Just like in our New Drivers Guide to CitizenShipper, we wrap up each lesson with practical Pro Tips designed to help you:

• Win more shipments
  
• Improve your profile and verifications
  
• Follow proven best practices from experienced transporters
  
  

These tips are meant to make your journey on CitizenShipper smoother and more successful.

🚀 Pro Tips for Boat Transporters

🔍 Pro Tip #1: How to find active customers

⚖️ Pro Tip #2: Use weight filters in the search tool

🛡️ Pro Tip #3: How to verify your insurance

💬 Pro Tip #4: How to communicate effectively with customers

🧐 Pro Tip #5: Inspect, inspect, inspect!

🏢 Pro Tip #6: How to register your business

⭐ Pro Tip #7: Insights From Experienced Boat Transporters

Pro Tip 1: How to find active customers

Every shipment listing includes three key details that can help you decide whether it’s worth placing a bid:

• Preferred shipping date
  This shows when the customer would like the shipment to take place (e.g., October 2 in the example below).
  
  
• Listing age
  Indicates how long ago the shipment was posted (e.g., 3 hours ago), helping you gauge how fresh and competitive the listing is.
  
  
• Last active time
  Shows when the customer was last seen on the website (e.g., 23 minutes ago), which is a strong signal of how responsive they’re likely to be.
  
  

Focusing on recently posted listings with active customers increases your chances of getting a response—and winning the shipment.

To tell the difference between customers who are just requesting quotes and those ready to book, pay attention to when the customer was last seen on the site. If the “seen X time ago” timestamp is more recent than the shipment posting time, it’s a strong signal the customer is actively reviewing offers.

Pro Tip 2: Use weight filters in search tool

The shipment search tool on your Recommended Shipments page allows you to filter listings by weight—an essential feature for boat carriers given vehicle towing limits and federal and state regulations.

To use this filter, simply open the shipment search tool and set the maximum weight you can safely and legally haul, based on the factors discussed earlier.

⚠️ Important:

The weight listed on most shipments on CitizenShipper refers to the boat’s dry weight only. Before placing a bid, always message the customer to confirm the total gross weight of the shipment.

Be sure to ask about:

• Engine(s) weight
  
• Amount of fuel onboard
  
• Additional equipment or cargo
  
• Trailer weight (if the trailer is included)
  
  

These factors can significantly increase the total weight being towed.

Example:
A recent CitizenShipper listing advertised a boat at 3,200 lbs, but once engines, fuel, equipment, and the trailer were included, the actual total weight exceeded 6,500 lbs.

👉 Verifying total weight before bidding helps you quote accurately, stay compliant with hauling limits, and avoid safety or legal issues.

Pro Tip 3: How to verify your insurance

Your CitizenShipper driver profile can display up to three verification badges:

• ✅ Background Check
  
  
• ✅ Insurance Verification
  
  

In just a few minutes, you can strengthen your profile by adding an Insurance Verification badge—clearly signaling to customers that their shipment is financially protected. This immediately sets you apart from unverified transporters and increases customer confidence when choosing who to book.

Why Verification Badges Matter

While insurance verification is a newer feature and we don’t yet have direct performance data for it, we do see strong results across other verification types:

• Background-verified drivers win up to 84% more shipments
  
  

These results show one thing clearly: verification badges work. They build trust, reduce hesitation, and give customers a reason to choose you over similar bids.

What Insurance Can Be Verified?

If you carry commercial vehicle liability or cargo liability insurance, you may be eligible for verification on CitizenShipper.

To get started, visit the linked article and follow the steps to submit your policy for review.

⚠️ Important:
CitizenShipper’s insurance verification is not for personal vehicle insurance.

Only the following policy types are eligible:

• Commercial Vehicle Liability Insurance
  
• Cargo Insurance
  
• Pet Cargo Insurance
  
• Business / Animal Bailee Insurance
  (Issued by providers in the pet transportation insurance industry)
  
  

Personal auto insurance policies do not qualify for verification.

Pro Tip 4: How to talk to customers

On CitizenShipper, communication is the single most important factor influencing a customer’s choice of carrier.

One of the best ways to stand out is through your introduction message. Being genuine, clear, and relatable helps build trust and makes customers feel confident choosing you.

Rather than sounding scripted or overly sales-focused, aim to communicate like a real person who understands their needs.

Let’s put this into practice using the example below.

Standing Out With Your First Message

Most drivers send introductions that look something like this:

“Hey Marisa, I’m John Doe and I’d love to transport your boat. Let me know if we can work something out.”

While polite, this type of message is generic—and customers often receive many similar bids.

To stand out, we strongly recommend sending a personalized introduction that shows you’ve taken time to review the listing and understand the vessel.

A Better, High-Converting Example

Here’s an example of a more effective message:

“Hey Marisa — that’s a beautiful jet ski! Nothing beats a WaveRunner. I’d love to help you get it on the water this weekend. Since pickup is at a residential address, I wanted to check whether this is a new purchase or a relocation of your own jet ski. I ask because I always perform a thorough inspection at pickup and want to be sure I know who I’ll be meeting in Bristol. I can also arrive a day earlier if that helps.”

