- Motorcycle Shipping Services - Ship A Motorcycle Today
- Motorcycle Shipping Made Easy With Best Shipping Cost
- Shipping Cost & Time To Ship Your Motorcycle Examples
- Why Use A Motorcycle Shipping Company To Move Your Bike? What Are The Benefits To Motorcycle Riders?
- Your Shipping Options To Transport Motorcycles
- Enclosed Transport
- Open Air Transport
- Door To Door Transport
- Terminal To Terminal Transport
- Crated Transport
- Preparing For Auto Shipping
- Other Considerations To Take Into Account
- Related Information And Helpful Tips
Motorcycle Shipping Services - Ship A Motorcycle Today
As a trusted leader in the auto shipping industry, we can accommodate virtually any motorcycle transport request, whether you need your motorcycle shipped across the state, country or even internationally. All motorcycle shipping quotes include real-time satellite tracking across the country and insurance coverage while your vehicle is in our care. We are a full-service auto transporter licensed, bonded, and insured, offering you the most peace of mind at the most affordable price.
For an instant quote on shipping a motorcycle, fill out the form at the top of the page and let the industry’s top auto transport professionals go to work for you to get you the best motorcycle shipping rate. We don't work during 'normal business hours, our excellent customer service goes above and beyond. You call us 24 hours a day at 1-888-230-9116 to speak to our excellent customer service and see what your motorcycle transport options are.
Motorcycle Shipping Made Easy With Best Shipping Cost
We cater to the needs of many different motorcycle enthusiasts and various make and models - Harley Davidson motorcycle lovers, professional motorcycle racers, first-time, and other motorcycle shippers. We know the trust required in putting your bike in the care of a motorcycle transport company, and we pride ourselves on being thorough and professional while finding the best shipping option at the best motorcycle shipping rate possible. At a glance, our reviews say it all about our excellent customer service.
Shipping Cost & Time To Ship Your Motorcycle Examples
| Shipping To/From | Cost | Distance | Transit Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles to Las Vegas, NV | $650 | 270 miles | 2-4 days |
| Chicago, IL to Memphis, TN | $680 | 530 miles | 2-4 days |
| Atlanta, GA to Detroit, MI | $680 | 725 miles | 3-5 days |
| San Diego, CA to Dallas, TX | $680 | 1360 miles | 4-6 days |
| Phoenix, AZ to Seattle, WA | $680 | 1425 miles | 4-6 days |
| Houston, TX to New York, NY | $730 | 1630 miles | 5-7 days |
| Miami, FL to Denver, CO | $750 | 2065 miles | 6-8 days |
| Portland, OR to Memphis, TN | $750 | 2245 miles | 6-8 days |
| Boston, MA to Phoenix, AZ | $780 | 2650 miles | 7-9 days |
| San Jose, CA to Miami, FL | $780 | 3070 miles | 7-9 days |
- *Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and what type of motorcycle you are shipping.
- *$7000 liability insurance coverage is included per vehicle.
- *Additional insurance coverage is available.
- *Call us for specific pick-up and delivery date requests.
Why Use a Motorcycle Shipping Company to Move Your Bike? What Are The Benefits To Motorcycle Riders?
Customers opt for our best motorcycle shipping service for several reasons. Some are buying or selling a bike and need it delivered to its final destination. Others are starting a road trip or attending a rally on the other side of the country (or sometimes in a foreign country). In either case, the common element among our customers is that they expect their shipment delivered safely in perfect condition for 100% customer satisfaction. They want to know that their bike is in safe hands.
Our motorcycle transport company offers several motorcycle transport service options to fit the shipping needs of our two-wheel Harley Davidson enthusiasts. These vehicles can be shipped on a semi- transport truck, flatbed, or trailer pulled behind another car. We also have enclosed trailer and door-to-door delivery options available for motorcycles.
Get a Free, No Obligation to Buy, Motorcycle Shipping Quote.
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Your Shipping Options To Transport Motorcycles
When transporting a motorcycle, you should consider several motorcycle carrier options from the best motorcycle shipping company to determine which method is best for you. Here are some of the options available from a motorcycle mover:
- Enclosed motorcycle transport
- Open-air
- Door to door
- Terminal to terminal
- Crated motorcycle transport
Enclosed Transport
Enclosed motorcycle transport is the safest and most secure way to move your bike. Using enclosed, reliable auto shipping ensures that your shipment will be protected from the elements and potential storage or transport hazards. Enclosed transport ensures positive customer reviews!
