Are you a motorcycle enthusiast who needs to transport your cherished ride across the country? While this task can seem daunting, it’s a common scenario for many motorcycle owners.
Whether you’re relocating, purchasing a bike online, or attending a rally, shipping your motorcycle can be a cost-effective and convenient solution.
This expert guide provides all the essential information you need to know about shipping a motorcycle across the country. From exploring the advantages and various shipping options to understanding the costs and necessary preparation steps, you’ll be fully equipped to ensure a smooth and successful trip for your motorcycle.
What are the Benefits of Shipping a Motorcycle Across the Country?
Shipping your motorcycle provides various benefits compared to other forms of transportation. It’s a fast and effortless way to move your bike across the country, offering added security against potential hazards, saving you time, effort, and money, and providing peace of mind.
- Time-Saving – Those who want to travel quickly or have a limited amount of time to travel would particularly benefit from this. Complications may include traffic congestion, road closures, and unfavorable weather.
- Convenience – You can simply arrange for your motorcycle to be picked up and delivered to your desired location, saving you time and energy.
- Cost-Effective – It can be costly to ride a motorcycle across the country because it requires fuel, food, housing, and maintenance expenses. The risk of mechanical issues and accidents can be expensive and time-consuming to repair.
- Increased Protection – When a motorcycle is shipped, your motorcycle will normally be shipped in an enclosed trailer or crate to give it the best possible protection from the elements, road debris, and potential thieves.
- Avoiding Wear and Tear – Shipping your motorcycle protects it from wear and tear caused by long-distance rides. This can help prolong the life of your motorcycle and ensure that it stays in good condition.
- Flexibility – Shipping a motorcycle provides you with more flexibility and freedom when it comes to planning your travel. You can arrange for your motorcycle to be picked up and delivered to your desired location, allowing you to plan your trip around your schedule.
How to Ship a Motorcycle Across the Country
Hey, motorcycle lovers! Are you planning a cross-country trip, but don’t want to put unnecessary miles on your beloved bike? Our motorcycle shipping service is here to save the day! Here’s how our hassle-free process works:
Step 1: Booking and Coordination
Once you’ve decided to trust us with your two-wheeled baby, it’s time to book your shipment with us! Our team will coordinate with you to ensure a smooth pickup and delivery process and answer any questions you may have along the way. Get your motorcycle shipping quote now!
Step 2: Pickup and Inspection
On the day of pickup, our team will carefully inspect your motorcycle for any existing damage, document it for insurance purposes, and make sure it’s securely loaded onto the trailer.
Step 3: Transport and Delivery
Your motorcycle will be transported using either an open or enclosed trailer, depending on your preferences and budget. Once it arrives at its destination, our team will inspect it again for any new damage and document it for insurance purposes. We’ll coordinate with you to ensure a convenient delivery time and location.
Get Back on the Road!
Once your motorcycle is safely delivered, it’s time to hit the open road again! With our hassle-free motorcycle shipping service, you can focus on enjoying the ride without worrying about the logistics of getting your bike there.
How to Prepare Your Motorcycle for Shipping?
Once you’ve decided on the type of transport, it’s time to prepare your motorcycle for shipping. Here are some essential steps to follow:
- Clean the Motorcycle: Cleaning your motorcycle before shipping will allow you to identify any pre-existing damage and prevent dirt and debris from getting trapped under the wrapping.
- Inspect the Motorcycle: Inspect your motorcycle thoroughly and take pictures of any existing damages to use as evidence in case of any insurance claims.
- Drain the Fuel Tank: Your motorcycle’s fuel tank should be completely drained before shipment to prevent any fuel leaks or fire hazards.
- Disconnect the Battery: Disconnect the battery and remove any electronic devices to prevent them from draining the battery during the shipment.
- Secure Loose Items: Remove any loose items from your motorcycle and secure the mirrors, windshields, and other removable parts.
- Notify your Transporter: Inform your transporter of any special instructions or unique features of your motorcycle that may affect the shipping process.
How Much Is it to Ship a Motorcycle Across Country?
The cost of shipping a motorcycle across the country depends on several factors, such as the distance, the type of shipping option, the weight and dimensions of your motorcycle, and the time of year.
On average, the cost can range from
- $400 to $1,000 for open trailer shipping,
- $700 to $1,500 for enclosed trailer shipping, and
- $1,000 to $3,000 for crate shipping.
The following are the factors that impact the cost of shipping a motorcycle:
- The distance between the pickup and delivery locations.
- Oversized or overweight motorcycles may require special handling or permits.
- Types of Transportation such as Open Transport, Enclosed Transport, and Crate Transport.
- Insurance coverage.
- Peak season (Summer) and off-peak season (Winter) also affect the cost of shipping.
- Additional services, such as door-to-door delivery, crating, and custom packaging, can also impact the cost of shipping your motorcycle.
How to Choose a Reputable Motorcycle Shipping Company?
Choosing the right transport company is essential for a successful and stress-free shipping experience. Here are some factors to consider:
- Reputation and Reviews: Check out the company’s reputation and reviews online to ensure they have a track record of providing high-quality service.
- Experience and Expertise: Make sure the company has experience shipping motorcycles and has the expertise to handle any potential issues that may arise during transport.
- Shipping Options and Services: Consider the shipping options and services offered by the company. Do they offer door-to-door delivery or terminal-to-terminal service? Do they offer both open and enclosed trailer options? Do they have insurance coverage that will fully protect your motorcycle during transport?
- Price and Transparency: Compare prices and fees from different shipping companies to find the most competitive option that fits your budget. Be sure to ask about any hidden fees, such as fuel surcharges or storage fees.
- Customer Service and Communication: Make sure the shipping company has a responsive customer service team that will provide you with regular updates on the status of your shipment. Clear communication is crucial to ensuring a smooth shipping experience.
Motorcycle Shipping through Motorcycle Transport Services
AutoStar Transport Express understands that motorcycle riding is a lifestyle. For some, bikes are their main mode of transportation; for others, riding is a weekend sport while enjoying freedom on the road. We will make your motorcycle shipping experience easy and hassle-free.
AutoStar Transport Express is the best motorbike transport company. We move your bike carefully, quickly, and efficiently to any state of the U.S. or internationally.
Helpful Resources: How to avoid motorcycle shipping scams
