BoatsExpress Shipping

[wolfmt]

Does anyone have any direct or indirect experience with BoatsExpress Shipping (based in Clearwater, Fl.)? They gave me a surprisingly low quote for the transport of a 34' boat approximately 350 miles. When I spoke to their representative, I was told, among other things, that they often rely on excess capacity in the Tracker Marine truck fleet to secure such low rates. I don't know much about Tracker Marine but had thought they primarily produced small powerboats so I'm somewhat puzzled by the representative's comments. I'm also somewhat concerned about the low quote but have noted in other shipping discussion threads a high degree of differentiation in shipping costs reported by discussion thread participants.

[Cruisingdad]

There are many factors which increase the cost of shipping: Length, width, weights, height, and how many states you will cross.

I do not know what the bid was for your boat, but at 34 feet, I would assume that it has a beam less than 12'6", which is considered a Oversized Load and requires an escort (at $1.XX/mile). Depending on what your disp is, it is possible that your boat might be able to be hauled by a Duelly. It also appears there is not an overnight involved.

All those things add up. As such, you may find a larger boat exponentially higher than a slightly smaller boat (in feet).

I have not heard of that trucking company, but that does not mean much. I suggest asking them for refereces, call their insurance company for liability limits and whoever carries their bonds for same. Not to mention, make sure the policies are currently in effect.

Not sure if that helped, but some thoughts.

- CD