Here's What to Know About Shipping Your Motorcycle Long Distance

Shipping a motorcycle is not always a simple task. There are many factors involved that make the process safe and go without any problems.

Safety First

When shipping a motorcycle, removing all of the fluids (oil, etc.) is necessary before movers can transport it. It is because, during shipment, these can spill, catch fire, or ruin materials. And since you need to drain the fluids, the motorcycle cannot be driven to the facility to be transported. You need to transport it to the transportation facility. Some transporters do “door-to-door” transporting, which is very convenient but more expensive, usually depending on how far the transportation service has to take the motorcycle.

Shipping a Motorcycle 

Motorcycles are lightweight, so they have to be strapped down and secured to make sure they are not tossed around in the shipping crate or storage area during transportation. If you don’t take the needed safety measures, they could be knocked over and cause damage during turns and bumps in the road. 

Risks Associated With Shipment

It is standard to have insurance on a motorcycle; however, most policies don’t cover the transport of this kind of vehicle. You should have a separate policy for transportation if yours does not include shipping. Anything can happen during transportation – cargo can get damaged or lost, although this does not happen often.

Before shipment, you should be sure to document and photograph all of the nicks, dings, and scratches. Meet with the transporter to quickly examine the bike to show the carrier all the dings and scratches, so you both are aware of the damage before transportation. Wrapping the motorcycle in a thick cloth-like material will also be beneficial in protecting the bike. 

The shipping crates that are available for motorcycles include open and closed shipping trailers. The open container is more convenient than the closed one, but it also makes your motorcycle susceptible to the elements. The covered trailer is more expensive but keeps the motorcycle clean and dry if it were to rain or storm. 

Cost of Shipping a Motorcycle

For 1000 miles, the price can reach up to $700. Some transporters move motorcycles for fewer miles, and the charge may vary. The cost varies due to the worth of the vehicle, the amount of miles, how quick it needs to arrive, etc. Some websites provide profiles of transporters who have various amounts of shipment experiences and different perks. 

Motorcycle transporters must have a DOT license, so do all your vetting before actually signing a contract with the person. Be sure they have enough experience and can answer all of your questions. Doing your research is always the best thing to do when you are trying to transport a motorcycle.