Boat Shipping
Getting a boat shipped from one state or country to another can be challenging. Fortunately, expert transport companies have the equipment and expertise to safely and securely transport your boat.
Over the past decade, A-1 Auto Transport has transported boats between the east and west coasts and internationally. Thanks to our expertise, you can count on us to provide the highest quality shipping services. We transport boats of all kinds including fishing boats.
Types of Louisiana Boat Transport Services
We provide boat transport services between Louisiana and the rest of the country.
The following DOT regulations must be followed when shipping a boat from or to Louisiana:
- A state permit is required for vessels wider than 8'6".
- Boats wider than 12' will require an escort.
- There may be restrictions on travel during federal and state holidays.
Boat transport
Among other things, our company transports boats and ships. In addition, we provide shrink wrapping, roll-on/roll-off, overland transportation, international yacht transportation, and full-service moving.
Powerboat shipping
Shipping your powerboat smoothly is possible if you keep the small details in mind. Considering you are more familiar with your powerboat, you must prepare it before pickup. Our staff will handle the other details, but you must prepare your boat before we pick it up.
Keeping the bottom of your vessel clean is essential. The movement of plants and organisms is restricted in some states, so grass and life forms must be removed from your boat.
Sailboat transport
A sailboat shipment requires specialized knowledge, so professionals should only handle it. After hauling out your sailboat, remove all lights, winches, wind indicators, and rigging. These points are prone to chafing. You do not need to attach your mast when transporting your boat on a trailer.
Your sailboats will be safe in our hands, thanks to our experience moving sailboats.
Yacht shipping
Most yachts are larger than 14' wide and 14' tall and weigh more than 40,000 pounds. There is a slight difference in transporting yachts compared to transporting smaller boats.
With our expertise in shipping oversized boats, you can rest assured that we can handle the shipping of your yacht.
Small boat transport
Small boats can be transported by trailer, over land, on their bottom, or on a yacht transport ship. Transporting boats on their own trailers is less expensive.
International Boat Shipping
Shipping a boat or yacht abroad is more expensive. Compared to sending it within the country, the process is more rigorous. For customs clearance, it is necessary to gather all required documentation.
You can get help with this process from our company's customs experts.
Container Boat Shipping
You can also ship your boat overseas as freight on a cargo ship.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Boat?
You should consider the following factors when calculating the cost of shipping your boat to or from Louisiana:
- Season - In the summer, when many people transport their boats, shipping costs increase. The seasons in origin and destination ports may differ, especially for international shipping, affecting shipping times.
- Destination - There may be additional charges at some ports.
- Dimensions - Shipping costs are significantly influenced by beam size, length, and weight.
- Distance - Mileage and its types, like overland, on the keel, and waterborne, can affect shipping costs.
You can receive a FREE quote by filling out the form at the top of this page.
How to Prepare a Boat for Shipping Louisiana?
Preparing your boat thoroughly before shipping it will prevent it from being damaged. It is generally not the shipping company's responsibility to prepare your boat correctly, so they are not liable for any damage caused by improper preparation. There is no technical expertise or experience required for preparation.
To make things easier for you, we have outlined the process below.
- Lock the cabinets and cabins, and keep the key. Secure all windows, doors, and hatches.
- Empty all tanks. Remove water and fuel, and also the hull's drain plugs. Pumps, water systems, and air conditioners should be drained of all fluids.
- Take the anchors off the deck.
- Batteries, electronic components, and alarms should be disconnected and secured.
- You can coat your wooden boat with linseed oil to prevent it from drying out, but it may cause dirt to accumulate on the road.
- Remove and store loose items, including propellers, anchors, flag masts, antennas, electronics, and valuables.
- Take accurate measurements of your boat. Check the information on how to measure your boat here.
A-1 Auto Transport is the best company to ship your boat. We have experienced boat movers and boat haulers to handle your shipment, and ensure that you have your boat delivered timely and in the best condition. Make a reservation or request a boat shipping quote by calling 1-888-230-9116. For more information, please visit our website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shipping is not only stressful but also expensive. It is hard to relocate the heavy equipment to a place you desire. Before you decide to shake on it, you must have a budget. This means you must have your total pricing decided to make this process smoother. There are a lot of things that fluctuate the total cost. The first is the distance. It is your decision that decides the total pricing. Once you decide on the drop-off location, the company measures the distance. If it is far from the pick-up, it will cost more. Usually, companies charge you on a per-mile basis.
Other than distance, you also have the fuel to worry about. Yes, both these factors are related. So if the distance is more, there will be more fuel usage. Make sure whichever time of the year you choose is not the one with high fuel prices. If you decide on a place near your pick-up, it might cause some reduction in the total cost.
It can take a while for your boat to arrive. But how long is the real question? The company representative can give this answer. The company is more likely to calculate the duration time better than you. This duration depends on multiple factors. Starting with distance. The longer it is, the more time it will take. Other than that, the weight of your boat. This boat's weight can either help with the speed or slow it down. If the boat weight is heavier than the standard, it will slow the transporting vehicle speed. This may take a bit longer for the delivery to arrive.
It is completely okay for boat owners to feel nervous as they give off their boats to strangers. This is hard to do, and you may feel odd about it. To find confidence in the company, you go through their reviews. The review section is unbiased and will give you an honest side of the company. Once you see the client's satisfaction, you know you have chosen the correct company. Other than that, it is completely okay to take some measures yourself. This will provide security to your boat and give you peace of mind. There are a few things we recommend you try out for yourself. You must clean your boat and do a thorough inspection.
Check out all the places that need fixing or repairing. Try doing it before the pick-up, but if not, then take pictures. This way, you know where the destruction is. In case of any extra harm to your boat, you can take it up with the company.
Whenever you ship your vehicle, make sure you get an insurance policy. This policy will keep you and your equipment safe. This will ensure that in times of loss, the company takes the blame and compensates you for it.