Open Air Transport
Open-air auto shipping is also an option if you're comfortable having your bike slightly exposed to weather and driving conditions. This method typically involves the bike is secured to a flatbed truck or a tow trailer.
Door to Door Transport
It is precisely what it sounds like. We pick up your vehicle at the specified location and deliver it directly to its destination.
Terminal to Terminal Transport
This auto shipping method is more cost-effective, but it can mean picking up your bike at a depot which is not always convenient, depending on your proximity to the terminal.
Crated Transport
Crated motorcycle transport involves securing your bike to a pallet and loading it onto a truck in a wooden crate. This is a popular option, but it's essential to remember that crated motorcycle transport typically requires extra preparation. All fluids need to be drained; the battery needs to be disconnected, and, in some cases, you may require the removal of mirrors and handlebars.
Preparing for Auto Shipping
Whatever option you choose, it is essential to ensure that your bike is ready to be shipped when it's time. This shortlist covers the basics:
- Clean the bike of dirt and deposits
- Remove any accessories or loose items
- Disable the alarm system if it has one
- Check fluids, tire pressure, and battery
- Gas reading should not be above 1/4 tank before transport
- Inspect and document any pre-existing damage for your records (photos recommended)
Other Considerations to Take Into Account
A-1 Auto Transport is a SmartWay Partner with the Environmental Protection Agency, with whom we work to reduce harmful emissions in the auto shipping industry. We are also Verify Sign Secured, which ensures that all online communications through our online platform are securely encrypted for the privacy of our customers.
While the various transport options may seem complicated at first glance, we strive to make the shipping process as simple as possible at A-1 Auto Transport. Our goal is to keep you aware of all the options available and deliver on our promise of a trusted and affordable motorcycle transport service. Whether shipping your standard, off-road, or dual-purpose bike, we have a motorcycle transport services option that will work for you! To get started, fill out the form at the top of the page for a free quote today!
Call 1-888-230-9116 or fill out the form at the top of the page to get a FREE motorcycle shipping service quote today!
Related Information And Helpful Tips
- How much will shipping across the country cost you?
- Shipping calculator: get fast quotes from shippers
- Cheap transport options
- Crate and ship
- Enclosed shipping
- How do I ship my motorcycle?
- Shipping across country
- Shipping brokers
- Shipping by train
- Motorcycle shipping coast to coast
- Motorcycle shipping companies international
- Seasonal shipping discounts
- Door to door services
- Military discount
- Shipping Sturgis Bike Week
- Motorcycle shipping West Coast
- Shipping overseas
- Is it safe to ship my motorcycle?
- Shipping motorcycle to Hawaii
- Harley Davidson transportation
- Trike shipping
- Motorcycle shipping cost estimator
- Certifications and licensing that motorcycle shipping companies should have as validation
- Choosing the most reliable transport company to ship your motorcycle
- How to prepare for transport
- Shipping liability insurance
- The cost of shipping explained
- How long will my shipment take?
- How to keep your bike safe during transit
- What happens if my bike is damaged during the shipping process
- What's the difference between international and domestic shipping
- What's the most popular way to ship?
- Long-distance motorcycle movers
- Ship three (3) motorcycles
- Ship two (2) motorcycles
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, the answer depends on how far you're shipping your motorcycle. Going from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, for example, might take two to four days, while shipping your motorcycle across the country averages about two weeks.
There are options available for owners who need higher priority service, so contact A-1 Auto Transport for a quote to get a more specific timeframe for your move.
Like with any vehicle shipping, several variables determine the cost of motorcycle shipping. These include the following:
Distance
In general, the farther you're shipping your motorcycle, the more expensive it will be.
Weight
Heavier motorcycles will usually cost more to ship since most trucks have a limited weight capacity.
Destination
Motorcycle shipping to a major city will likely cost you less than shipping it to a location that's more out of the way.
Size
While weight is usually the determining factor, giant bikes or ones with unusual dimensions might be more challenging to handle, making transport more expensive.
Season
The season can also affect the price. There are usually fewer cars during the winter, meaning there's less competition and prices are lower. However, winter weather can potentially delay your shipment.
Summer avoids most weather delays, but more motorcycle enthusiasts are likely to be shipping a motorcycle, which means that you may pay more for your shipment.
