Over 11.2 million households in the United States own an RV, and many will need to transport their recreational vehicles at some point. When selecting the right RV and auto shipping services for your needs, it’s essential to research carriers to find one that meets your requirements thoroughly.
7-Point Criteria for Vetting an RV Shipping Company in the US
1. Check the Motorhome Transport Services’ Credentials
When selecting a shipping company, thoroughly vet the RV mover’s safety credentials by:
- Checking the carrier’s USDOT number verifies regulatory compliance and reliability, as USDOT numbers confirm identity and ratings/rates evaluate historical safety performance.
- Reviewing safety ratings from the FMCSA, which should indicate “Satisfactory.”
- Examining OOS rates, which should be lower than the national average.
The OOS rate represents the percentage of vehicles or drivers placed out of service during inspections due to safety violations. Ideally, you’ll want to select an RV shipping specialist whose OOS rates are lower than the national average, which can be found on the FMCSA website.
2. How They’re Using Load Boards to Find RV Shipping Specialists:
A thorough assessment of the RV transport service provider’s processes and agreements can give you valuable insights into their operational reliability and transparency. Look for the following key attributes:
- Documented step-by-step procedures for pickup, transport, and delivery of RV shipping in the US
- Clearly defined agreements that outline responsibilities, timelines, and contingency plans
- Utilization of ELDs to monitor driver hours, compliance, and safe driving practices
| Evaluation Criteria | Carrier A | Carrier B | Carrier C |
| Documented Processes | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Comprehensive Agreements | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| ELD Monitoring | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
3. Contingency plans:
As an RV shipping consumer, you must ensure they have tight contingency plans if things go south. Ensure they:
- Provide 24/7 dispatch support to address any issues or emergencies promptly.
- Have a fleet of reliable RV transport vehicles with backup trucks to mitigate risks of delays.
- Offer towing services in the event of breakdowns.
- Utilize GPS tracking technology to monitor transport status and location in real time.
- Have established protocols for addressing delays, damages, clear communication, updates, and claims resolutions.
This contingency plan guarantees responsive support, fleet reliability, incident response capabilities, and accountability.
4. Examine Their Cargo Insurance for RV Movers in the USA Insurance:
Start by understanding the level of cargo insurance the carrier provides. Look for carriers that offer comprehensive coverage, including:
- Cargo insurance with coverage limits that match the value of your RV or vehicle
- All-risk coverage to protect against a wide range of potential damages
| Insurance Coverage | Carrier A | Carrier B | Carrier C |
| Cargo Insurance Limit | $100,000 | $150,000 | $125,000 |
| All-Risk Coverage | Yes | Yes | No |
Look for a transport service that responds promptly to claims and has a smooth, streamlined claims process.
5. Verify Specialized RV Shipping Services Experience:
Ask for references and review case studies highlighting their work as RV shipping specialists offering motorhome transport services for your vehicle class.
Look for case studies that showcase their expertise in handling specific motorhome and RV transport challenges, such as navigating tight spaces or securing oversized loads.
| Criteria | Carrier A | Carrier B | Carrier C |
| Safety Rating | Satisfactory | Satisfactory | Conditional |
| Years of Experience | 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Motorhome Transports | 100+ | 75 | 50 |
6. Inspect Motorhome Shipping Services Equipment & Maintenance Protocols:
Look for carriers that utilize step-deck or low-boy trailers explicitly designed for RV shipping and residential & commercial shipping.
These specialized trailers ensure your reliable RV is loaded and secured safely, minimizing the risk of damage during transit.
Inspect the trailers for proper weight distribution, tie-down points, and structural integrity.
| Trailer Type | Advantages of RV Transport |
| Step-Deck Trailers | – Lower loading height for easier access – Secure tie-down points for RVs and motorhomes – Ideal for transporting larger or taller RVs |
| Low-Boy Trailers | – Extremely low profile for minimal clearance issues – Excellent weight distribution for heavy RVs – Seamless loading and unloading |
Ask about their routine inspection and service schedules to ensure the trailers and towing vehicles are well-maintained and road-ready. Check their inspection/maintenance records if possible.
7. Motorhome and RV Transport Driver Qualifications & Training Programs:
Ask the carrier to provide details on their driver training program, which should cover a range of critical topics, including:
- Defensive driving techniques to anticipate and respond to unexpected road conditions and other drivers
- Proper load securement methods to prevent shifting or damage during transport
- Emergency procedures, such as handling breakdowns, accidents, or natural disasters
Inquire about the carrier’s ongoing safety monitoring and refresher training to ensure drivers maintain these essential skills. Additionally, request information on the carrier’s driver qualifications, such as years of experience, safety ratings, and specialized certifications for operating large RVs or hauling oversized loads.
