Check Boat Transport Authority

Before considering any boat transport company, you must check that the company has Federal Motor Carrier Authority and Federal DOT Authority. Any legal boat carrier should be able to provide their MC or DOT numbers, and any responsible shipper should verify these at www.safersys.org to make sure the carrier is registered for boat transport.

Verify Boat Shipping Insurance

Once you’ve determined that a transporter is legally authorized to transport your ship, boat, or yacht, verify their insurance. Request a certificate of insurance from the service provider. Any legal carrier is responsible for carrying a minimum of cargo and liability insurance, but you will want to verify your chosen carrier’s specific coverage. If your carrier will also ship boat parts for you, be sure they carry enough insurance for that cargo as well. When evaluating a boat transportation company’s insurance policy, keep in mind the following: 

• Double check any insurance information you are provided. Check with their insurance company or on www.safersys.org to make sure that the company is in fact insured and that their policy has not expired. 
• Do not accept a carrier who says your boat will be covered under their Personal Insurance Policy.  They must provide a Commercial Insurance Policy in order to carry property they do not own. 
• Check that your boat transport company provides cargo insurance (NOT just liability insurance). This is the only kind of insurance that will cover your boat. 
• Valuate your boat and ensure your boat carrier’s cargo policy offers coverage of equal or greater value than your boat. 
• Be clear about deductibles and the process for claims. Ask how quickly claims are handled and how you should submit damages.
• If a transporter’s cargo policy is inadequate, request that they purchase short-term additional coverage for your boat.  In this case, get a copy of the short-term policy and verify it.

It is also a good idea to contact your own boat insurance provider to inform them of your plans for boat or yacht shipping. Check if your current boat insurance protects you against losses incurred while a company is transporting your boat.  Your boat insurance company may also be able to refer you to a reliable boat transportation company.

Research a Boat Transporter’s Business Record

One of the best indicators of a boat transporter’s professionalism is their reputation. When you begin searching for boat carriers, you should ask around your marina or local boating community. Someone may be able to provide you with a referral or a warning—which can be just as valuable. 

Ask your boat shipping company if they belong to any professional organizations. Membership in a shipping or boating organization can indicate a high level of knowledge and a proven track record in the industry, as these groups often have stringent membership requirements.

Finally, review the company's record on the Better Business Bureau website to see if they have had any major complaints filed against them.