According to Statista, 15 percent of Americans aged 18-29 and 30-49 own a motorbike. Most of them use motorcycle shipping services for long-distance moves, buying or selling remotely, or attending distant bike rallies, as it’s a convenient option for a safe transfer of your bike.
If you’re also considering shipping your motorbike, learn in this guide how bike shipping services work, what your options are for safe and secure motorbike transport, and how to file a claim if your motorcycle is damaged during shipping.
What is a Motorcycle Shipping Service?
Similar to auto shipping, a motorcycle shipping service helps you move your motorbike from one place to another, without you having to drive it yourself to the destination. You can use this service for both long-distance and short-distance transport across the country, or even cross borders.
It’s a convenient option when you want to save yourself the hassle, time, and protect your bike from any damage. As mentioned in a study, motorcycle accidents increased by up to 12.7% from 2020 to 2023, with a large portion of these deaths occurring on highways and rural long-distance routes.
So choosing a bike shipping service is a safe option for you, as it also saves you money. Forbes Home mentions that while many think they can save a lot by riding their own vehicle, they’re forgetting to include gas, meals, hotel stays, and wear and tear.
How Does Bike Shipping Service Work?
Motorbike transport providers follow a proper bike shipping process to ensure a smooth and secure transfer. Here’s a complete breakdown of this process:
Research a Motorcycle Transport Company and Book Your Shipment
The first step in this process involves you researching a reputable motorcycle transport company; one that’s registered with FMCSA and has a good online reputation. We suggest you pick at least three potential options and receive a quote from each.
Also, inquire about the type of services they offer. Ask questions like:
- What transportation methods do they offer? (open, enclosed)
- How much insurance coverage do they provide?
- What is their cancellation or delay policy?
- Their carrier availability within your scheduling window
Once you’ve confirmed all these details and you like their offer (which should be a balance between cost and services), book your shipment.
Consider Your Options
At the time of shipping, you have the option to either ship your bike strapped on a pallet, secured in a custom crate, or just use the standard strapping method to secure it to the trailer. You must pick as per your requirements.
For instance, if you’re shipping a heavy bike, such as a Honda Goldwing, you will need extra protection and careful handling for your motorbike. In that case, a custom-built crate would be your best option. Or if you need a cost-effective yet secure method for long-distance transport, palletized shipping would do.
But if it’s a standard bike and you’re on a tight budget, go for strapped shipping.
Back End Coordination
Now your broker will match your shipment with a motorbike carrier that’s already scheduled to ship bikes on a common route. Or if you’ve directly contacted and booked a carrier, they’ll call you a few hours before pickup to confirm the pickup details.
For instance, if you’re shipping from New York City to Columbus, Ohio, your broker will move your motorcycle with a carrier that has common routes and shipping experience on those routes.
Pre-Pickup Logistics
Now while you’re preparing your motorcycle for the move, whether it’s door-to-door motorcycle shipping or terminal-to-terminal motorcycle transport, a representative from the motorbike shipping company (mostly the driver) will call you to confirm pickup, plan their route to your residential address, and give you an estimated arrival window so you can be present when they arrive.
Make sure you’ve prepared your motorbike for the move, before the pickup. For instance:
- Completely wash and clean your motorbike.
- Take pictures and videos from different angles
- Remove all the loose items and personal belongings (like saddlebags)
- Turn off toll tags
- Ensure the tires are fully inflated
- Reduce the fuel tank to ¼ full for domestic shipping and empty it fully for international shipping
- Resolve any leakages or report them to the shipping company
Also, if you’ve chosen door-to-door motorcycle shipping, this is the step where the driver can ask you to drop off your bike at the nearest accessible location. That’s if your residential street doesn’t allow heavy truck access.
For example, local authorities in Detroit have recently banned heavy truck access on several southwest roads.
