RV Transport with uShip
Shipping an RV can seem ironic, but there are times it needs to happen. Maybe you have just bought a new RV and it's across the country. Perhaps you need to meet your RV somewhere. When you’re ready to move your RV, uShip is here with you for the entire process. We know you need the most trusted services. We make it easy by guiding you on how to ship an RV, help you get quotes from RV transport specialists, and give you some tips along the way. If things get a little rocky, just give us a call, and we can get you back on the road to your RV delivery.
uShip’s marketplace is great for finding the best RV transport companies at the best rates possible, all in one place. Create your shipment listing with the details of your vehicle and your needs for your RV delivery service. Transporters who specialize in RV transport will then give you quotes for your review, competing for your business. This ensure you get the best rates for RV transport.
How to Prepare an RV for Transport
Before turning over your vehicle to your RV delivery company, you may be responsible for preparing it and making sure that it is safe to transport over long distances. There are some carriers who can help you with this process, and double check to make sure everything is done. This process is similar to preparing a car for transport with just a few specific steps for RV’s. Make sure to ask your RV transporter for their specific requirements prior to RV transport. Taking a few minutes to prepare your RV lessens the chance for any accidents or damage that could occur during RV shipping.
Tips for RV Transport Preparation:
Need to have your RV transported internationally ? uShip can help find the right carrier to help with international RV shipping. No matter the destination or size, our carriers are here for you. Since RVs are wheeled cargo, transportation will be done via RORO (roll-on/roll-off) ships. These shipping vessels are designed to carry wheeled cargo.
International RV Shipping
- Secure latches on all doors, windows, and cabinets.
- Secure or take down any items hanging on the walls.
- Turn off all appliances and electronics.
- Disconnect the power supply and gas lines.
- Make sure there are no loose items within the RV.
- Check that all parking, brake, turn signal, and indicator lights are functional.
- Latch and secure all cargo doors, chains, and pop-ups.
- Lock slide-outs if your RV has them.
- Check fluid levels and for any leaks.
- Secure tow bar and hitch.
- Inspect battery.
- Check pressure in all tires and visually inspect for cracks and excessive tread wear.
- Verify that service and parking brakes function as they should.
These tips are some of the most important things to keep in mind when preparing your RV for transport. You will want to find the specific owner’s manuals for your RV for manufacturer-specific information on RV shipping. Even though this process may take some time, it ensures that the RV delivery will go smoothly and that you will receive your RV in good condition.
Choosing an RV Transporter
Choosing an RV transporter is quite manageable if broken into small steps. Spend some time researching companies before you give them your business, as they will potentially be towing or driving your RV. RV transport is considered a specialized service, so keep in mind, not every company that transports cars can also move RVs. By taking some time to research and choose an RV transporter, you can ensure that you will receive your RV quickly, safely, and in the same condition that it was dropped off.
The most important thing to verify in a potential RV transporter is that they are legally permitted to transport your RV. All motor vehicle transporters are required to have DOT (Department of Transportation) and MC (Motor Carrier) numbers on file. When reviewing the uShip profile for a potential transporter, look for these numbers. The FSCMA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) maintains a website where you can verify licensing and authority information. Make sure that the information shown on SaferSys matches the information that the transporter gives you.
Generally, all licensed RV transporters are required by law to carry at least $750,000 in liability and property damage insurance, in addition to proper licensing and authority. When speaking to a transporter, ask to see a copy of their insurance certificate. It is critical that you do this when screening transporters, as this insurance will cover some types of damage that your RV might incur in transit. Check the terms of this insurance carefully, because there are several things that it could exclude. Remember that you can always purchase supplementary insurance for a nominal cost if you want to, through third party policies such as uShip Cargo Insurance.
How Much Does it Cost to Transport an RV?
The cost of transporting an RV depends on the distance and the size of the vehicle and the distance travelled. On average, it costs $3.32 per mile for RV transport move less than 100 miles, but costs $1.05 per mile for RV shipping less than 1000 miles.
Chances are, you may end up paying more than the average price to ship an RV. Factors such as seasonality, demand, vehicle condition, and gas prices play a huge role in the cost to ship an RV.
For a more detailed idea of what it will cost to ship your RV, have a look at our cost to ship an RV page. There, you’ll be able to view past RV shipments similar to your own and get familiar with the uShip process.
RV Transport Insurance
RV transport, as with transporting all large items, careful planning and research are required. With the right precaution when choosing your RV transport company, and preparation of the RV, you will benefit greatly. Finding a trusted transporter, arranging delivery of your RV within your timeframe, and receiving it in good condition are easy with uShip.
However, damage to your RV is still a possibility. By knowing about RV transport insurance and taking some steps beforehand, you will know what to do in the rare instance that your RV is damaged during transport.
All transporters registered with the Department of Transportation (DOT) have a legal obligation to carry a minimum of $750,000 in liability insurance. Typically, this amount is sufficient to cover potential damage to your RV. Researching an RV transport company’s insurance coverage is easy:
- Obtain a copy of their insurance policy. Request this directly from the transporter’s insurance company to ensure you get an original document.
- Check the DOT and MC numbers. This number can be found on the carrier’s uShip profile. Using this number, you can check that a transporter is authorized and insured to transport your RV using Safersys.org, which is maintained by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
If the insurance your carrier provides is not adequate for you, you can purchase additional Insurance through uShip with uShip Cargo Insurance. It’s easy to purchase additional coverage; simply choose this option as you are booking your carrier through uShip.
Although a transport company’s liability insurance should cover any damage that your RV may incur, you still want to check for any exclusions and limitations. The terms of insurance coverage will be on the Bill of Lading (BOL) and RV shipping contract – you should have copies of both documents. Make sure to get any agreements or changes to the contract in writing before releasing your vehicle to your RV transport company.
When dropping off and picking up your RV, either you or someone representing you should inspect the RV together with the service provider to determine if any damage occurred in transit. Pre-existing damage should be noted on the condition report at pick eup. Check for any new damage against the condition report at delivery and note it in detail on the condition report. It is also helpful to document your RV with photos before and after shipping.
If you need to make a claim, contact your transporter as soon as possible – ideally within 24 to 48 hours.
If you have used uShip Cargo Insurance, filing a claim is as simple as logging onto uShip after the shipment is completed.