How To Prepare Your Boat for Transport
- By Tony Mers
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- 08 Jun, 2021
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Trying something new this year and having a company transport your boat? If you used to hitch your boat to the back of your car and get it to your destination that way, then you may want a refresher on how to prepare your boat for transport. We want our special items to arrive in pristine condition. Part of that involves how you get it prepped and ready to go.
Keep reading to remember some important steps you don’t want to forget as you prepare to transport a boat.
Securing a Boat for Transport
This may seem like the most obvious step, but it’s one you don’t want to mess up. Either remove or strap down any loose gear above or below deck. In fact, to stay cautious, you may even want to remove anything that causes slight concern before you move your boat.
Seat pads may not make much of a difference, but you’ll want to remove any valuables, radios, and even anchors. If you’re unsure, reach out to the company and get their opinion. At the end of the day, if you think it could fly and cause damage, you’ll want to take it out.
Pro Tip: Make sure to pad and secure what you can within the cabin.
Drain All Tanks
Some companies may say you only need to drain to ¼ full, but best practice dictates draining your tanks until they’re empty. In addition, you should remove all drain plugs. If you’re going to move your boat in the winter months, then you should drain all water systems, pumps, and air conditioners.
Wrap Your Boat
Some transport companies will ask you to tape down all hatches to keep anything from blowing out. Instead of doing that (which we don’t require), you may actually want to wrap your boat. Shrink wrapping your boat protects it from any road debris while on the journey. Doing so keeps your boat clean, protects it from weather, and helps keep your boat in good condition.
Make Sure You Have Measurements
A quick but important thing as you prepare to transport your boat—make sure you have all the measurements of the boat. You’ll want to get the overall length, height, and beam of the boat. Length includes any swim platforms and outboard motors. Height is essential, as in most states, the legal height for transport is 13.6. If your boat is any taller than that, special permitting is required. Additionally, if the beam of the boat is over 8.6, more permits are required. Knowing the dimensions of your boat is a very important factor when getting it ready for transport.
These are just a few of the basic must-dos when you prepare to transport your boat. Always reach out to the transport company you’re using and ask any questions so you can avoid the most common boat hauling mistakes. When you work with One Call Logistics, we make the process as smooth and efficient as possible. We’re the boat moving company you’ve been looking for. Request a free quote or reach out for more information today!
Hurricane Preparedness for RV Owners: A Guide to Staying Safe and Secure
When hurricane season rolls around, RV owners must be extra vigilant about preparing their vehicles for extreme weather. The combination of mobility and vulnerability makes RVs both a blessing and a curse during storms. While it’s tempting to stay in your RV, it’s important to take extra steps to ensure both your safety and the safety of your vehicle.
Whether you're a full-time RVer or just using your RV for weekend getaways, here's a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for hurricanes and stay safe during the storm.
- In today’s fast-paced global economy, the logistics and transportation landscape is more complex than ever. Whether you’re a business looking to ship goods or a private customer in need of reliable delivery, navigating the maze of carriers, routes, and regulations can be overwhelming. That’s where a freight broker comes in. By acting as an intermediary between shippers and carriers, freight brokers provide invaluable services that simplify shipping processes, save time, and reduce costs.
- At One Call Logistics, we understand the challenges that businesses and individuals face when arranging transportation. Here’s a breakdown of how utilizing a freight broker can benefit both companies and private customers, making logistics easier and more efficient for everyone.
- Benefits for Companies: Streamlined Logistics and Cost Savings
- Access to a Vast Network of Carriers
- For companies, one of the biggest advantages of working with a freight broker is the access they provide to a wide network of carriers. Freight brokers have established relationships with numerous carriers, which means they can offer competitive pricing and a variety of shipping options. This is especially beneficial for businesses that don’t have the time or resources to vet and negotiate with multiple carriers.
- Whether you need to ship domestically or internationally, a freight broker will connect you with the right carrier based on your specific needs—whether it’s speed, capacity, or special handling requirements.
- Expertise in Routing and Freight Management
- Freight brokers bring expertise to the table, providing businesses with professional insights into the best routing options for shipments. This can significantly reduce transit time, improve efficiency, and avoid unnecessary detours. A broker’s in-depth knowledge of the logistics landscape means they can identify the most cost-effective and reliable routes, taking into account factors like weather, traffic patterns, and regulatory requirements.
- By handling the complexities of freight management, brokers save companies time and effort. This allows businesses to focus on their core operations rather than spending valuable resources on logistics.
- Cost Efficiency and Negotiated Rates
- Freight brokers can help companies save money by negotiating discounted rates with carriers. Because brokers work with numerous carriers regularly, they can leverage these relationships to secure better prices than a company might be able to negotiate on its own. Additionally, brokers can help businesses optimize shipping strategies, consolidating shipments to reduce costs and ensure goods are transported efficiently.
- In the long run, working with a freight broker results in savings not just on transportation costs but also in reduced overhead related to managing logistics in-house.
- Streamlined Compliance and Documentation
- Shipping goods—especially internationally—comes with a maze of regulations and documentation requirements. A freight broker helps businesses navigate this red tape by ensuring that shipments comply with all applicable laws and regulations. They handle the paperwork, from customs declarations to bills of lading, ensuring everything is in order to avoid delays or fines. This reduces the burden on businesses, letting them focus on meeting customer demands and growing their operations.
- Benefits for Private Customers: Simplifying Personal Shipments
- Personalized Shipping Solutions
- While freight brokers are typically associated with businesses, they can also offer substantial benefits to private customers who need to ship personal items. Whether it’s moving a car, sending household goods across the country, or shipping a large item internationally, a freight broker can help find the most suitable carrier for the job. Brokers work with various transport companies, allowing them to match private customers with the right shipping option for their specific needs.
- Time-Saving Convenience
- For private customers, managing logistics can be a time-consuming process, especially when dealing with large shipments or complex deliveries. A freight broker takes care of the heavy lifting—sourcing the best carrier, managing pickup and delivery details, and tracking the shipment until it arrives. This convenience means customers don’t have to worry about the details, saving them time and effort.
- Cost Savings and Better Shipping Rates
- Although private customers typically don’t have the same volume of shipments as businesses, freight brokers can still help secure better shipping rates. By leveraging their relationships with carriers and understanding how to optimize the shipping process, brokers can help individuals get competitive prices for personal shipments. Whether it’s a one-off move or a recurring need, a freight broker can help ensure that private customers are getting the best deal possible.
- Expert Guidance and Support
- When it comes to shipping personal items, there’s a lot to consider—especially when it comes to specialized requirements like fragile or high-value items. A freight broker provides expert advice on packaging, insurance, and shipping options to ensure that the customer’s items are handled properly. They also offer support throughout the shipping process, providing updates and helping resolve any issues that may arise.
- Conclusion: Why Choose a Freight Broker?
- Whether you’re a business looking to streamline your logistics or a private customer trying to ship personal items, a freight broker can provide immense value. By offering access to a wide range of carriers, negotiating better rates, ensuring compliance, and providing expert guidance, freight brokers simplify the shipping process and make it more efficient for all parties involved.
- At One Call Logistics, we are dedicated to helping both companies and private customers navigate the complexities of freight transportation. With our expert team, vast network of carriers, and commitment to personalized service, we ensure your shipments are delivered on time, at the best price, and without the stress.
- Reach out today to learn more about how One Call Logistics can simplify your shipping needs and provide you with the reliable, cost-effective logistics solutions you deserve.