Delivery
A-1 Auto Transport helps owners to arrange both terminal-to-terminal and door-to-door motorcycle shipping delivery. While door-to-door service is more convenient, it costs less to deliver your motorcycle to a terminal, although you'll have to arrange a time and method to picking it up from there.
Timeline
If you're unable to pick up your motorcycle when it arrives, or you need to store it for a short period before you schedule a pickup, there will usually be an additional fee.
If you're looking for the most affordable way to ship your bike and motorcycle shipping rate, you have a few motorcycle car shipping companies to choose from. First, have your motorcycle shipped from terminal to terminal. Then, choose the open transport method. While these transport companies will expose your bike to the elements, open-air carriers are less expensive than enclosed carriers.
While you can have your motorcycle picked up and dropped off at your home or other location, it's often cheaper to drop your bike off at a central motorcycle shipping terminal instead.
When you drop off your bike with the motorcycle transport company, it will be loaded onto the motorcycle transport truck there, along with several other bikes, saving time and money for retrieving motorcycles from multiple locations.
Delivery works the same but in reverse. Your motorcycle will be shipped to an arrival terminal near your destination, where it will be unloaded, waiting for the motorcycle riders to come to pick it up.
While this is cheaper, it also means you'll have to figure out a way to get to the terminal to retrieve your bike from the motorcycle shipping company.
It's natural to want your bike to arrive at your destination in the exact condition you shipped it in, especially if you want to ship a motorcycle, vintage, exotic, or classic car. If you're looking to protect your bike, you should choose one of two options:
Enclosed Transport
In enclosed motorcycle transport, your bike will be loaded into a motorcycle shipper with rigid walls and a ceiling. This protects your motorcycle against the elements, like snow, rain, and hail, and keeps it from being damaged by road debris that may kick up along the way while having your motorcycle delivered.
Crated Transport
If you're especially concerned, you can have your bike loaded onto a pallet and crated up, then loaded onto a motorcycle shipping truck. While this option does add time and expense, it's the surest way to ensure that your motorcycle arrives unharmed.
Choosing either an open trailer or enclosed auto shipment to transport your motorcycle is mostly about balancing how much protection your bike needs against the cost of vehicle shipping. The more security you add, the less likely your motorcycle will be damaged. However, it also means you'll spend more on having your motorcycle transported.
Open-air trailers are usually flatbed trucks, and most other motorcycle shipping companies will have this option. They're the most cost-effective transport option since they can accommodate more motorcycles and don't necessarily require lift gates. However, they do leave your bike exposed to the elements, including road debris.
An enclosed trailer is a semi-truck with hard shells covering the truck bed. While they offer protection against damage during transit, they also tend to cost more since they require more equipment on the truck.
Because flatbed trucks are less expensive, there are usually fewer enclosed trailers on the road. Competition can drive up the cost to ship.
You can have your motorcycle picked up and shipped almost anywhere, including local, state to state, and international destinations. Many residential areas with narrow streets are typically not a problem when it comes to pickup and delivery. However, there are some things to keep in mind when you're planning your shipment.
While a door-to-door bike shipper is available, the truck may have difficulty reaching you if your pickup location is in a tight space. If that's the case, they'll contact you about arranging an alternate location for pickup.
Shipping overseas involves more complications. Depending on where you ship your precious motorcycle, you will need to abide by their import laws. All paperwork and taxes will need to be complete before you ship your bike. We'll help to ensure you know what documents and taxes you'll need to take care of.
Either you or a designated representative will need to be there when your motorcycle is picked up. When your driver arrives, you will be given a bill of lading that states the condition of the bike and the final destination. Yourself or a designated representative will need to sign the paper.
If you're unable to attend yourself, let us know as soon as possible who will be there instead so we can give this information to the driver.
While we're happy to work with you to make pickup and delivery as smooth as possible, we can't accept or release vehicles to people without prior authorization.
When you request a date for pickup, we will do our best to make that happen. However, if we cannot accommodate your request, we will arrange for a date as close as possible, usually within two to three days.
It's harder to predict when your bike will be delivered, however. We will give you a window, but the actual date may change based on factors we can't control, including weather, traffic, and limits on driving time enforced by the Department of Transportation (DOT). The DOT caps drivers at 500 miles per day and limits the number of days in a row that a driver can work.
However, we offer door-to-door customers the option to guarantee a delivery date for a small additional fee. Make sure to let us know that you'd like to be guaranteed a delivery date when requesting motorcycle shipping quotes.
