
How to Ship a Trike
When shipping a trike, you must attend to several details, from finding a shipper to negotiating costs, setting a shipping date, and preparing the documentation.
By Air
According to customer feedback, when it comes to international shipping, doing it by air is the cheapest option. Unfortunately, many U.S. airlines consider transporting a trike or motorcycle dangerous, so you’ll rarely find one willing to carry it. You can try calling each one by phone, but the general immediate answer tends to be NO.
By Sea
On the other hand, shipping by sea is still a viable option, subject to higher costs and longer travel times. The cost of transportation is usually determined by your ride’s weight and the distance across which it will be shipped. For example, heavy-duty trikes may cost more to transport due to their construction.
Shipping by sea is often the only way to transport your mount from Europe or Asia, but delays are prevalent due to weather conditions and other complications.
By Land
Professional transporters make shipping a trike by land much easier. They handle most of the hassle and inform you how to get past customs. Importing a Spyder, Harley, or Honda trike poses no problems to our A1-Auto Transport team, but to get past the border, it must respect U.S. safety, bumper, and pollution standards.
Understanding Insurance Coverage for Trike Shipping
When shipping your trike, it's crucial to understand the insurance coverage provided by the transport company. While most carriers offer basic liability insurance, this may not fully cover the value of high-end or customized trikes. Consider purchasing additional insurance to ensure comprehensive protection against potential damages during transit. Review the policy details carefully, including coverage limits and exclusions, to make an informed decision.

Preparing Your Trike for Transport
Proper preparation of your trike before shipping can prevent damage and ensure a smooth delivery process. Clean your trike thoroughly to document its condition and identify any pre-existing damages. Remove personal items and loose accessories to prevent loss or damage. If your trike has an alarm system, disable it to avoid unnecessary alerts during transit. Ensure that the fuel tank is no more than a quarter full, and check for any fluid leaks that need to be addressed before shipping.
Read our article here for more information on the United States motor vehicle importing regulations. (The article regarding US Laws and Standards should be linked here once published)
A-1 Auto Transport
A-1 Auto Transport services ship vehicles on the road, highway, and even across the sea. We can transport most automobiles, regardless of whether they’re custom-made or unusual models.
We secure and cover your vehicle in an enclosed space during transportation so it arrives safely at its destination. We take special notice of the trike’s most exposed areas, such as its front fender and both rear ones.
Our specialized kit keeps the side of your vehicle safe from anything that might damage it. If you’re still worried, we provide the truck driver’s name and phone number to facilitate tracking the shipping of your trike.
Need Transportation?
A-1 Auto Transportation offers door-to-door shipping of motor vehicles, from luxury cars and yachts to trikes and motorcycles.

Custom Crating for Added Protection
Custom crating can provide superior protection during shipment for high-value or vintage trikes, especially for international or long-distance moves. Crating reduces the risk of cosmetic damage from road debris, salt air, or handling impacts. Some carriers offer this as an optional service, often with reinforced wooden frames and internal padding tailored to your specific model. It’s worth considering if your trike has unique features or aftermarket parts you want to preserve.
Timing and Route Planning Considerations
Trike shipments often require more planning than standard motorcycle shipments due to their larger footprint and handling needs. If you're booking during peak moving seasons (spring and summer), give your carrier at least 2–4 weeks’ notice to ensure timely pickup. Also, remember that rural or hard-to-reach areas may add extra transit days. Working with an experienced trike shipping company helps ensure that routing, timing, and equipment needs are all carefully planned.
How much does it cost?
Our prices and rates depend on the vehicle’s type, the distance to its destination, its country of origin, and other factors. For an accurate quote, email our company, use our simple cost calculator, or call (888) 230-9116.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a trike?
Shipping a trike typically ranges from $600 to $1,200, depending on factors like distance, transport method (open vs. enclosed), and the trike's size and weight. Enclosed transport offers added protection but may cost more. For a precise estimate, it's best to request a personalized quote.
What’s the best way to transport my trike, open or enclosed carrier?
Enclosed carriers provide superior protection from weather and road debris, making them ideal for high-value or custom trikes. Open carriers are more cost-effective and suitable for standard models. Your choice depends on your trike's value and your budget.
How should I prepare my trike for shipping?
Before shipping, clean your trike and document its condition with photos. Remove personal items and secure or detach loose accessories. Ensure the fuel tank is less than a quarter full, disconnect the battery, and check tire pressure.
Is my trike insured during transport?
Reputable transport companies typically include insurance coverage in their quotes. For instance, some providers offer up to $7,000 in valuation coverage with no deductible, with options to purchase additional coverage if needed.