What’s the Process for Shipping Motorcycles?
Motorcycle shipping works in five steps: get a quote for the route, book with a verified transporter, prepare the bike, complete the pickup inspection, and inspect again at delivery before signing off. The bike rides secured on a trailer, covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance, and as a general estimate the cost runs about $180 to $300 for shorter regional moves and $400 to $800 cross country. People ship bikes for the usual reasons: relocations, buying or selling at a distance, and getting to rallies and race weekends without adding a thousand highway miles first.
The right setup depends on the bike and the route: the type and size of the motorcycle, the pickup and delivery locations, and the shipping method all shape the price and the plan when shipping a motorcycle. The sections below cover the three transport methods and how to prepare the bike so it arrives exactly as it left.
What Are the Ideal Methods of Motorcycle Shipping?
Working with an experienced shipping company is the ideal method: motorcycles need wheel chocks, frame-safe tie-down points, and loading technique that car carriers do not practice. Here are the methods a motorcycle transporter will offer:
Trailer
Over long distances, dedicated trailers with proper chocks and rated tie-downs are the standard. The trailer must be sturdy and well-maintained, and the bike is strapped at the frame or triple tree, never at the bars, with suspension left to settle under the straps. Two trailer types dominate:
Enclosed Trailers
The bike rides inside a walled, roofed trailer, protected from weather, road debris, and prying eyes the entire way. Enclosed trailers range from single-bike utility size to multi-bike haulers, usually with a rear ramp or door for controlled loading. This is the standard recommendation for customs, classics, and heavily modified bikes, where paint, chrome, and one-off parts justify full protection.
Open Trailer Shipping
The bike rides chocked and strapped on an open trailer, exposed to weather exactly as it is on your own hitch carrier. It is the value option, and for daily riders moving in fair seasons it is the sensible default.
Open trailers load and unload easily, keep the bike visible for inspections along the way, and cost meaningfully less than enclosed transport. The trade is weather exposure, which matters more for winter routes and show-quality machines than for a commuter.
Crated Shipping
Crating means securing the bike (sometimes partially disassembled) inside a purpose-built crate that ships as freight. It is the usual method for high-end machines and overseas moves. The basic steps:
- Choose the right crate: Look for a crate specifically designed for motorcycle shipping, or have one custom-made to fit your bike. The crate should be sturdy and made from durable materials like wood or metal.
- Prepare the motorcycle: Before crating, remove loose or easily detachable parts, such as mirrors or fairings, and pack them separately. Drain the gas tank and disconnect the battery. The same prep applies to any shipping method:
- Thoroughly clean the motorcycle.
- Take pictures of your motorcycle and note any scratches and dents.
- Disconnect the alarm so it does not trigger during shipping.
- Remove accessories.
- Secure the motorcycle: Use tie-down straps or a motorcycle-specific hook to secure the bike to the crate, level and balanced so nothing shifts in transit.
- Add cushioning: Place foam or other materials around the motorcycle to prevent movement and protect it from bumps and vibration.
- Close and seal the crate: Close the crate securely, seal it with heavy-duty tape, and label it with your name, contact information, and destination address.
Conclusion
Shipping beats riding or trailering a bike over any serious distance: no added miles, no weather gamble, and professional securing covered by cargo insurance. Verify your transporter the way you would any shipper (Ship A Car, Inc. is a licensed FMCSA broker, USDOT 2303542, MC 784930, with an A+ BBB rating), and the process runs itself. The team at Ship A Car will ensure your motorcycle arrives at its destination in good condition; price your route with the instant calculator or call (866) 821-4555.
