing depot, wharf or marina where we will arrange the loading/securing and delivery to wharf.

To make sure there are no delays, it is important that we have all necessary documentation. Below are the minimum requirements to Customs clear in most countries.
Bill of sale, or proof of value when importer already owns the boat, Photo identification, Passport, photo driver’s license and Bill of lading. If shippers through us we will provide the Fumigation certificate (if applicable).
Providing we have all documentation in advance, will allow us to connect with all authorities to ensure you're yacht can be made available as soon as possible. For more information on what type of clearance best suits your situation please feel free to contact us. This is best discussed prior to the vessel sailing, to ensure the correct documents are complete at origin.

This will depend on the size of your yacht, whether it is auto transport on a cradle or a trailer. We will advise you based on the type of vessel best suited to your needs, and more importantly the type of vessels available on any particular trade route.

Disconnecting the batteries, stowing all lose objects below decks, un-stepping mast/rigging if carriers on a container, RO/RO or conventional vessels. In these cases the mast will normally need to be lashed to the deck.
For new boats you may consider shrink-wrapping for protection from the elements.

Marine insurance is optional but you should have during the actual ocean shipping time. An ocean carrier's liability is minimal and per the COGSA, the carrier’s maximum liability is $500. All container and conventional vessels clause their bills of lading "auto transport on deck at shippers risk." All used boats will need a Condition Survey Report recently performed in order to take out Marine Insurance. Insurance is calculated on a percentage of the declared value. A minimum premium may apply.

Only when shippers on a container vessel, RO/RO or conventional vessel.

You will need to arrange Customs clearance prior to the arrival of the vessel. In most cases we can do this for you, or recommend that you engage a Customs broker. For more details please contact us.