Selecting a Shipper for Your ATV
Selecting a Shipper for Your ATV
Whether you bought a new ATV online for a loved one, are taking the family hunting in Wyoming, camping in Alaska or exploring in the Appalachians, there are plenty of reasons why you may be faced with shipping an ATV this holiday season. Whatever reason you may have for contracting the services of a shipping company, the last thing that you want is for your ATV to be lost, damaged or stolen while in route, so it is important that you take certain precautions when making your selection. By confirming that the company is licensed, insured and has a history of good service you can minimize any risks that arise when shipping an all terrain vehicle.
As you are making a decision on which carrier to hire, the first thing to check is the company’s licensing and insurance. In order for a shipping company to legally transport ATV’s they have to be licensed with the Department of Transportation to do so. You can look up their DOT number at www.safersys.org which will tell you what you need to know. While on the site you can also confirm that the company is insured. Most ATV shipping companies carry a minimum amount of insurance in case an accident does occur, and they will be able to present you with a certificate that proves this upon request. Using the information on the certificate you will be able to verify their coverage on the website or contact their insurance provider.
Once you have established that a prospective company is both legally authorized and sufficiently insured to transport your ATV you should inquire about customer references. These will provide further proof of a carrier’s competence and reliability though actual past experiences. Many companies post several references on their website, but if not they will be able to produce some for you. More information on a company’s history can also be accessed through the Better Business Bureau.
If everything has checked out so far you may want to ask whether the company allows you to track the shipment while it is in tow. This is an increasingly popular option that provides you with the added peace of mind of being able to verify that your shipment is on track each step of the way. Some companies offer this online and others on the phone, but either way it is something you should consider before signing on with a carrier.
You now have a good foundation of knowledge to help you choose a safe and reliable carrier to handle your all terrain vehicle shipment. However, it is always advisable to use your intuition in this process. If a particular company meets each criterion but rubs you the wrong way, you may want to look elsewhere for service. There are enough service providers out there that you should never feel pressured to go against your better judgment.
Special thanks to Ben Leffler of uship.com, an online marketplace for ATV Shipping.
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