Advice on selecting a shipper for a tractor.

[rogersmithiii]

Does anyone have any advice or insight about selecting a trucking company to transport a tractor that I just bought?

I used a shipping quote web site provided by the shipping dealer, and have gotten quotes anywhere from $3000 to $1800.

Do I need to confirm that the trucking company has insurance in case the tractor gets damaged?

Do I ask for references?

I've never done this before.
Thanks

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

I had my tractor shipped from my dealer (500 miles away) just under 2 years ago. We had struck a deal about the shipping when we were negotiating the tractor package, splitting the cost.

He estimated the cost to be $1500, based on other shipments he made at the time. So, I paid $750.... it ended up costing $2,000. The dealer ate the additional $500.

The dealer (who actually contracted the shipper) made sure he had the appropriate insurance for the job, getting a certificate naming the insured (owner of the tractor) which was me.

Last year I purchased a 30' travel trailer from a dealer about 450 miles away. I was initially going to drive and pick it up, but by the time I paid for gas and lodging, it was worth it to have it shipped.

The RV dealer provided me a list of about 10 shippers. It was up to me to contact and select the one I wanted to use. The prices ranged from $1500 to $2800. The guy I chose ($1500) provided proof of insurance. Most of the higher priced shippers said my job would be "out of the way".

I gave them $500 down (having that documented in a contract), the balance upon delivery and inspection for any damage.

It is beneficial to shop around. Get proof of insurance. Good luck!

 

[Topzide]

A lot of pricing differences can be due to size of load, location and of course insurance coverage needed. Loaded mile price should fall somewhere from $1.25 - 2.50 a loaded mile on average. Some areas could be slightly higher!

 

[Hay Dude]

Does anyone have any advice or insight about selecting a trucking company to transport a tractor that I just bought?

I used a shipping quote web site provided by the shipping dealer, and have gotten quotes anywhere from $3000 to $1800.

Do I need to confirm that the trucking company has insurance in case the tractor gets damaged?

Do I ask for references?

I've never done this before.
Thanks

Yes, you need to make sure he has shipping insurance and a DOT #. Asking for references is a great idea, but usually if the dealer recommends them, theres your best reference.
What I do is have the tractor or piece of equipment insured through me as soon as I buy it, even if its still 1000 miles away on the dealers lot. Its extra protection since you have paid for the tractor and in case his insurance wont cover it for some bizarre reason. It adds another layer of protection for next to nothing in cost.