Pickup and Loading
There will be a final inspection before pickup, where the condition of your motorbike will be documented on the Bill of Lading (BOL). It’s important to note that you’ll sign this Bill of Lading for the first time here.
It’s a legally binding document that includes information like:
- Full pickup and delivery addresses, names, and contact details
- Complete information about the shipper, consignee, carrier, and driver
- Year, make, and model of your motorbike
- Number of vehicles shipped, their weight, and dimensions
- The type of shipping method being used and any specific instructions
- Order ID
- The exact date and timestamps for pickup and delivery
- The overall condition of your motorcycle and its operational status (running or non-running)
And when you sign the Bill of Lading at pickup, you’re agreeing to:
- The received shipment’s condition as described
- A thorough inspection was conducted at pickup and any damage was noted clearly
- The number of vehicles is correct
Then, your bike will be loaded onto a trailer (open or enclosed) and transported. Do keep in mind that both these transport methods have different loading protocols. For instance, in enclosed motorcycle transport, they will load your bike using a lift gate or an extended hydraulic ramp. While in open trailer loading, a standard steel ramp is used.
In-Transit Tracking and Updates
Truck drivers’ Hours of Service in the U.S. are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and are limited to 11 hours following ten consecutive hours off duty. During this in-transit time, you can get live updates about your vehicle’s safety and location from the driver.
Or professional shipping companies also offer a GPS tracking option. You can choose whatever suits you. Or you can also track your bike by placing an airtag.
For instance, if you’re shipping from NewYork to California (coast-to-coast shipping), you can request phone call updates at major checkpoints such as at the Pennsylvania and Ohio border.
Delivery and Inspection
Now finally, your motorbike is delivered at your chosen location. For instance, if you’re paying for the terminal-to-terminal shipping, it will be unloaded at the destination terminal and you’ll receive a call to pick up your bike. Generally, you’re supposed to come and pick up your bike within 72 hours. Or after that, a terminal storage fee will be charged (the fee depends on your shipping company).
Here before you complete the payment and receive your bike, you’re supposed to sign the Bill of Lading for the second time. Signing this form (BOL) means you’re satisfied with the condition of your delivered bike, and there’s no damage you’ll claim for. So make sure to check your bike thoroughly before you sign the Bill of Lading.
For instance, check for any visual signs of damage, air pressure in tires, fluid levels, battery charge level, brakes, lights, clutch, and throttle. Also, look for any signs of leakage anywhere. According to a reliability survey of more than 12,300 motorcycles, components like electronics, lights, and mechanical parts tend to develop issues more often over time. Since these parts are already vulnerable, inspecting them carefully after a long shipping is very important.
How to File a Claim If Damage is Noticed Upon Arrival?
First of all, do not sign the Bill of Lading if you notice any damage on your motorbike. Instead, take photos and videos of this damage and notify your shipping company immediately. Make sure you report the damage within 24 hours, as most shipping companies do not offer insurance coverage after a certain period of time.
So the first rule of thumb is to be quick to report the damage and not forget to show proof of it (like photos or videos). Next, fill the claim form with complete details about the damage and expected repair expenses.
It is mandatory to stay in touch with the shipping company after that. Do not lose your patience, stay in touch with the shipping company, and you’ll most probably receive your coverage amount within 7 to 14 days, depending on the complexity of the damage and your shipping company’s claim processing timeline.
Want a safe, reliable, and licensed motorcycle transport broker? Call us at (888) 687-3243 to receive a free quote and ship your motorbike safely!
3 Common Types of Scams to Watch Out for When Shipping Your Motorcycle
Here are 3 common types of motorbike shipping scams you have to watch out for:
Bait-and-Switch Pricing
According to Business Insider, bait-and-switch pricing is at the rise in the shipping and logistics industry. It is one of the most common scams you could face in the motorcycle shipping industry where you’re offered a price that’s too good to be true (much lower than the market rates). But then, once your bike is in transit, you’re asked to pay 2x to 3x the original price, stating some anonymous hindrance in the shipping process. Moreover, you will be charged some miscellaneous fees in the final bill.
