There are quite a few situations that a motorcycle owner may face that will call for them to have their motorcycle shipped instead of riding it. Whether you may be moving, vacationing or even traveling to a motorcycle show out of state, it is quite important that as a motorcycle owner, you know that shipping bikes is going to be different than shipping an automobile and there are several things that may need done to ensure your bike is ready to go on the day it will be transported. Placing safety and quality shipping services above all else is also very important and when you are searching for reliable motorcycle transport, there are several factors that can determine how safe your bike will be during shipment.
Getting a Quote
Getting a quote for motorcycle shipping is a very easy task to undertake. When you start searching online, you will find that there are many companies that advertise motorcycle shipping and it will be up to you to submit for quotes and gather information from the company. Something that will be very important with the time you spend getting a quote if going to be to check with at least three or four companies so you can not only compare the price offered but also the services that each company may offer. When it comes down to the company to hire, you need to make sure they have a safe record with transport, are licensed and insured as well as registered with the Department of Transportation and that they have verifiable, valid insurance to cover the bike during shipment. This can be checked by visiting the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website. Beware of companies that offer rates that are far below other companies. There are quite a few companies that do this to bring in customers and then add extra charges on after they have scheduled transport services.
Determining The Mode of Transport
A decision on the mode of transport is going to be something that should be decided before you even make a call to get a quote. You can ship a motorcycle a few ways depending on the distance as well as the type of bike you own. You will be able to choose from open air shipping, crated or fully enclosed shipping options. Each type of transport is safe and has been used for all kinds of motorcycles worldwide but it is your choice to utilize the one that you feel most comfortable with for your motorcycle. Let’s see what each type of transport offers:
Open Air Motorcycle Transport: open air is the least expensive option for shipping a motorcycle and entails pushing or driving the bike onto a trailer, usually a motorcycle trailer or a flatbed trailer, where it will be strapped down while in a standing position. If you are moving the bike locally this is going to be an economical way to have it shipped safely.
Crated: When shipping long distance or overseas, most people have their bikes crated for safety and security reasons. Crates can be made by hand if you are talented enough to do so, but you need to keep in mind that the crate needs to be well-made and tough enough to handle being moved around during the shipping process. Crates can also be purchased from motorcycle sales shops or provided as part of the shipping process by the transporter. When a motorcycle is shipped in a crate, it will usually need to have the gasoline drained and occasionally other fluids will also need drained. This will be up to the company as well as the distance that the bike will be transported.
Enclosed Transport: If a motorcycle is being shipped cross country or even overseas, many people opt for enclosed shipping as it is safe and secure, but also allows room to haul personal items along with the bike. Enclosed shipping options are going to cost more than open air and even crated, but if you need to ship items along with the bike, this is going to be your best bet for transport.
Getting the Motorcycle Ready For Transport
Making sure that the motorcycle is ready to go by the scheduled date of transport is going to be very important. Actually, once you have hired a reliable motorcycle transport company, getting the bike prepared should be the number one priority on your list of things to do to ensure safe shipment for the bike. To get your motorcycle prepared, be sure to keep the following in mind:
Local Shipping. For shipping local, you will probably ship via open air transport whether that may be a large, flatbed trailer or a smaller motorcycle trailer. You still need to get your bike ready even if may only be moving from one side of town to the other.
To prepare for local transport:
•Wash the motorcycle.
•Remove loose accessories including luggage racks and other items that can possibly fall off.
•Make sure there is enough fuel to load and unload the bike.
•Check for fluid leaks.
•Check the tire pressure to ensure the bike will easily roll onto the carrier.
•If the bike is inoperable, the company needs to know ahead of time.
•Check closely for signs of damage and note everything before the bike is loaded.
•Take time and date stamped pictures to keep in your files.
For long distance (cross country) transport:
•As with local transport, the motorcycle should be washed and all loose items removed.
•If using crated shipping, chances are that the gas and other fluids will need drained.
•If using flatbed, uncrated or a large enclosed trailer, the gas may remain in the bike.
•For crating purposes, many companies will require that the tire pressure be lowered and the battery removed.
•Walk with the driver and take note of any signs of damage before the bike is loaded.
•Keep a copy of the transport paperwork as well as the photos until the bike is delivered.
Overseas transport:
•Make sure the bike is clean.
•Remove all loose personal items.
•For overseas shipment, the fuel needs drained.
•The battery should be removed unless the company specifies otherwise.
•Detailed pictures should be taken of the motorcycle as well as the crate before it is shipped.
•Have all transport paperwork in writing and keep it in a safe place until the bike is delivered safely in the new country.
Keep in mind that motorcycle shipping companies will each have their own policies on requirements for preparing for shipment as well as methods of payment, delivery options and tracking services. If at all possible, try to utilize a company that offers GPS or satellite tracking so you can keep track of your motorcycle when it is out of your hands.
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