Welcome to Our Boat Transportation Guide

If you’ve never transported a boat before, this guide will walk you through the essentials and help you get started with confidence. If you’re already an experienced boat transporter and are simply new to CitizenShipper, feel free to skip the beginner material and jump straight to Lesson 5.

That said, we’d genuinely appreciate your feedback. If you believe there’s additional information or resources we should include in the introductory lessons, your insights are always welcome.

Guide Overview

• Lesson 1: Things to Know Before You Start
  
• Lesson 2: Preparation
  
• Lesson 3: Common Challenges
  
• Lesson 4: Equipment
  
• Lesson 5: Finding Boat Shipments on CitizenShipper
  
• Lesson 6: Pro Tips
  
  

Once you’ve completed all lessons, you’ll also find additional resources designed to help you grow and succeed as a boat transporter on CitizenShipper.

Things to Know Before You Start

This first lesson focuses on what you should understand before you begin transporting boats. If you’re thinking about entering this market, it’s important to know who your customers are and why they need boat transport services.

There are four primary reasons customers hire boat transporters:

🚤 Why Customers Need Boat Transport

Weather
Severe weather can damage a boat, while good weather inspires owners to get out on the water. In both cases, boat owners rely on transporters to move their vessels safely.

Moving
When homeowners relocate, their boats often move with them — whether it’s a powerboat, sailboat, or small dinghy.

Maintenance & Storage
Many boat owners use the off-season, especially winter, to move their boats for maintenance, repairs, or storage. This creates consistent demand for transport services.

Selling or Buying
This is the most common reason for boat transport. Boats are frequently moved to dealerships, marinas, auction locations, or directly to new owners.

Licensing and Endorsements

Before placing bids or accepting boat shipments, it’s essential to understand the licensing and regulatory requirements involved in boat transportation.

State and federal rules can vary, and once you begin completing jobs regularly, you may need additional credentials. Below are the most common requirements, but we strongly recommend staying up to date and consulting the FMCSA website for the latest guidance.

🚛 CDL Requirements

A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is generally required when:

• The gross combined weight rating (GCWR) is 26,001 lbs or more, and
  
  
• The vehicle being towed has a GVWR over 10,000 lbs
  
  

Depending on your setup, you may not need a CDL. In many cases, transporters can legally tow boats using a non-commercial license, along with any required state permits.

Non-Commercial License Options

• Non-Commercial Class A License
  Allows you to tow vehicles (including boats) weighing up to 10,000 lbs using a truck that weighs 4,000 lbs or more.
  
  
• Non-Commercial Class B License
  Allows you to tow vehicles (including boats) weighing up to 9,000 lbs using a truck that weighs 4,000 lbs or more.
  
  

Always confirm your state’s specific licensing rules, as requirements can differ.

🆔 USDOT Number Requirements

In general, a USDOT Number is required if the gross combined weight of your vehicle and trailer exceeds 10,000 lbs.

To calculate gross combined weight, add:

• Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
  This includes:
  
  
  • The vehicle’s curb weight (with fuel and standard equipment)
    
  • Cargo weight
    
  • Optional equipment
    
  • Trailer tongue weight
    
  • Passenger weight
    
    
• Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
  This includes:
  
  
  • The empty trailer weight
    
  • The weight of everything loaded on or inside the trailer
    
    

For reference, Ford’s Towing Guide provides a helpful visual illustration explaining these weight calculations.

⚠️ Important: Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Properly Equipped

Before accepting a boat transport job, it’s essential to confirm that your vehicle and equipment meet the manufacturer’s requirements. Always refer to the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure safe and compliant towing.

🚘 Tow Vehicle Capacity

• Your tow vehicle must be rated to handle the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the trailer being towed.
  
  

🔩 Hitch Assembly

• The hitch and mounting system must also be rated to meet or exceed the trailer’s GVWR.
  
  

⚪ Tow Ball Size

• The tow ball must match the trailer’s coupler or actuator, based on the trailer’s capacity.
  
  

📏 Tow Ball Height

• The recommended tow ball height is 18”–21”, measured from the center of the ball to the ground.
  
  

🔌 Trailer Electrical Connection

• A 4- or 5-pin flat connector is required if the trailer does not have surge brakes.
  
  
• A 7-pin round connector is required if surge brakes are not equipped.

🛣️ DOT Number & Regulations

• If your registered vehicle weight exceeds 10,000 lbs, you’ll need a USDOT number.
  
  
• Individuals only need to apply as a registrant, not a commercial carrier.
  
  
• The USDOT number is free and is typically used to obtain permits in certain states.
  
  
• Some routes do not require a DOT number at all.
  
  

If you transport boats occasionally, you may qualify for an exemption under 49 U.S.C. § 13506(b)(2).

📘 What’s Next?

Be sure to check out the next three lessons, where we’ll cover:

• ✅ Proper boat preparation before transport
  
  
• ⚠️ Common challenges you may encounter on the road
  
  
• 🛠️ Equipment options and potential earnings (covered in Lesson 5)
  

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