For the most part, shipping a motorcycle is not much different from shipping a car, except when it comes to the cost. Due to the lower weight and smaller size of motorcycles, they are cheaper to transport than most other types of vehicles. You can even have several bikes in an enclosed trailer and ship them at once. As you probably guessed, the bigger and heavier the bike, the more it will likely cost to ship.
To give you an idea of the expected costs of shipping a motorcycle, we’ve put together some prices from recent shipments. It should be noted that these numbers reflect the specifics of a particular request, but they are a good baseline from which to work if you’re trying to estimate a price. For a more accurate price that is tailored to your bike and shipping request, we can be reached both over the phone and by email.
Motorcycle Shipping Prices.
Here are sample motorcycle shipping costs for some pickup and delivery destinations in the United States.
- Los Angeles, CA to Denver, CO - $561
- Houston, TX to Miami, FL - $577
- New York, NY to Seattle, WA - $1,035
- Minneapolis, MN to Phoenix, AZ - $803
- Boston, MA to Jacksonville, FL - $694
- Chicago, IL to Reno, NV - $953
- San Diego, CA to Sturgis, SD - $817
- Columbus, OH to Albuquerque, NM - $745
Factors That Affect Motorcycle Shipping Costs.
Shipping distance and location are far and away the most important elements that come into play when pricing the cost of shipping a motorcycle. Weight is also a factor, which is tied to the distance: the longer the distance and heavier the motorcycle, the more the cost will be. Shipping internationally costs more, is usually done aboard a transport ship, and often involves duties, import taxes, and plenty of paperwork during the journey.
- Distance - By far the biggest indicator of price when shipping a motorcycle is the mileage covered when it’s being shipped. That’s not surprising if you consider the tremendous distances covered by the shipper and then multiply it by the number of bikes being hauled. True to form, shipping a motorcycle overseas will cost more than shipping it across the country, which costs more than shipping within the same state or to a nearby state.
- Location - Where your motorcycle is located can have more of an impact on the total cost than you might think. If your starting point is a rural town in the Midwest, it will be more expensive to pick up the bike than if it was in a larger city or metropolitan area. Similarly, if you're shipping from one major city to another, that is generally easier to accommodate and the price will reflect that.
- Size & weight - The price of shipping motorcycles varies widely because their weight and size can be so different from one another. Larger motorcycles may require additional shipping preparations such as tie-downs to secure it during shipment, but smaller bikes can be readily created for travel. If your motorcycle size is small, then expect to pay lower amounts.
- Shipping method - If we choose to ship your motorcycle in an open trailer, the price will be cheaper than shipping in an enclosed trailer. Also, when motorcycle shipping companies ship multiple motorcycles in one trip, the fees get reduced. You'll have to tell motorcycle shippers your preferred transport type. Bear in mind that open-air shipping will expose your bike to the weather though this is a low risk. However, open-air is best for low-budget shippers.
- Insurance coverage - While the chances of damage or loss to your bike is very slim, you may need additional protection for your asset during the shipping process. This is especially the case for people shipping high-end bikes. The cost of insurance will add to the overall shipping costs.
Relevant Statistics
- The average cost to ship a motorcycle domestically is $550.
- International motorcycle shipping costs can range from $800 to $1,200.
- Approximately 80% of motorcycle shipping companies offer insurance coverage for damages during transit.
- On average, it costs $30 per day to store a motorcycle at a shipping facility.
- Expedited motorcycle shipping services have seen a 15% increase in demand over the past year.
General Facts
- The cost of shipping a motorcycle can vary depending on factors such as distance, destination, and the size/weight of the motorcycle.
- On average, shipping a motorcycle within the same country can range from $300 to $800.
- International shipping costs are generally higher and can vary significantly based on the destination country and any customs fees involved.
- Additional services such as door-to-door delivery or expedited shipping can increase the overall cost.
- It's advisable to request quotes from multiple shipping companies to compare prices and services before making a final decision.
Things to Do Before Shipping Your Motorcycle
To avoid any issues during the process take the following steps before shipping a bike. Take records of the condition of your bike. Take note of any existing mechanical faults and physical defects like dents and dings before they leave your place. Also, take pictures of your bike from different angles and points of view. Also, remove any personal items or attachments from the bike that may easily be removed by a third-party.
Do you have questions about motorcycle transportation and how much it costs? Contact A1 Auto Transport, the leading motorcycle shipping company with great prices. We ship different categories of bikes including dirt bikes and ATVs. We can meet all your bike shipping needs at affordable rates. We have our trucks and trailers and experts who can handle your motorcycle shipping, even at very short notice and provide real-time tracking during transit. Call us today to get your free motorcycle shipping quotes.