Crate & Ship Motorcycle Transport

Crating & Shipping A Motorcycle With A-1 Auto Transport

Crated motorcycle transport is one of the most common ways of shipping a bike, especially for long distance or cross country transport. It is not only a simple and affordable way of shipping your bike, but it also a method of transport that provides the most security during the process. Here’s how it works: your motorcycle is secured to a pallet (sometimes called a skid) where it is firmly locked anchored into place using tie downs, and then covered on all sides by a plywood crate. The crate itself is also secured into place, usually in a shipping container or a transport carrier, creating a second set of anchor points to ensure that it doesn’t shift or tip during transport.

Most crated motorcycle shipping is done in an enclosed carrier, providing another layer of protection from weather and road hazards that could potentially cause damage. Unfortunately, not all transporters offer crated shipping as an option as it does require equipment—either a forklift or a lift gate—to get it properly loaded before transport. As far as the crate itself is concerned, customers typically either supply the crate or they can rent or buy one from the shipping company. Obviously this is an additional cost, but the crate can be reused, which makes it an appealing option for those who plan to ship more than once.

Why Should I Have My Motorcycle Shipped?

While it’s common for many bike owners to set off on adventures that cover hundreds of miles over several days of riding, there are some trips that necessitate shipping. If you’re like most riders, you enjoy the scenic twists and turns of the open road, but sometimes you have to travel to find that great ride. In some cases, your adventure may take you to another country, where it’s simply not an option to make the trip on the bike yourself. This is where a transport company comes in and can provide an affordable way to quickly ship your motorcycle to your desired destination.

Hiring a professional shipper to haul your bike not only saves you the time of riding or transporting it yourself, but eliminates the risks of mechanical issues that come with riding or hauling it yourself. When you ship your bike, there are no miles put on it and professional shipping ensures that it’s safely locked down in a reinforced, covered carrier so that it arrives in perfect condition and ready to ride. Insurance is included in the price of transport and, since motorcycles don’t contribute much to the total cargo weight, it’s inexpensive in comparison to other types of vehicles.

Motorcycle Shipping Resources

Motorcycle Shipping 101 - Our motorcycle shipping page covers every aspect of the process, from preparation to delivery and explains what you’ll need to know every step of the way.

Make Your Own Shipping Crate - For the industrious self-starters out there, it’s not too difficult to fashion your own transport crate. Follow the steps in this article and you can save money on the cost of shipping long distance.