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It’s undoubtedly frustrating when you have delays in boat delivery when you’re moving a large sailboat or a small fishing boat across the country. While many transport companies try to stay on schedule, certain circumstances, such as permit delays, extreme weather, and unexpected road closures, are beyond their control, and you simply cannot do anything but suffer delays.
You can still manage these delays without incurring extra costs by implementing some simple tips, so that you can protect your wallet when the delivery timeline shifts unexpectedly.
Before you begin to worry about the costs, you should stay informed about the common reasons for shipping delays in the boat’s transit. Some reasons include:
When you opt for a boat moving company, make sure that they stay prepared for such delays beforehand so that you’re often safe from being charged extra.
Be sure to review and verify your boat’s transport contract before agreeing to anything or finalizing the quote. Most of the affordable boat hauling services nearby can provide you with estimated delivery dates, but keep in mind that these are not guaranteed. Ensure to verify the clauses related to extra storage charges, rescheduling fees, and delay penalties to avoid falling into any scams. If you stay informed about all the terms, you won’t be worried if the delivery schedule is changed, even if it results in significant delays.
Regular and transparent communication can help both parties stay on the same page and avoid disputes or disagreements. You can request your boat trailer transport service for expected changes in your vessel’s delivery, real-time updates, and their criteria for dealing with mishaps during the transit journey.
It’s a fact that many experienced boat transport companies do not charge extra unless the delays are caused by customer issues, for instance, last-minute changes in the drop-off location. You need to stay cooperative and responsive by verifying that you’ve provided accurate details so that you can avoid paying additional costs.
This one’s also important but is often neglected: you might end up paying hefty fees if you make changes to your boat’s dimensions, pickup or drop-off locations, or even the availability window during the last minute. It would be better to stick with your original plan as much as possible, as this also avoids any confusion with your affordable boat hauling services nearby before or during the transportation journey.
Here’s an example: If you change the location of your vessel’s delivery last minute, you may require new permits or need to take a longer route. It will not only save your time but also help you avoid exceeding your budget. It’s advisable to provide clear and detailed instructions when you contact your boat trailer transport service.
There may be a higher chance that you’ll be charged extra when you plan a strict schedule. This is why you should plan a flexible schedule by allowing an extra 1 to 3 days on both sides of the expected delivery date of your vessel. While you can solve some delays within a few hours, resolving some issues can take more time than usual, especially when you’re planning long-distance boat hauling. When you follow this approach, your chosen boat moving company can also save you from paying rush charges.
You may not be on the right track if you think that your transporter will also take care of cleaning the vessel after delivery. In reality, most transportation companies do not include cleaning as part of their service. You will have to pay for your vessel’s cleaning either at the receiving marina or handle the cleaning yourself.
Here’s a quick tip for you: When you manage to book a boat cleaning service in advance, you can ensure that your boat is spotless and ready to hit the water without having to pay unexpected charges.
It’s true that delays in your boat’s transport are sometimes unavoidable, but you don’t have to pay extra costs. When you work with a trustworthy boat trailer transport service, staying prepared through effective communication is crucial. Ensure that you remain flexible and understand all the terms of your contract, as well as other relevant factors. You can stay relaxed knowing you will stay on budget without incurring additional costs.
Other than that, affordable boat hauling services nearby can still assist you with expert handling of your vessel throughout the transit without additional charges, as long as you plan in advance.
Natural factors, such as weather conditions, road closures, and permit processing, frequently lead to boat delivery delays. Many reputable boat moving companies stay on schedule but may still face delays due to safety risks.
In most cases, you don’t have to pay extra, especially when natural hazards cause the delay. However, you may have to pay extra if last-minute changes on your part cause the delay. For instance, if you change the location of the pickup marina, it can result in rerouting or traveling extra miles. In such cases, you’ll have to pay additional charges.
The average cost typically ranges from $5.00 to $16.00 per mile, depending on your boat’s size, route complexity, and whether you require pilot cars or other additional support.