How To Ship a Motorcycle In 2025 Guide?
Motorcycle shipping has never been very easy, but here in...
12 July 2021
Are you planning a move to another state and wish to bring your beloved motorcycle along? Or perhaps you’ve sealed the deal on a new bike and are now faced with the challenge of getting it delivered safely to your doorstep. Shipping a motorcycle can seem daunting, especially when you’re entrusting your prized possession to a transport service. It’s essential to navigate this process with care to avoid common mistakes when shipping motorcycle.
At Compare The Carrier, we understand the importance of ensuring your motorcycle’s safety during transit. This guide is designed to help you sidestep prevalent motorcycle shipping mistakes by offering expert motorcycle transport tips, outlining the crucial motorcycle shipping documentation you’ll need, and highlighting the best motorcycle shipping companies renowned for their reliability and service excellence.
Common Mistakes When Shipping Motorcycle
Shipping your motorcycle isn’t just about getting it from Point A to Point B; it’s about ensuring it arrives exactly as it left, without a scratch. Too often, folks dive into the shipping process without a clear roadmap, leading to avoidable pitfalls. Let’s steer clear of these common motorcycle shipping mistakes, ensuring your bike’s journey is smooth and stress-free.
Failure to provide the necessary documentation at the request of the transport company
When you agree to the provision of a service with a carrier, you must be told what documents you need to provide (vehicle registration, etc.). If this is not done, then the transportation process will definitely be delayed, because there are rules that the company will not deviate from.
Lack of diligence in preparing a report before loading a motorcycle
When the transport company picks up the motorcycle, there is a risk of mechanical damage or scratches. It is important to pay attention to all the details and reflect everything in the final report, BOL. This document contains the expected condition of your motorcycle – best when inspecting and fixing all the complexities with the carrier. It is advisable to fix everything on the camera.
Neglect of insurance
An insurance policy when sending a motorcycle is not a mandatory document according to the law, therefore, when concluding a contract, you should pay attention to this item. If the carrier does not provide insurance, the owner of the motorcycle can independently take care of the insurance policy in case of damage to the vehicle during transportation. There is an important nuance here – If personal items are left behind in the trunk, etc., they are not covered by insurance.
Search for budget motorcycle shipping
Of course, the financial side of the issue is important for everyone and no one wants to overpay for services, but too low a price for services should alert. After all, it is important that the quality of services provided is high, otherwise the cheap delivery of a motorcycle and the damage received during careless transportation may not be at all comparable to the average market value.
Economy
This point is related to the previous one, but here we are talking about the fact that many people, trying to save money on the transportation of a motorcycle, issue a service for regular transportation instead of enclosed transportation. Thus, when moving, the motorcycle is exposed to the weather, scuff marks from midges and mosquitoes can appear on it (at high speed they become a powerful abrasive).
For a deeper dive into choosing the right shipping method for your bike and steering clear of potential scams, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide on “Open & Enclosed Motorcycle Shipping, What To Choose & How To Avoid Scams?”.
Trying to transport a motorcycle on our own
Attaching a motorcycle to a trailer and transporting it in this way is definitely not the best idea, because there is a risk of damage to both the motorcycle and the car. For transportation it is necessary to use only special transport. A specific feature that distinguishes the transportation of motorcycles from the transportation of other types of equipment is the instability of a two-wheeled vehicle.
Avoiding these motorcycle shipping mistakes isn’t just about safeguarding your bike; it’s about ensuring a smooth, worry-free transport experience. By selecting one of the best motorcycle shipping companies, ensuring all your documentation is in order, conducting a thorough pre-shipment inspection, properly insuring your bike, and choosing the right transport option, you’re setting yourself—and your motorcycle—up for success.
Remember, shipping your motorcycle safely is all about the details. Take your time, do your research, and don’t hesitate to ask your carrier questions. After all, informed decisions lead to happy endings, and we’re here to make sure your motorcycle’s journey is as smooth as the ride itself.
Additionally, for a step-by-step breakdown on preparing your motorcycle for shipping and ensuring a smooth process, don’t miss our detailed “How To Ship a Motorcycle Guide.”
Tips To Avoid Motorcycle Shipping Mistakes
Avoiding mistakes when transporting a motorcycle is not difficult, it just takes a little time and care. We have prepared for you a number of tips that will help you get your “iron horse” safe and sound, on time and at an affordable price.
By following these tips and leveraging the wealth of information available from verified sources, you can navigate the motorcycle shipping process like a seasoned pro. And remember, taking the extra steps to prepare and choose the right partner for your motorcycle transport can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth journey for your beloved bike.
The Best Motorcycle Shipping Companies
Violation of the agreed delivery dates, damaged motorcycle as a result of the improper organization of the process of its transportation, loss of cargo – these are just some of common motorcycle shipping problems.
