Putting your horse onto someone else's trailer to be shipped cross-country can be worrisome at the least. When hiring a cross-country shipper, it’s important to hire someone who is experienced, reliable, and trustworthy. But there’s more that goes into the package. Looking to hire a long-distance shipper for your horse? Here’s how.

Start Early

Horse owners often run into trouble when looking for last-minute transportation arrangements for their horses. By starting the process of hiring a shipper as early as possible, you will have time to thoroughly research a shipper’s policies and reputation, and it's also more likely that you’ll be able to find a trip for your horse. Starting early means that you will be able to choose from multiple shippers, giving you the ability to select the one that is best for your horse.

Shop Around

Request price quotes and information from multiple shippers – don't just sign on with the first shipper who has an open space for your horse. As you converse with shipping companies, ask about their policies and procedures. If your horse will need special accommodations, find out if each company would be able to honor them.

Don't Skimp

It may be tempting to go with the shipper who's quoted you the lowest price, but remember that there may be a reason for that low price. Be sure to pay attention to the rig that the shipper is using. When shipping a horse on a long trip, opting for a rig that offers an air ride can make a tremendous difference in terms of the physical stress the ride places on your horse. One such horse transport company is that provides safe and reliable door-to-door horse transportation nationwide using commercial tractor trailer combinations each with air-ride equipment is Equine Express N.A. Inc. Rigs without air ride cost less, but this is one expense that you definitely shouldn't skimp on.

Check References

Once you've found a shipper that you feel is a potential fit, ask for references and then call them. Ask the reference about their experience with the shipping company, including what they liked and what they didn't. Ask about the distance of the trip and the age of the horse that they shipped. Was the horse picked up and dropped off on time? Was he in good condition? Did the shipper maintain contact throughout the trip?

Do Your Research

The horse world is an oddly interconnected place – chances are that you know someone who knows someone who has used the shipper you’re considering. Ask around to get additional perspective on the shipper.

Don't forget that the internet can be a resource, too. Many horse forums have threads about experiences with shippers, both good and bad. Searching for the shipper’s name, or even posting a thread asking if anyone has worked with the shipper before, can yield additional information.

When hiring a long-distance or cross-country shipper, it's important to do your homework. Start early and be thorough in your research before you make your selection.

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Original Source: Hiring a Cross-Country Shipper: How to Do it Right