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.
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?
Most riders pay $500–$1,200 to ship a motorcycle to Canada from the United States. Costs vary based on distance, bike weight, the use of enclosed carriers, and seasonal weather along northern routes. Border-crossing compliance and carrier availability also influence pricing. For planning, review our motorcycle shipping cost calculator to understand how distance and equipment choice affect rates. These ranges align with recent quotes seen on forums and U.S.–Canada transport lanes.
How do you ship a motorcycle to Canada from the USA?
The process involves carrier pickup, crating or securing the bike, transport to the border, documentation review, and delivery inside Canada. Most shippers choose open or enclosed trucking, with enclosed preferred for long winter routes. Carriers must meet FMCSA and DOT safety requirements in the U.S. Before scheduling, confirm VIN accuracy and admissibility. You can compare method options through our international motorcycle shipping page for route planning.
What documents are required to ship a motorcycle to Canada?
You’ll typically need a valid title or ownership document, government-issued ID, a bill of sale if recently purchased, and a carrier-issued shipping manifest. Canada Border Services Agency may request proof of compliance with Transport Canada regulations. Ensure the VIN matches all paperwork; mismatches are a common cause of delays. Riders posting in Canada import forums note that early submission of documents speeds customs review. A1 carriers review paperwork before pickup to prevent hold-ups.
How long does motorcycle shipping to Canada take?
Most U.S.-to-Canada motorcycle shipments arrive within 4–10 days, depending on origin, weather, and customs processing. Northern states near major crossings like Blaine, Detroit, and Buffalo often see faster transit times, while shipments from the southern U.S. take longer. Winter storms can extend timelines by several days. Transit windows are similar to those shown in our interstate motorcycle shipping schedules but include border-inspection time.
Can I ship my motorcycle to Canada year-round?
Yes—motorcycle shipping to Canada operates through all seasons. However, rates and timing can shift during heavy winter periods when carriers adjust capacity and road conditions slow transit. Riders shipping into provinces like Alberta or Manitoba between December and February often see longer windows. Proper preparation—tire pressure, fuel level, and securing accessories—helps avoid cold-weather issues and ensures the bike is ready for inspection on arrival.
Is enclosed motorcycle transport worth it for Canada shipments?
Enclosed transport is recommended for long-distance routes into Canada, especially in winter or when shipping high-value motorcycles. It offers better protection from snow, road salt, and debris, reducing the risk of cosmetic damage. Many riders choose enclosed transport for adventure bikes or custom builds that have exposed components. For reference, our enclosed auto transport overview explains why enclosed carriers offer stronger environmental shielding than open trailers.
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