Shipping Motorcycles To Canada
How To Ship Your Motorcycle To Or From Canada
Typical Shipping Prices – How Much Does It Cost?
- It is fairly inexpensive to move your motorcycle from the U.S. to Canada, regardless of whether it is land-based or sea freight cargo.
- On average, the price range is from $800 to $1200 based on the city in the U.S. from where it is shipped to Canada.
Situated in the northern region of North America, Canada is the world’s second-biggest country in terms of area. It shares its borders with the United States and has an extensive coastline on the Arctic, Atlantic, and Pacific oceans.
If you intend to explore the verdant nature of Canada on your motorcycle or just need to commute to work or study, shipping your motorcycle from the USA to Canada is fairly easy.
Given the international nature of the shipment, however, you must comply with applicable U.S. laws as outlined in the Foreign Trade regulations. Your export documentation must be submitted through the Automated Export System. To export the motorcycle from the United States, you will be issued a Census ITN number, which must be provided to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Having the export title stamped by U.S. Customs means nothing if you don't follow the rules set by Canadian Customs.
- Shipping a motorcycle from the U.S. to Canada typically costs $500–$1,200, with origin city, bike weight, and enclosed carrier selection driving the final rate.
- Most U.S.-to-Canada motorcycle shipments arrive within 4–10 days; routes from southern states take longer, and winter conditions in Alberta or Manitoba can add several days.
- Canadian import compliance requires a Census ITN number, Transport Canada RIV approval, a 5% GST payment, and a signed bill of sale with matching VIN documentation.
In Canada, you need to ensure adherence to all requirements of Transport Canada with the assistance of the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV). You will need to review the RIV list before importing your own motorcycle. Any motorcycle that is not on the list will not be allowed into Canada. That is why it is best to check the list before you start the process. You will be required to pay the import duties based on the evaluated value of the motorcycle to the Canada Border Services Agency.
Per the regulations, Form 1 and Form 2 must be taken from the Registrar of Imported Vehicles once you have paid the fees. You must have all these documents to register the motorcycle in Canada. Additionally, 5% GST is applicable, apart from other taxes.
Documents to Submit
You are required to submit a host of documents to the U.S. Customs and the Canadian Customs Agency before the motorcycle can cross the border. Some of these include:
- S. Title of the motorcycle
- Signed Bill of Sale with VIN and serial number of motorcycle
- Recall Clearance documents received by RIV
- Vehicle inspection Form 2
- Manufacturer’s U.S. Statement of Compliance (SOC) label on motorcycle
- Owner’s passport/valid visa
Additionally, you can work with us, as we are one of the leading international auto shipping services and can help you quickly ship your motorcycle from any city in the US to anywhere in Canada. Our strong network of shipping agents will step in to assist you through the different processes. If you are looking for a free quote on the shipment, it is best to check the method of transportation that you opt for. The prices will differ if you pick land-based transportation or intend to ship it by sea freight cargo ships. However, ensure that the motorcycle is cleaned and packed safely before shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a motorcycle to Canada?
As of August 4, 2026, transporting a standard running motorcycle by truck from the contiguous United States to Canada typically costs $800-$1,200 before import charges. Distance, destination province, motorcycle dimensions, equipment, and pickup access affect the quote. Customs-broker fees, taxes or duties, and the RIV fee are separate; RIV currently charges C$325 plus applicable tax for a Vehicle Import Form declaration when the bike is subject to its program. A1’s motorcycle shipping cost calculator helps estimate the transport portion.
How long does motorcycle shipping to Canada take?
Most land-based U.S.-to-Canada motorcycle shipments take 5-10 business days after pickup. A separate pickup window normally comes before loaded transit, and incomplete border documents can extend delivery. Longer routes from the southern or western United States, remote Canadian destinations, and severe weather may require additional time. Ask the carrier to state the pickup and loaded-transit windows separately instead of treating one estimated delivery date as guaranteed.
How do you ship a motorcycle to Canada from the USA?
Shipping a motorcycle from the USA to Canada starts by deciding whether it is entering temporarily or being imported permanently because the border process differs. For a permanent import, confirm RIV admissibility and recall status, arrange the carrier, and decide whether you or a customs broker will handle clearance. CBP requires an AES filing and export documents at least 72 hours before export for a used motorcycle. After Canadian entry, complete the CBSA and RIV steps, pay applicable charges, and finish any required inspection. A1’s international motorcycle shipping guide explains the transport options.
What documents are required to ship a motorcycle permanently to Canada?
A permanent import of a used U.S.-titled motorcycle generally requires the original title or certified copy plus two copies, an accepted AES filing with an ITN, a bill of sale when applicable, and carrier or broker records. Canada also requires a vehicle import declaration, while RIV must establish admissibility and recall clearance before issuing the inspection form. The VIN must match every document. U.S. export ports can have specific submission instructions and operating hours, so confirm the chosen port’s procedure before the 72-hour deadline.
Can every U.S. motorcycle be permanently imported into Canada?
No, not every U.S. motorcycle qualifies for permanent import into Canada. Check the RIV compatibility list before booking; most regulated U.S.-market vehicles under 15 years must be admissible and capable of meeting Canadian requirements. Transport Canada warns that motorcycles modified from their original condition, including some trike conversions, may not qualify. Motorcycles over 15 years may be exempt from the RIV program, but CBSA entry requirements, taxes, and provincial licensing rules still apply. Successful border entry does not by itself guarantee provincial registration.
Is enclosed motorcycle transport worth it for Canada shipments?
Enclosed motorcycle transport is usually the better choice for a custom, collector, high-value, or weather-sensitive bike going to Canada. The covered trailer reduces exposure to rain, snow, road salt, and debris, while open transport usually costs less where a qualified carrier offers it. Enclosed service does not automatically mean the motorcycle is crated, so confirm the wheel chock or pallet system, tiedown points, and loading equipment before booking. A1’s enclosed auto transport overview explains the protection difference.
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