False Businesses
Sometimes scammers pose as a legitimate business, copying the name and website of some reputable company, attracting first-time shippers (who can’t distinguish between a legitimate and a fake company). Once you request a quote and book your shipment with them, they’ll ask for advance payment. And after you’ve paid, no one will arrive to pick up your bike.
That’s why you should always book your shipment with a company that’s registered with FMCSA and has a unique USDOT number. According to a 2024 IBISWorld report, there are about 7,858 businesses in the vehicle shipping industry in the U.S. Book your motorcycle shipping services with one of these businesses.
Lead Aggregators
Lead aggregators collect your contact information and bike details to sell them to several brokers or carriers. While it is explicitly not a scam, these brokers or carriers can spam you with phone calls or emails, trying to secure your shipment. And according to recent news, Americans are at the risk of losing $3,690 as the number of spam calls increase. So if the website does not clearly state that they’re the brokers or carriers themselves, avoid giving your information.
Want a safe, reliable, and licensed motorcycle transport broker? Call us at (888) 687-3243 to receive a free quote and ship your motorbike safely!
Easy Auto Shipping Makes Door to Door Motorbike Shipping Possible:
Motorcycle shipping service is a safe option, as it saves you the hassle, time, and protects your bike from wear and tear. Also, it saves you from any potential loss, like theft or an accident.
And it’s a very convenient process, where all you have to do is pick a licensed motorcycle shipping broker like Easy Auto Ship. We’ll handle the rest, from finding you a suitable carrier to getting your bike delivered safely.
Call us at (888) 687-3243 to receive a free quote and ship your motorbike safely!
FAQs
What is the least expensive way to ship a motorbike?
Open trailer shipping is the most budget-friendly way to ship a motorbike over long distances. But if you’re only transporting your bike under 500 miles, rent a U-Haul trailer to save money.
What is the shipping fee for enclosed motorcycle transport?
The average fee Motorbike transport providers charge is $200 to $700 for short-distance motorbike transport (up to 500 miles). However, according to Angi, you should add $150 to your budget, as enclosed motorbike shipping is expensive.
What is the difference between open and enclosed motorcycle shipping?
In open motorbike shipping, your bike is loaded and shipped using a “flatbed” type vehicle, where it is exposed to the curious eyes and environmental factors. Enclosed shipping is a more secure method where your bike is transported using an enclosed trailer. This, however, will cost you 25-50% more.
How much time does it take to ship a motorbike?
In the U.S., motorcycle transport companies take about 7 to 14 days to ship your motorbike across the country, based on your location, distance, time of the year, and traffic along the route. Also, depending on all these factors, the maximum it can take is 21 days.
How to prepare your motorcycle for shipping?
Clean your motorcycle thoroughly with a mild cleaner and water, as this will help spot all pre-existing scratches before shipping. And then, remove items like GPS units or toll tags, as they can cause difficulty while shipping.
What is the best company to ship a motorcycle?
You can find a number of reputable motorcycle transport companies in the United States, but which one is best for you really depends on your priorities; whether you need one that offers expedited shipping or one that fits your budget. However, the best motorcycle shipping company will always be registered with FMCSA, has its USDOT number, and has a good online reputation.
How long can a motorcycle sit without being driven?
A motorcycle can sit safely without being driven for a maximum of two months. Later, problems like battery draining, rust contamination, and component seizing can start to occur. As mentioned by BatteryUniversity, batteries naturally self-discharge, which can lead to a significant drop in the voltage over several weeks.
How much does it cost to ship a motorcycle 1000 miles?
For a 1000 miles distance, the shipping fee can be around $700 to $800. However, keep in mind that this price can change based on your shipping method, peak/off-peak season, and the fuel surcharges. That’s why we recommend you to get a proper quote from a reputable shipping company.