Don't wait too long to book your motorcycle shipping services at our great transport company. The rule is generally the earlier you book, the more likely you are to find the dates you need (and usually at a lower price). If you wait until too close to when you want to ship a motorcycle, you may find that there are no motorcycle shippers available.
You need to take several steps to prepare for motorcycle shipping, all of which help ensure that your bike arrives undamaged while protecting the shipping equipment itself. Here are the basic steps you should take:
- Remove any personal belongings from the bike
- Completely drain all of the fluids from your bike
- You can leave your gas tank up to ¼ full
- Disable any alarm systems on your bike
- Disconnect your motorcycle's battery
- Clean your bike before shipment, including excess debris, grime, and grease
- If you're using a crate, remove handlebars and other parts that stick out
- Take pictures of your motorcycle to document its condition
- Make sure your bike is mechanically sound before loading it
While all of these steps may sound like a lot, they're intended to protect both your bike and the bike carrier, helping ensure a smooth, easy, damage-free trip.
You have two options: You can crate your motorcycle yourself, or you can leave it to your motorcycle transport companies. While doing the work yourself may save you some money, transport professionals likely have more experience crating bikes for shipment and may be able to secure your bike more effectively.
When you're crating your motorcycle, it will first be attached to a wooden pallet or "skid." Once it's securely fastened, it will be enclosed entirely within a crate. The crate is then loaded into either a carrier or an international shipping container, where it's secured in place a second time by the motorcycle shipping company, making sure it stays in place during the journey.
The best motorcycle shippers will provide crating services for your motorcycle, although it will usually increase your motorcycle shipping costs.
We work with a number of the best motorcycle shipping companies, all of whom have their promotions and discounts. While there is a good chance that dealers may be eligible for discounts (especially for bulk transfers), we can't guarantee that they will be available.
You can request a quote to know if you qualify for any discounts, including discounts for dealers, military personnel, students, or seniors.
Like most other companies, our motorcycle shipping quote is typically good through the end of the business day. However, our shipping company reserves the right to change the quote if we determine that you require additional motorcycle transport services not included in the original motorcycle shipping quote.
Because the factors that determine a shipping rate change quickly, we can't guarantee a price beyond the end of the business day.
Satellite tracking of your shipment is available on almost all freight. This means you can get real-time shipment details about where your bike is, using any internet-capable device, including computers, phones, and tablets, via your motorcycle shipper.
Yes, your bike will be covered under our insurance policy. All reliable motorcycle shipping companies are required by law to have insurance covering their shipments, which means that your bike will be covered in the rare event that it becomes damaged during shipment.
If you do notice some damage that wasn't there before, contact us right away so we can start the insurance claim process. We'll document the claim, then send it to our insurance company, who will give you more shipment details on how you can get your motorcycle repaired or replaced.
Be aware, though, that most companies cover $7,000 worth per vehicle. If you feel you need additional insurance coverage, you can purchase supplemental insurance from your provider.
Unfortunately, no. The only thing you can ship is the bike itself. Anything else -- including spare parts, loose and unsecured parts, paperwork, boxes, and keys -- must travel separately.
You can ship your helmet, but only if it's securely fastened to your motorcycle. This prevents any parts from getting lost during transport, especially since our insurance does not cover these parts.
The only way to know if you can receive a discount is to ask! Contact our team of experts to see whether you qualify for any discounts or promotional deals from one of our mot. Among the more common discounts are those for:
- Seniors
- Students
- Military personnel
- Dealers
- Seasonal discounts
Not all of our discounts are available at all times, so make sure to contact us to find out how much you can save on transporting your motorcycle.
If you're looking to keep your bike out of the elements but don't feel that you need the protection of crating, then an enclosed trailer is likely the best solution for you.
Unlike open-air motorcycle shippers, which are usually flatbed trucks, a fully enclosed carrier is covered on all sides by either hard or soft material, offering protection against debris and weather.
Shipping a motorcycle in a fully enclosed trailer is more expensive than open-air transport. Still, it is usually much cheaper to haul bikes with this method than crating, making it an excellent midpoint when you want to provide affordable protection for your bike.
While we will provide you with a delivery window, the variables that go into delivering your bike can sometimes cause delays. Whether it's a significant traffic jam or a major snowstorm, delays are occasionally inevitable. We'll do our best to let you know when they occur.
