Overland transport: as a recreational boater you're expected to know how to operate your boat. But like a fish out of water, arranging for your boat to travel overland by a commercial carrier is unfamiliar territory for most of us. Here's a primer on "boat transport 101."

So where do you start?

Finding a good hauler is key and in this business, reputation is everything. BoatU.S. Consumer Affairs has a list of haulers who provide boat hauling services. Or, ask fellow boaters whom they had good experience with.

Broker or No broker?

Another way to find a hauler is through an independent boat transportation broker whose job is to save you the hassle of finding the lowest bid. The federal government requires a broker to possess both a license and $10,000 bond.

Most haulers say that boat transportation brokers are simply middlemen that drive up the costs and complexity of the transaction without adding significant value. Haulers also recommend that any contract signed with a broker allow for a refund if their services are not used.

Interstate or Intrastate?

A hauler can be authorized to operate interstate, intrastate (within the same state) or within a designated "commercial zone" which typically includes multi-state metropolitan regions that don't require interstate authority.

If you are going interstate ask for the hauler's "motor carrier" (MC) number, which indicates they are approved by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the agency that authorizes and regulates interstate hauling. Bob Clemens of the FMCSA says that if the hauler cannot provide one it should be a red flag to you that something's amiss and that the hauler may not be hired for interstate travel.

Also don't confuse an MC number with a "DOT" number. The latter is useless in determining approval for interstate travel.

Safersys.org

Once you have the MC number click on the FMCSA's www.safersys.org Web site and go to "Company Snapshot" under "FMCSA Searches." This snapshot includes information such as a company's identification or operating alias, safety record, crash information and more.

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Clemens says the two most important things to look at are a hauler's authority for interstate travel and their insurance status. A hauler stopped at a highway weigh station without authorization won't be able to continue and your vessel could be impounded. To confirm a hauler's authority, the "Operation Classification" area of the Snapshot should have an "x" marked next to "Auth. For Hire."

The only positive way to ensure an interstate carrier has insurance coverage is through the "FMCSA Licensing and Insurance Site"--which is maintained by the carrier's insurance company, not the hauler there. To do this go to the bottom of the snapshot and click on the "FMCSA Licensing and Insurance Site," which eventually brings you to a PDF document "FMSCA Motor Carrier" that has the actual insurance information (hey, it's the government so navigating this maze is a little lengthy).

Clemens says the "Active/Pending Insurance" box will let you know if the insurance has been cancelled as well as the limits it provides for both cargo and liability policies.

Do not simply ask a hauler for a copy of "certificate of insurance" as proof of a policy. "It's useless because a hauler can cancel a policy without ever telling you," says Clemens.

Also check the "Authorities" box. Either the "Common Authority" or "Contract Authority" should say "active." Again, if they don't, this means the hauler has no authority for interstate operation.

Also, don't forget to contact your vessel's insurance company to ensure that any potential damages caused during the haul are covered. By having your own policy, your insurance carrier will make the repairs and negotiate with the hauler's insurer if there are ever any problems in placing fault.

If your vessel is traveling intrastate or within a designated "commercial zone" it's best to inquire about the hauler's operating authority and insurance status with your state's transportation agency as requirements vary greatly. But the two basics are the same: you need proof of the authority to haul your boat and insurance information.

Lastly, Clemens says that interstate insurance is generally much more expensive than local, in-state policies, so be wary of low-ball bids when going cross country--the company could be hauling your boat with ineffective coverage.

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Tow Rigs

Most haulers use combinations of heavy duty, dual rear wheel pickup trucks or tractor-trailers with flatbeds. If boat ramps are available, a hydraulic trailer that loads and unloads itself can save you travel lift charges, so be sure to consider this cost-saving measure when selecting a bid. Air-ride suspension trailers also offer more protection to your boat from bone jarring potholes.

Anything over eight-and-a-half feet wide will require permits for each state the load travels through and very large vessels may even require chase vehicles with a "pole car" in front to ensure height limits aren't exceeded. The federal height limit from the top of boat to the ground is 13.5 feet.

Be Flexible on Delivery

When you contract a hauler give a window of time--say one week--for them to complete the job as delays can happen. Clark Bradshaw of Clark's Boat Hauling in Tom's River, NJ, says that he often arrives early in the morning to pick up a boat only to discover that radar arches, biminis, deck gear or the mast haven't been removed yet.

Clark also says, "I'm also only allowed to travel a half-hour after sunrise to a half-hour before sunset." This shortens the daily travel window and often places him in rush hour traffic.

Pack the Boat Yourself

Chuck Fort of the BoatU.S. Damage Avoidance program says that boat owners need to secure and pack the boat to ensure that every preparation is taken. "Over-the-road travel can put stresses on a boat and even little things rattling around inside for hundreds of miles can damage surfaces," he says.

Expensive electronics should be completely removed. The more you have inside the boat, the more potential for damage so don't follow your urge to use it as a Mayflower van, and empty all tanks.

Loading and Unloading

You'll want to be there when the boat is loaded and unloaded as well. Fort says that sailboat masts are often required to be loaded and unloaded by the owner as haulers don't want to be held liable.

You also want to take plenty of interior and exterior photos on pickup and delivery to document any damage. "Realize that once you sign on the dotted line for delivery, it will be very hard to make a claim for damages later, so do a very thorough inspection when the boat arrives," says Fort.

If you can't be there, hire a surveyor to witness and take photos. Bill Gross of Midatlantic Marine Consulting, a surveyor from Blue Anchor, NJ, says he's often asked by boat owners to perform this service. "I can document every nick and scratch," he said.

As you wait for your boat's arrival, the last mile often takes the longest. Narrow country roads and overhanging foliage can limit the hauler to a crawl. So the last bit of advice is simply have a little patience. Understand that a cautious hauler who takes his time is often the best person for the job.

COPYRIGHT 2006 Boat Owners Association
COPYRIGHT 2006 Gale Group