Shipping a side by side across the country can be much easier than driving it yourself. Whether you are moving to another state, buying a UTV from a seller in a different part of the country, or taking your vehicle to a new riding destination, professional UTV transportation can save you time, fuel, and unnecessary wear on your vehicle.
A side by side is also too large for many standard vehicle trailers, so proper preparation and choosing the right transportation method are important. This guide explains how to ship a side by side across the country, what the process involves, how much it may cost, and what you should do before handing your UTV over to a carrier.
Why Ship a Side by Side Instead of Driving It?
Driving a side by side across several states may sound simple, but it can quickly become inconvenient. UTVs are designed primarily for off-road use and may not be street legal in many areas. Even when transportation is possible with a personal trailer, long-distance towing adds fuel costs, mileage, and driving time.
Professional UTV shipping offers several advantages:
- Saves time on long-distance travel
- Reduces wear and tear on your towing vehicle
- Avoids unnecessary mileage on the UTV
- Provides door-to-door transportation options
- Makes interstate vehicle moves more convenient
- Allows you to transport the UTV without driving it across public roads
For long-distance moves, professional transportation can be a practical alternative to making the trip yourself.
What Information Do You Need to Ship a Side by Side?
Before requesting a transportation quote, gather basic information about your side by side. The carrier will usually need details about the vehicle and the pickup and delivery locations.
Important information includes:
- Make and model
- Year of the UTV
- Overall dimensions
- Approximate weight
- Pickup ZIP code
- Delivery ZIP code
- Whether the UTV is running
- Whether it has modified tires, racks, or accessories
- Preferred pickup and delivery dates
Accurate dimensions are especially important. A side by side with oversized tires, a roof, windshield, spare tire carrier, or other accessories may require additional space on the trailer.
Providing complete information upfront helps the transportation company determine the appropriate carrier and give you a more accurate quote.
How Does Side by Side Shipping Work?
The process is generally straightforward when you work with an experienced transportation company.
1. Request a Quote
Start by providing your pickup and delivery locations along with your UTV’s details. The transportation company can use this information to calculate the estimated shipping cost.
Prices can vary depending on distance, vehicle dimensions, transportation type, route availability, fuel costs, and pickup or delivery requirements.
2. Choose Your Transportation Option
Your side by side may be transported using open or enclosed transportation, depending on availability, protection requirements, and your preferences.
Open transportation is commonly used for many recreational vehicles because it can be a practical and cost-effective option.
Enclosed transportation provides additional protection from road debris and weather. It may be preferred for high-value, specialty, or particularly customized UTVs.
3. Prepare the UTV
Before pickup, remove personal belongings and loose accessories. Secure or remove items that could move during transportation.
The UTV should also be inspected before it is loaded. Take clear photographs of the vehicle from multiple angles and document any existing scratches, dents, or other damage.
4. Pickup
At pickup, the carrier will inspect the side by side and document its condition. The UTV is then loaded and secured for transportation.
Make sure the carrier has clear instructions about the pickup location and any access restrictions.
5. Transportation
The carrier transports the side by side to the destination. Depending on the route and distance, delivery can take several days.
Weather, traffic, road conditions, carrier schedules, and other transportation factors can affect the exact delivery timeline.
6. Delivery and Final Inspection
When your side by side arrives, inspect it carefully before accepting delivery. Compare its condition with the photographs and inspection information from pickup.
If you notice any new damage, document it immediately and follow the carrier’s claim procedures.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Side by Side Across the Country?
There is no single price for nationwide UTV shipping because transportation costs depend on several factors.
The distance between the pickup and delivery locations is one of the biggest factors. Longer routes generally cost more, although the price per mile may vary depending on the route and carrier availability.
Other factors can include:
- UTV size and weight
- Open or enclosed transportation
- Pickup and delivery locations
- Seasonal demand
- Fuel prices
- Vehicle modifications
- Whether the UTV is operational
- Required pickup or delivery services
- Current carrier availability
The best way to determine your actual cost is to request a personalized quote based on your specific side by side and route.
How to Prepare Your Side by Side for Shipping
Proper preparation can help prevent problems during transportation.
Clean the UTV
Wash the side by side before pickup. A clean vehicle makes it easier to identify existing damage during the inspection.
Remove Personal Items
Do not leave unnecessary personal belongings inside the UTV. Loose equipment can shift during transportation and may become damaged.
Check for Leaks
Inspect the vehicle for fluid leaks before transportation. Let the carrier know about any known mechanical problems.
Secure Loose Components
Remove or secure accessories that could come loose during transport. Depending on the vehicle, this may include removable windshields, tools, equipment, or other detachable items.
Check the Battery and Tires
Make sure the battery and tires are in suitable condition for loading and unloading. If the UTV is not operational, tell the transportation company before pickup so the carrier can prepare accordingly.
What If Your Side by Side Is Not Running?
A non-running UTV can still potentially be transported, but it requires advance notice.
The carrier may need special equipment to load a vehicle that cannot move under its own power. This can affect the transportation arrangement and cost.
When requesting your quote, clearly explain whether your side by side starts, moves, brakes, and steers normally. Do not assume the carrier will know about mechanical problems without being told.
Providing accurate information helps the carrier arrive with the appropriate equipment.
Open vs. Enclosed UTV Transportation
One of the decisions you may have when shipping your side by side is whether to use open or enclosed transportation.
Open transportation can be a practical option for many UTV owners. Your vehicle is transported on an open trailer along with other vehicles or recreational equipment, depending on the carrier.
Enclosed transportation offers additional protection from outside elements. It may be worth considering for expensive, custom, restored, or specialty side by sides.
The right choice depends on your budget, vehicle value, availability, and desired level of protection.
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Side by Side?
The shipping timeline depends on the distance and transportation route. A cross-country shipment will naturally take longer than a shipment between nearby states.
Other factors that can affect delivery include:
- Pickup scheduling
- Carrier availability
- Traffic
- Weather
- Road conditions
- Distance between stops
- Seasonal transportation demand
When planning your shipment, allow some flexibility instead of scheduling your arrival around an exact delivery hour.
A professional transportation company can provide an estimated delivery window and keep you informed throughout the process.
Tips for Choosing a Side by Side Shipping Company
Not every transportation provider offers the same services or experience. Before choosing a company, consider its reputation, service coverage, communication, and transportation options.
Look for a provider that:
- Clearly explains the shipping process
- Provides transparent pricing
- Offers nationwide transportation
- Can handle UTV dimensions and weight
- Communicates throughout the shipment
- Provides carrier insurance coverage
- Explains pickup and delivery procedures
- Has experience with recreational vehicles
Avoid choosing a company based solely on the lowest quote. A slightly lower price may not be worth poor communication or unexpected fees.
Can You Ship Other Off-Road Vehicles?
If you need to transport more than a side by side, professional vehicle transportation companies may also handle other recreational vehicles.
Depending on the carrier and service, transportation can include ATVs, motorcycles, golf carts, jet skis, boats, trailers, and other specialty vehicles.
This can be particularly useful if you are relocating or purchasing several recreational vehicles from different locations.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to ship a side by side across the country can make a long-distance move much simpler. Instead of spending days driving or towing your UTV yourself, professional transportation allows you to have the vehicle picked up and delivered to your destination.
Start by gathering accurate information about your side by side, including its dimensions, weight, condition, and pickup and delivery locations. Prepare the vehicle properly, document its condition, choose the transportation option that fits your needs, and work with an experienced shipping company.
With the right preparation and a reliable transportation provider, shipping your side by side across the country can be a convenient and straightforward process.