That is why, when you need to arrange delivery of a motorcycle within the state or over long distances, you should carefully study the supply market. It is very important to choose a company that has an impeccable reputation in the service market and at the same time has an acceptable price tag for its services. We decided to help you with choosing a company and put together a list of the best carriers.
Read more about it in our top motorcycle shipping companies.
#1. GetCarrier
The company has a good reputation in the transport services market and has a lot of advantages over other options, namely: reasonable prices for the delivery of motorcycles and cars, a high level of professionalism of drivers, meeting deadlines, good service.
#2. MoverJet Logistics
This company can boasts:
#3. TrueCarrier
TrueCarrier transportation company is fully licensed bonded and insured company. TrueCarrier is about:
#4. Motorcycle Shippers
Motorcycle Shippers is the originator of the shipping program with CRST. Over two decades of experience in the motorcycle industry led the company to the development of some of the fastest, safest and most affordable transport methods available today.
#5. Montway Auto Transport
All the years of work, its owners have been working to improve the quality of services and expand their range. The company employs real professionals who ensure the safety of the vehicle and high speed of delivery.
Selecting one of these best motorcycle shipping companies can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and worry-free journey for your motorcycle. Each of these companies has been vetted for reliability, professionalism, and quality service.
By entrusting your prized possession to one of these reputable carriers, you can confidently navigate the motorcycle shipping process, knowing that your ride is in capable hands.
Necessary Motorcycle Shipping Documentation
The following documents are absolutely essential for cross country motorcycle transport:
- Registration and Title: You’ll need the original documents or notarised copies.
- Lien Holder Authorisation: If the bike is financed, a notarised letter from the lien holder is required, confirming they allow the motorcycle to be shipped.
Bill of Lading. The Bill of Lading (BOL) is basically your motorcycle’s ultimate travel plan. It’s a detailed itinerary that spells out the planned route, delivery schedule, and all the other crucial information. The BOL is necessary for both you and the shipping company to accurately track your bike’s entire journey.
Insurance. Even though it’s optional, buying coverage is the smartest call before you ship. You’ll get real peace of mind and protect your wallet! Just be sure to verify the company’s policy, and definitely consider extra insurance for total safety.
Getting all your paperwork together like insurance and documents is a huge deal! It’s the critical step that guarantees a smooth, legal, and completely stress-free shipping experience for your motorcycle.
Pro Tip: We made it easy! Go ahead and download our free checklist to organise all your shipping documents. And for all the best practices and trusted companies, don’t miss our ‘How To Ship a Motorcycle Guide.’ We’re here to guide you to successful motorcycle transport!
Your motorcycle transport shouldn’t be a headache! If you just use the right knowledge and put in a little prep work, you can guarantee a perfect trip for your bike. Seriously, we’ve covered all the bases including helping you find the best motorcycle shipping companies out there.
Whether you’re moving to a new state or just sending your bike off on its own adventure, our comprehensive guide has given you all the tools and insights you need for a smooth ride.
At Compare The Carrier, we truly want to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or need more assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out! Your motorcycle’s journey starts with smart choices, and we’re here to help you make them.
Safe travels, and may the road ahead be filled with thrilling adventures on your trusted ‘iron horse’!
FAQ
How much would it cost to ship a motorcycle?
The price is not fixed and depends on: the selected company, the distance between the center and the point of unloading the car, the type of car, etc.
What’s the best way to ship a motorcycle?
Enclosed trailers are generally considered the best choice. They protect your motorcycle from bad weather, road grime, and potential mechanical damage.1 True, this option will cost you a bit more. Whether you go this route is totally up to you it depends on your budget and how precious your bike is. If you don’t mind a little dirt on arrival and want to save some money, you can skip the overpayment and choose the open platform delivery.
Can I ship multiple motorcycles in one shipment?
Yes, you absolutely can! You can typically ship multiple motorcycles in one go, which usually ends up being quite cost-effective.2 Just make sure to tell the shipping company upfront exactly how many bikes you plan to transport so they can make the proper arrangements.
Are there any restrictions on the type of motorcycle that can be shipped?
Most motorcycle shipping companies can easily accommodate various types of bikes, including cruisers, sportbikes, and off-road bikes.3 However, it’s always smart to double-check with your carrier to ensure they can handle your specific model.
What if my motorcycle gets damaged during shipping?
If your motorcycle sustains damage during transport, the first thing to do is document it thoroughly with photos. Most reputable carriers have insurance coverage to deal with these situations. Contact your carrier right away to start the claim process.
Can I ship personal items with my motorcycle?
Generally, putting personal items with your motorcycle is strongly discouraged. Those items are not covered by insurance and can actually affect the weight and balance of the shipment. It’s always best to transport personal belongings separately.
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