How To Ship a Motorcycle In 2025 Guide?
Motorcycle shipping has never been very easy, but here in...
12 July 2021
If you are buying a motorcycle online or planning to ship your own bike but cannot decide what kind of transportation to choose or how at all to choose the best company from the wide range of different offers, this article is just what you need. Here we will cover the next topics:
Open & Enclosed Motorcycle Shipping
When it comes to transporting a motorcycle, two primary methods are available: open and enclosed shipping. Here’s a closer look at both to help you make an informed decision.
Open Motorcycle Shipping
Open motorcycle shipping is exactly what it sounds like: a carrier company uses an open trailer to move some bikes at a time. This service is usually quite cheap, but if you are considering it, make sure that you understand that weather conditions or outside elements (like small road pebbles) may damage the motorcycle.
Enclosed Motorcycle Shipping
For moving motorcycles, we recommend enclosed motorcycle shipping especially when the vehicle needs to be shipped for quite a long distance (400 miles and more), especially when moving vehicle from state-to-state. Enclosed motorcycle shipping may also be of 2 types: hardside or softside, but in both ways, the bike is secured from outside elements. So if you choose this shipping method, the weather or anything else will not damage your motorcycle’s paint, seat leather, or the bike itself.
If you are shipping bikes that you use daily, we advise you to choose between open and enclosed motorcycle shipping depending on your budget. But if the vehicle you are shipping is brand new, show, or classic models we advise you to opt for enclosed transportation. Such vehicles are usually one of a kind and it can be extremely difficult and much more expensive to replace their parts in case they are damaged than to pay for the enclosed shipping. Moreover, with the enclosed vehicle transport, you can keep your nerve by knowing your motorcycle is completely safe.
The Cost of Motorcycle Shipping: Enclosed VS Open
Motorcycle shipping services can be rather expensive sometimes, but using the cheapest service may not be a good idea as it does not always mean you receive the best service. When asked whether to choose open or enclosed motorcycle shipping, we recommend our customers to choose wisely depending on what vehicle they are shipping and what condition it is (brand new, classic, inoperable, or just an old bike that you want to fix).
In the table below there are estimated rates for you to better understand the price difference between open and enclosed motorcycle shipping on different routes.
| Open | Enclosed | ||
| Portland, OR → Oceanside, CA | 2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 | $560 | $830 |
| Coeur d’Alene, ID → Denver, CO | 2010 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 | $450 | $640 |
| Dearborn, MI → Baton Rouge, LA | 2020 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC | $530 | $790 |
| Lexington, KY → Hollywood, FL | 1965 Triumph Thunderbird | $600 | $890 |
| Plymouth, MA → Henderson, NV | 2000 Harley-Davidson Road King | $1020 | $1350 |
| Billings, MT → McAllen, TX | 1997 Suzuki Savage Cafe Racer | $980 | $1300 |
| Memphis, TN → Albany, NY | 2011 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 | $500 | $760 |
Prices can fluctuate based on the specific model of the motorcycle, the distance of the route, and the current demand for shipping on that route.
While opting for a cheaper method might be tempting, it’s essential to weigh the potential risks and benefits. For high-value or sentimental motorcycles, a higher upfront cost might save money in potential repairs or replacements down the line.
Benefits of Using Motorcycle Shipping Broker
A motorcycle shipping broker serves as an intermediary between customers and carriers, streamlining the shipping process. While some individuals initially seek direct carriers, there are numerous advantages to using a broker.
• Access to a Wide Network.
It is probably the most important thing since the broker works with lots of different carriers and can offer you both enclosed and open transportation. Also, a lot of companies have their own database of professional drivers as well as those we are staying away from.
• Great customer service.
It is also a key part of a broker company’s duties. Once the deal is negotiated with the driver, you should be provided with his phone number. But in case he does not answer when you try to reach him, the broker company representatives are always online and ready to answer all your questions and do their best to resolve your issue as soon as possible.
• Time-saving.
Looking for an experienced professional career all by yourself is very time-consuming and can be such a headache sometimes. You have to look through a long list of carriers, check their reviews, whether they are insured, contact them to check if they go your route within a specific time frame.
And even if you are lucky to find a carrier all by yourself, there is always a possibility that the carrier may suddenly cancel or postpone his trip and you will have to look for somebody else. When you choose a broker company you do not care about that. They do all these things for you and you only need to release the bike at the pick-up and then receive it at the delivery location. Yes, it is really that easy.
• Guaranteed Insurance.
When choosing a reliable transport broker, you can be sure that your vehicle will be fully insured during transportation whether it’s enclosed or open motorcycle shipping.
• Vehicle preparation.
