ATV, UTV and Side by Side Shipping

SAC carriers load and unload ATVs and UTVs by driving or rolling them onto the trailer. Before pickup, confirm that your machine starts reliably and can be operated by the driver for loading. Check that the battery is charged, the fuel level is adequate to run the engine, and the machine moves under its own power.

If your machine is not operational – due to a mechanical issue, a dead battery, or any other reason – disclose this to your SAC coordinator at the time of booking. Non-operational machines require specialized loading equipment such as a winch or a lift, which must be pre-arranged with the right carrier. Do not wait until the driver arrives to mention the machine cannot be started.

Ensure all tires are properly inflated before pickup. Flat or low tires can make loading significantly more difficult and may cause problems on the carrier during transit. Check tire pressure against the manufacturer’s recommendation and inflate as needed before the carrier arrives.

For machines with specialty tires – mud tires, beadlock wheels, or very wide off-road tires – let your SAC coordinator know in advance. Wide-stance or extreme-width machines may require specific carrier configurations or tie-down positioning. Communicating tire specifications upfront ensures the right carrier shows up equipped to handle your machine properly.

Wash your ATV, UTV, or Side by Side before pickup and take time-stamped photos from all angles – front, rear, both sides, top, undercarriage, and any custom components. Road mud, trail dirt, and debris can obscure pre-existing scratches, paint chips, or body damage that might later be attributed to transport. A clean machine makes inspection accurate and fair.

At pickup, the driver will complete a Bill of Lading condition report. Review it carefully against your photos before signing. Note any pre-existing damage that is not accurately captured on the form. For machines with custom paint, graphics, or bodywork, a thorough photo record before transport is especially important.

Before pickup, remove or securely fasten any loose accessories that are not permanently attached to the machine. This includes soft-sided cargo bags, tool pouches, cup holders, phone mounts, loose equipment in the bed or cargo area, and any aftermarket accessories that could shift or detach during transit.

For Side by Sides with full roofs, windshields, or doors – confirm that all panels are fully latched and secure. Check that any quick-release or snap-on components are either removed or confirmed as fully locked in place. Loose items that fly off during transport can damage the machine, the carrier, or other vehicles being transported.

Some ATVs and UTVs have components that extend beyond the machine’s standard profile – winch fairlead bars, wide mirrors, extended bumpers, or roof accessories. Before transport, retract, fold, or remove any components that extend unusually wide or tall to ensure the machine fits safely on the trailer and can be secured without clearance issues.

For Side by Sides with custom cages, roll bars, or roof racks that add significant height, inform your SAC coordinator of the machine’s overall dimensions at the time of booking. Carrier clearance is a real consideration for very tall machines, and knowing the dimensions upfront allows the right trailer and configuration to be assigned before pickup day.

Keep enough fuel in the tank for the driver to start the machine, load it onto the trailer, unload it at delivery, and run it for a brief test if needed. A quarter tank is sufficient for most machines. There is no need to fill the tank before transport – excess fuel adds weight without providing any benefit during the shipment.

For machines with very small fuel tanks or carbureted engines that may be sensitive to ethanol content, note this in the transport instructions so the driver is aware. If the machine has a history of hard starting when cold, include any specific starting instructions in the notes provided to your SAC coordinator before pickup day.

Before pickup day, confirm that the carrier can safely access both the pickup and delivery addresses with the trailer. ATV and UTV carriers vary in size and configuration – some use enclosed trailers, others use flatbeds or open multi-vehicle trailers. Make sure there is adequate space to back in, lower a ramp, and safely load the machine at your location.

For pickups or deliveries at remote locations – ranch properties, storage lots, campground entrances, or off-road parks – communicate any access restrictions or road conditions to your SAC coordinator in advance. Unpaved roads, soft terrain, or low-clearance entrances may affect which carrier can access the location and whether a nearby meet point is a better option.