Winter is here and it’s finally time to dust off the snowmobile, fill up the gas tank and hit the slopes. This is all easy enough if the mountains are nearby, but what do you do if you’re planning a trip and want to bring your sled along? Hauling it yourself can be a hassle, so you may want to consider hiring a professional moving company to help out. While companies may vary a bit in their policies, the following will break down the basic steps you should take to prepare your sled for transport.

Inspect the Snowmobile - While instances of vehicles being damaged on a haul are minimal, it is advisable to document the condition before handing it over to a shipping company. Make note of any existing damage and take pictures. This will come in handy if you are forced to file an insurance claim. Also, you may want to briefly review this information with the handler upon pick-up. (Note- Make sure that the company is insured and carefully review policy before signing anything.)

Store Loose Items - There is no problem with storing personal items in the sled’s compartments, but keep in mind that the insurance probably won’t cover these things if they are lost or damaged. If you do decide to leave personal items in the snowmobile be sure to lock everything up. Also, larger items such as helmets will not be allowed and should be packed separately.

Remember the Keys!!!! – The keys will not be needed by the carrier, but they will definitely come in handy once the sled reaches its destination. Mail them separately, tie them to the handlebars or bring them separately, just don’t forget them.

Most carriers do not require you to remove the battery or drain the gas tank, but you should make sure that you are clear on any additional preparation they may require.

Safe sledding and happy holidays!

Written by Ben Leffler of uship.com, an online marketplace for Snowmobile Shipping