When delays do occur, we'll contact you as soon as possible so that you can adjust your schedule to find a delivery time that works for you. And with our satellite tracking, you can keep an eye on your shipment, too.
Absolutely! It's not uncommon for motorcycle transport companies to ship multiple motorcycles for one customer. Whether you're a dealer or a collector, we'll work with you to ensure that your motorcycles get transported safely and quickly. Make sure to ask about any possible discounts, including a bulk motorcycle shipping costs rate.
You should receive word from your carrier 12 to 24 normal business hours before your expected pickup or motorcycle delivery date. While we can't give you an exact time of day, we can provide you with a window of time in which you can expect your driver to arrive.
If any problems with the schedule come up, we'll get in touch with you to schedule an updated motorcycle delivery or pickup time.
A-1 Auto Transport works with the best motorcycle shipping companies around the country, and it's our mission to ensure that your motorcycle arrives safely without cutting any corners. There's a reason our core values are expertise, authority, and transparency. We ensure that all of our partners live up to these standards, as well.
When we started A-1 Auto Transport in 1988, we had a single tow truck. A little more than 20 years later, we're now one of the nation's largest logistics and motorcycle shipping companies, serving local, interstate, and international customers.
When you partner with A-1 Auto Transport, you can rest assured that your motorcycle is in the right hands.
Yes, we will! Shipping a trike is much like shipping a motorcycle, although they usually weigh more and have much bulkier dimensions. That's why shipping a trike is usually more expensive than shipping a motorcycle. However, with the more stable base, it's also much safer to transport a trike.
When you're looking for a carrier to ship your trike, be sure to let us know when you're requesting your quote so you make sure you get the most accurate quote possible.
We want the process to be as stress-free as possible. That's why we offer several different payment methods for our customers, giving you the flexibility to pay in whatever way is most convenient to you.
In general, as long as your motorcycle will roll, we can ship it. At the same time, your bike should be transported as is if the condition is noted on the paperwork.
However, you must be sure that it isn't leaking any fluids and that it's been cleaned so that we can take note of any damage before it's hauled using loading equipment onto the carrier.
Yes, we do! We work with motorcycle shippers specializing in transporting high-value motorcycles, including classic makes, exotic varieties, and other bikes that may have more sentimental value.
There are a few things you should make sure of when you're shipping a motorcycle. First, you'll want to be sure your bike is fully protected. Since you can choose either an open trailer or an enclosed carrier, you'll probably want to ship your motorcycle in a fully enclosed carrier to protect it from weather and road debris. For an added layer of protection, you can even have your bike shipped in a crate.
Another benefit of these motorcycle transport options is that it limits the number of interested onlookers who might take an interest in your motorcycle. While theft from a carrier is quite rare, enclosed and crate shipping both eliminate the possibility any passerby might want to either steal or vandalize your bike.
Finally, you will probably want to choose door-to-door service. While this is more expensive than terminal-to-terminal shipping, it also means that your bike will be both picked up and delivered right in front of you. That way, you can inspect your bike when it comes off the truck to make sure that it hasn't sustained any damage.
Shipping a motorcycle using third parties after online sales or auctions is more common than ever these days. When you purchase a bike from an auction or an online seller, your best bet is to arrange delivery yourself.
Online dealers and auction sites may offer to set up delivery for you, but they will likely charge you a premium for your service, which is often rolled into the price of your vehicle.
Instead, contact A-1 Auto Transport, and we'll help you set up fast, affordable delivery on your new purchase.
Not usually. Most of the time, when shipping companies pick up your motorcycle, they'll give you a bill of lading and a copy of your liability insurance coverage.
If you're unable to be at pickup or delivery, your authorized representative may need an authorization form. Some localities require documents for lienholders, as well as photo IDs and title and registration.
There are many reasons motorcycle owners may choose to ship their bikes instead of driving them to their destinations on their own. These include:
- To avoid putting excess miles on your motorcycle
- You're moving and need to transport your car, too
- You don't have the time to drive it yourself
- To avoid the danger of a long trip on a motorcycle
- Your bike isn't currently running
- You're presently restoring a bike, and it needs more work
- To prevent damage during the journey
- You're transporting a classic or vintage bike to a bike show
These are only a few of the reasons owners may choose to transport their bikes on a carrier. No matter what your reason may be, A-1 Auto Transport has the experience of getting your bike where you need it, working on getting it delivered as quickly and safely as possible.
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