If you are shipping a vehicle with a broker, you can forget about some kind of special motorcycle preparation. You can only be asked about some trivial actions like cleaning the motorcycle and having ¼ of a tank of gas. Though you can check our step-by-step motorcycle shipping guide to be fully prepared.
Given these advantages, using a motorcycle shipping broker can ensure a smoother, more secure, and hassle-free shipping experience for your motorcycle.
How to Avoid Motorbike Shipping Scams
The easiest way to get your free quotes with Comparу the Carrier, as all companies we provide you quotes with are licensed top-rated companies with a rather big experience in this industry.
In case if you are doing research and comparing quotes yourself remember that there are a lot of companies that work unfairly.
The motorcycle shipping industry, like many service sectors, unfortunately has its share of fraudulent activities. Being informed can help you steer clear of scams and ensure a safe transaction.
We still highly recommend you be aware of some common scam technics:
• Low pricing:
Giving a very low price that does not include some fees or taxes is a popular practice among transportation companies. Make sure to check the agreement they send you before signing it since if the price suddenly changes and you will decide to cancel the shipping, the company can make you pay the cancellation fee according to some small unnoticeable note at the end of the agreement.
• FULL payment upfront:
Of course, not all companies who ask for the payment upfront are scammers, but how can you be sure about that? We wouldn’t recommend you to check that especially if your shipping cost is rather high. We advise you to go with the company that divides the payment into parts. For example, a smaller part is charged after pick up and the rest at the time of delivery.
• No website:
If the broker company does not have a good website with detailed information about the company, its history, articles on shipping vehicles, we recommend you choose somebody else. Sometimes it happens that companies are open for a short period of time to make money by scamming people. They do not have time to work on their website, collect reviews, and so on. They just open one company, take customers’ money and disappear leaving their users with nothing but regrets and then in a little while they open another company.
• Verify Licensing and Insurance:
Ensure that the company has proper licensing and insurance. In the U.S., you can check the legitimacy of a transport company by visiting the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) website. Their SaferSys search tool provides information about a company’s license status, insurance coverage, and safety record. Always make sure the broker or carrier has an active USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) number and adequate insurance coverage.
To make sure that you avoid a scam company you can choose one from our list “top 25 motorcycle transport companies“. All companies in this list are checked by thousands of happy customers, that moved their bikes without any problem.
Navigating the world of motorcycle shipping can be overwhelming, especially with stories of scams making the rounds. To visually illustrate the experiences of real individuals who’ve faced deceptive practices, we’ve curated a video that dives deep into these real-life tales.
Watch our insightful video here to learn from the experiences of others and understand the red flags to watch out for. With gripping narration and genuine stories from the community, this video is an essential resource for anyone considering motorcycle shipping.
In the vast realm of motorcycle shipping, making informed decisions is paramount. Whether choosing between open or enclosed shipping, understanding costs, leveraging the benefits of a shipping broker, or safeguarding yourself from potential scams, knowledge is your best ally. Always prioritize your motorcycle’s safety and your peace of mind by thoroughly researching and selecting reputable service providers. Remember, the journey of your motorcycle should be as smooth as your own rides.
If you are looking for quotes from top companies, you can follow this link, set up your quotes, and make your motorcycle shipping service quotes comparing as easy as pie.
Is it safer to use an enclosed trailer for my motorcycle compared to an open one?
Generally, an enclosed trailer offers more protection against environmental factors such as weather, dirt, and debris. However, if your motorcycle is properly secured on an open trailer, it can be transported safely as well. Consider the distance, weather conditions, and the value of your bike when making your decision.
Are there specific preparations I should do for my motorcycle before shipping?
Yes, it’s a good idea to clean your bike, document its condition with photos, remove any loose items, and check tire pressure, battery, and fluid levels. Also, ensure you don’t fill the gas tank completely; keep it below half or as advised by the shipping company.
What happens if my motorcycle is damaged during transportation?
It’s essential to inspect your motorcycle upon arrival. If there’s any damage, document it immediately and notify the shipping company. They should have insurance to cover any damages that occur during transportation.
Are there hidden fees I should be aware of when getting a quote for shipping?
Always ask for a detailed quote and review it thoroughly. Some companies might charge extra for services like door-to-door delivery or expedited shipping. Ensure you’re aware of all potential costs upfront.
How do I determine if a shipping broker is reputable?
Look for reviews and testimonials, check their credentials, and verify their licensing and insurance. A reputable broker will be transparent about their processes and affiliations.
What should I do if I suspect a company is attempting to scam me?
Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it’s essential to step back and evaluate. Ensure you verify the company’s credentials, check reviews, and avoid paying large upfront deposits without proper documentation or contracts.
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