Choose Your Motorcycle Transport Service Wisely

Have you ever planned a trip to an exhilarating motorcycle race, dazzling motorcycle show, or leisurely vacation with friends in some picturesque location and thought "I should've hired a motorcycle transport service"? Once you arrived, how many times did you wish you could go for a ride on your bike to take in the views? When planning a vacation or other long-distance trip, most of us have a pretty strict timetable and need to plan everything around a set number of days so we can maximize our stay. Riding our motorcycle cross-country or even from one country to another can take a lot of time and energy.

Riding is fun and helps you unwind but a tight schedule makes it a poor way to get from A to B.

If you have never shipped a motorcycle, you may worry about your bike in someone else's possession. That stress can last days or weeks, depending on the distance. Finding a reliable company to handle the shipment can also be confusing.

There are many things to consider when you ship a motorcycle. Start with cost and timing. Then look at safety, insurance, transport methods and more.

Finding a company can be hard. A quick online search shows thousands of options but how do you pick a legitimate one that will care for your bike? Keep these tips in mind.

Comfort Level And Rates For Motorcycle Transport

When you look for a qualified shipper, get quotes from several companies. Compare price and, more importantly, the services they include. Like any industry, quality varies. You must sort the bad from the good.

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A low price is nice at the grocery store but not when you trust a stranger with your motorcycle. Choose quality and safety over cost. Top companies often have competitive rates but not all cheap rates mean top quality.

Imagine hiring a compact car to tow your bike hundreds of miles on a single-axle aluminum trailer!

You need to feel comfortable with the company shipping your bike. Listen to how the agent speaks to you when you call. If the tone is rude or unprofessional, end the call and choose another company.

If an agent treats you poorly during a quote, expect the same if problems arise later. You want agents who are receptive and friendly when you call.

Motorcycle Transport Safety And Review

Safety is the top concern when you ship a motorcycle. Whether you use a flatbed, a trailer or a sealed container, make sure the company secures the bike. Confirm that they are registered with the Department of Transportation and hold a DOT and Motor Carrier (MC) number. That is what separates a legal carrier from a risky, illegal operator.

You can verify registration with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). They can also confirm insurance and report driver mishaps, licensing issues or other record problems.

Not long ago, finding a reliable motorcycle shipper was hard. Today, the internet makes it easy to look up a company and judge quality. Read reviews on company sites, transport review sites and the Better Business Bureau.

Read reviews to see how customers rate the company and describe their experiences. This shows the company's reputation and customer service.

Even the best companies receive complaints. Professionalism shows in how they respond.

Motorcycle Transport Methods

Whether you're buying a new motorcycle, shipping one to race, or planning a trip overseas, the way your bike is shipped will have a lot to do with the level of safety it will have during the journey. As a motorcycle owner, you'll be able to choose from the following:

Door to Door

With door-to-door service, the carrier picks up your bike at your address and delivers it to the new one. This is convenient because you do not need to leave your home, office or rental. Sometimes a big truck cannot reach your street due to rules or narrow roads. If so, the driver will meet you as close as possible.

Terminal to Terminal

If you cannot be home on pickup day, you can use a shipping terminal. Ask the agent if they have a terminal near the pickup or delivery city. Terminals are often outside neighborhoods and sometimes outside city limits. They are not always secure. If you have a valuable or collector bike, ask a friend or family member to meet the driver at your address instead. Terminal-to-terminal is usually cheaper but the location is less convenient and may lack on-site security.

Crating the Motorcycle

Shippers often crate a motorcycle before transport. You can buy a crate online or from a dealer. Many companies offer crating and you can also build your own. Crates let shippers load bikes on flatbed or enclosed trailers and protect them from damage. Crating gives the shipper more scheduling flexibility, which can speed up transport. It can also lower the cost.

Keeping it Safe

Before loading the motorcycle, whether open or enclosed, follow these steps to protect yourself and your property:

1. First, make sure the company has valid insurance that will cover the bike in case of damage. Verify this by getting a hard copy of the insurance certificate and by reading all of the insurance coverage paperwork.
2. Get everything in writing from the company including rates, final quotes, services and all other guarantees for shipment.
3. Be sure to take detailed pictures of the motorcycle before it's crated or loaded and use the time and date stamp on the camera or your phone. Keep the pictures until delivery is made so you can compare the overall condition on arrival.
4. Be present for the pre-delivery and post-delivery inspections and ensure everything is noted correctly on the driver's paperwork.

Shipping helps you reach your destination quickly while cutting wear, fuel use and maintenance. It is the safest way to move a motorcycle, giving you time to relax and enjoy the trip without worry. Consider this your winter sport-touring option to move the bike hundreds or thousands of miles.

Arrive at your destination and find your bike waiting. Follow these tips and choose a reputable, insured shipper so your motorcycle arrives in the same condition. Check the company's reviews and ratings beforehand.

Do You Ship It 'n' Rip It?

There are many reputable motorcycle transport services out there. Which ones do you prefer and why? Your input is invited. Leave a comment and/or write an article!