The median cost to transport a motorcycle in the United States is around $400 – $600 for about 1,000 miles. When transporting a motorcycle, the cost is the major concern amongst vehicle owners. While they want as much as possible protection for their motorcycle, customers also want to get the best value from their chosen carrier.
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If you are moving, staying in a new place for a while, or even selling a motorcycle, it is possible you have to think about the prices of shipping a motorcycle and how to get ready for it.
There are many cost factors at play (such as distance, shipping type, and so on), so thus the price will vary based on your move details. In this article, we will look into the elements that affect the overall cost to ship a motorcycle.
We’ve seen that shorter trips cost from $200 to $300 and are charged at a flat rate. Long-distance shipping (moves involving 1,000 miles or more) runs from $400 – $600, and prices are determined by a mile. Generally, trips around 1,000 miles cost about $0.50 per mile. Transporting outside of the Lower 48 may cost you a bit more.
The cost to transport a motorbike to Hawaii, for instance, starts from $800 – $1,200. Meanwhile, the median cost to transport a motorcycle to Alaska is around $350 – $700.
The exact costs for transporting your motorbike will be based on a certain amount of considerations, including those mentioned below:
The cheaper option is an open trailer, which exposes your bike to the elements for the duration of the move. The cost of an enclosed trailer is higher but it offers better protection from weather and road debris that could cause damage to your motorcycle. The majority of cities tend to choose enclosed shipping as it gives more peace of mind when transporting your bike.
If you are not on a tight deadline to ship your motorcycle, winter is your best chance for reducing costs. Unlike most shipping companies, Montway Auto Shipping has discounted and fixed rates with the premier bike transporters, giving you a set price not directly affected by certain demand fluctuations.
The cost to transport a motorcycle to Europe falls within $1,000 – $2,000. If you are transporting from the East Coast, that may take the average to $700, but if you are transporting from the West coast, the average is at about $1,000. Shipping to a farther destination, such as Australia costs more; probably between $1,500 and $3,000.
Extra shipping fees: Every motorcycle shipping company should state its fees so you don’t get shocked when you receive your final bill.
Below are the popular extra fees.
Extra fees are not to be mixed with hidden fees, they are two different things. Extra fees include permits or tolls, which are beyond the carrier’s control.
Hidden fees, on the flip side, are how moving companies charge you for things they have control over without notifying you in advance. Avoid settling on a motorcycle transport company that appears shady in any way. Find companies that mention these fees either online or during the process of supplying quotes.
Obtaining a pricing estimate for your bike transport is simple. You can call a motorcycle carrier directly and give them details of the shipment to get a quote, or you can ask for a quote on the website of a carrier or broker.
Most will ask for this information:
When checking options for transporting your motorcycle across the country or internationally, you will possibly encounter three types of companies:
Working with a reliable shipping broker brings peace of mind when it comes to needed insurance coverage. They will not only help validate existing carrier coverage, but can verify the exact coverage amounts and share recommendations for extra coverage through them, or you can just purchase it from your insurance provider.
When you are working with a broker or carrier, ensure you understand the following:
If you ready to ship your motorcycle, here is our Top 10 Motorcycle Shipping Companies
Based on the distance you are transporting your motorcycle; you can prepare to pay about $500. Shorter shipping will cost just a few hundred bucks, while farther distances (such as cross-country moves) will be around $600. There may be additional fees if you go for a premium service, such as expedited shipping, but these can be reduced by discounts.