This message works because it:

• References the specific type of vessel
  
• Shows professional intent and experience
  
• Sets expectations around inspection and timing
  
• Ends with a question, which encourages a response
  

Following Up the Right Way

If the customer doesn’t reply right away, sending a thoughtful follow-up can make a big difference—especially when it includes technical details relevant to their boat:

“Also, since you’re providing the trailer, could you confirm whether it has a recent annual inspection and whether the electrical connection is a 5-pin or 7-pin connector? Lastly, can you confirm whether this is a VX Deluxe or Cruiser model? I secure those only through the bow and stern eyes, with the shift lever not positioned in reverse, to prevent any damage during transit.”

Why This Works

The difference between these approaches is simple but powerful:

• ❌ The first message is generic
  
• ✅ The second is tailored to the vessel, equipment, and transport method
  
• ✅ It demonstrates knowledge and professionalism
  
• ✅ It ends with questions, which is the best way to start a conversation
  

Pro Tip

Before sending your introduction:

• Spend a few minutes researching the vessel
  
• Mention 1–2 key characteristics in your message
  
• Ask at least one clear, relevant question
  
  

Most boats and personal watercraft have user manuals available online. A small amount of research can help you craft a standout introduction—and significantly improve your response and booking rate.

Pro Tip 5: Inspect, inspect, inspect!

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll greatly increase your chances of being selected for upcoming shipments. However, consistently delivering a great customer experience comes down to one key factor: preventing issues before they happen.

Thorough inspections help minimize:

• Breakdowns during transit
  
• Damage to the boat or equipment
  
• Delays, cancellations, and damage claims

Inspect Before Every Trip

Before setting off on any transport, take time to inspect both your vehicle and trailer. Preventive checks not only protect your customer’s shipment—they also save you money and help you stay on schedule.

Be sure to:

• Inspect your vehicle’s overall condition
  
• Check engine fluids (oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid)
  
• Verify air pressure if your vehicle is equipped with air brakes
  
• Check for hydraulic leaks if applicable
• Complete all scheduled maintenance before long trips

Doing this reduces the risk of unexpected roadside repairs, avoids unnecessary delays, and keeps your trip running smoothly.

Don’t Forget the Trailer

If you’re using your own trailer, apply the same level of inspection:

• Tires, brakes, and lights
  
• Hitch, coupler, and safety chains
  
• Straps, winches, and securement points
  
  

A well-maintained trailer is just as important as a reliable tow vehicle.

What to Check Next

Below are key inspection guidelines to follow before your next pickup. Making this part of your routine helps ensure every shipment is completed safely, professionally, and with confidence.

Most boat owners provide their own trailer, so before leaving the pickup location, it’s essential to perform a thorough trailer inspection.

Start by checking:

• Tire tread depth and tire pressure
  
• Brake and signal lights
  
• Winch straps and safety chains
  
• Wheel hubs for leaks
  
• Any visible damage to the trailer
  
  

Be sure to document everything. Using an inspection sheet template is highly recommended, and you should also take clear photos of any existing damage. Additionally, confirm that the trailer is properly registered and has a valid annual inspection, and request proof from the owner.

Next, perform a full inspection of the boat itself.

As covered in the preparation lesson, customers typically handle loading the boat and securing any loose equipment. Take a moment to verify that this has been done correctly. If you notice any visible body damage, scratches, or structural issues, be sure to record them on your inspection sheet and capture photos for reference.

Once all inspections are complete, a best practice is to have the customer sign a Bill of Lading, inspection sheet, or similar document acknowledging the condition of the boat and trailer at pickup. This step helps prevent disputes at delivery—especially when transporting a boat to a new owner.

Pro Tip 6: How to register a business

It’s recommended to start with a Google search and speak directly with individuals who have recently registered a business or formed an LLC. Their firsthand experience can help you identify which service providers make the LLC registration process simple and efficient.

Companies such as ZenBusiness and Bizee are frequently mentioned as well-known and widely searched options. However, these references are based on independent research and should not be considered an endorsement by CitizenShipper or any of its members.

We strongly encourage you to conduct your own due diligence to determine which provider is best suited to your specific needs and circumstances.

Pro Tip 7: Insights From Experienced Boat Transporters

Before you begin earning as a boat transporter, it’s valuable to learn from those who have years of experience in the field. Below are key insights shared by seasoned professionals to help you avoid costly mistakes and operate more efficiently.

• Security & Protection
  Always be prepared to explain how you protect a boat from damage or theft during overnight stops, and ensure your equipment is appropriate for the vessel you’re hauling.
  
  
• Equipment Can Reduce Costs
  Trailers that keep the keel closer to the ground can significantly reduce overall transport height. In many cases, lowering the height by even one or two inches can save thousands of dollars in route surveys, permits, escorts, and detours.
  Hydraulic trailers can also launch boats directly, eliminating the need to travel long distances to reach a travel lift.
  
  
• Shrink-Wrapping Considerations
  Shrink-wrapping can be effective when done correctly. However, poorly applied shrink-wrap that tears or flaps at highway speeds can cause more damage than leaving the boat uncovered.
  
  
• Know When Transport Becomes Costly
  Boats exceeding 16 feet in width or 15 feet in height (state-dependent) can quickly drive up costs. In some cases, removing components such as a radar arch, hardtop, or flying bridge can significantly reduce transport expenses.
  
  
• Liability Is Critical
  Liability is one of the biggest risks in boat transport. Even a minor accident can lead to serious consequences. If stopped for an oversized load without proper permits, authorities may prevent you from moving until permits are issued—often causing delays of 24–48 hours or more.

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