The 5 Safest Motorcycle Shipping Companies of 2024

The internet has provided everyone with easy ways of purchasing any item, including motorcycles; the only challenge most people face is how to move their motorcycle from where they bought it to their destination.

Another challenge people face is when they have to move their bike to where they want to use it for Rally without having to ride it for that long distance. Also, some people do find it difficult to move their motorcycle during relocation. The best option here is to hire the services of a reputable and affordable motorcycle shipping company.

In our subsequent article, we have discussed all you need to know about shipping a motorcycle, the cost, and other pieces of information to prepare your motorcycle for a move.

In this post, we will talk about all you need to know about how to choose a reputable motorcycle shipping company. Kindly note that the less amount you are paying for a particular service doesn’t make it a good deal when shipping a motorcycle.

Each company has its services and various prices. Any damage or delay to your motorcycle during shipping could cost you more than what you saved when you hire a cheap motorcycle shipping company.

The median cost to ship a bike is about $500 in the United States. There are seven factors involved, including distance, transport type, and so on, so this price is not stable and as it will base on your moving details. There are no extra fuel charges, no additional costs for shipping to your home, and no cost for lift gates or other hidden charges.

Another essential reason Motorcycle carrier is the best is because of their premium shipping service. You can choose your pickup and delivery dates in some areas for an additional $200 when you choose express shipping.

The Cost of the Motorcycle Move

We’ve discovered that shorter moves cost about $200 to $300 and are charged at a flat rate. Long-distance shipping for moves of about 1,000 miles or more costs between $400 and $600 and are charged per mile.

Generally, shipping about 1,000 miles costs $0.50/mile.

Extra Shipping Fees

Extra fees are different from hidden fees. Additional fees include permits or tolls which are out of the control of a transporter. Hidden fees are how some companies charge you for things they can control without informing you in advance.

Do not go with a motorcycle shipping company that is kind of shady. Search for shipping companies that spell out these fees online or when receiving quotes.

Overseas Shipping Costs

One of the reasons that international shipping is more expensive than in-country shipping (within the United States) is due to port entry fees as well as country permit fees. For instance, you have to buy a motorcycle permit for your bike before its arrival if you are shipping it to Australia.

Shipping your bike overseas will be charged based on the current and destination locations, but it costs between $1,000 and $2,500 on average to ship a vehicle abroad.

Shipping a motorcycle to Europe costs the ballpark of $1,000 to $2,000. Expect to pay an average of about $700 if you are shipping from the East coast, but shipping from the West Coast costs an average of about $1,000. Shipping to a long-distance destination like Australia is more expensive, often between $1,500 and $3,000.

1. uShip
2. Montway
3. Haul Bikes
4. Motorcycle Shippers
5. AmeriFreight

All of the motorcycle shipping companies in our list are fully certified by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), which implies that they have access to extend their services to other states across the country.

The companies also have insurance coverage in place; however, you can always opt for more.

Discounts offered by each company vary, and some transporters like discounts more than others, but below are the most popular bike shipping discounts we’ve researched.

• Rallies: If you are shipping your bike within 100 miles of a bike rally, you may get a discounted flat rate no matter the type of bike you are shipping.

• Various vehicle discounts: If you are shipping between 2 and 10 bikes or more, you may obtain a discount starting from $25 – $65 for each bike.
• Motorcycle club membership: You may be qualified for a 10% to 15% discount as a member of a motorcycle club regardless of the reason you choose to become a member of any motorcycle club.
• Armed services & emergency workers: Most bike shipping companies will offer you 10% to 15% off your whole shipment for giving them your job.

Your motorcycle will arrive at its destination quickly and safely when you use the service of a professional auto transporter.

Although there is not much difference between shipping a vehicle and a motorcycle; however, it is better to hire a shipping company that also has experience in shipping motorcycles.

Follow the tips below to find and compare a reputable and perfect motorcycle shipping company:

1. Choose only Licensed and Insured Shipper

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has mandated that all motorcycle shipping companies be licensed. Any shipping company should be able to provide a copy of its operating authority upon request.

You will find it on the website that belongs to some of the best motorcycle transport companies. Any transport company that refuses to provide you with a copy of its operating authority might not be reliable and reputable.

2. Hire a Shipping Company that Specializes in Moving a Motorcycle

Although most companies that offer motorcycle shipping services do praise themselves; if they are professional on the job, their histories might prove otherwise.

Find out if the company is an auto transporting company that just wants to tag motorcycle transporting services along with it, or if the company only ships a certain motorcycle model such as Harley Davidson motorcycle shipping which is just one of the basic services that motorcycle transporting companies should provide.

The shipping of motorcycles from BMW also comes with many challenges because of their design. The moving of motorcycles should only be handled by professionals who understand the risk and has experience because the bikes are very fragile.

3. Choose a Transporter that has the Required Equipment to Move your Motorcycle

Although you will receive motorcycle shipping quotes from many licensed shipping companies, it is not certain that all of them will use specific equipment to safeguard and move your motorcycle.

E-track straps and freight handling techniques will be used by some shipping companies to strap your motorcycle. A good motorcycle transporter will secure your bike to the floor of the truck using tie-downs made explicitly for motorcycles.

Great transport companies will use tie-downs explicitly made for motorcycles to secure your bike to a skid or pallet that protects the bike from damage.

Make sure you ask the transporters how they will acquire and transport your bike. Motorcycle companies that deal solely with bike shipping will show you pictures of the moving process so you can have an idea of how they work. Take note of the following:

• Are they using an enclosed truck to transport your motorcycle?

Some transport companies only use open trucks/trailers to transport motorcycles instead of enclosed transport. Your motorcycle might get damaged, scratched, or dinged by various elements such as wind, rain, etc. when exposed on the journey.

Fragile items on your motorcycle such as tires, and shocks can be damaged on the journey if it is being transported on a truck/trailer that has no air-ride suspension. Make sure your transporter will be using an air-ride truck/trailer to move your bike.

• Will the motorcycle shipping company ensure the security of your bike?

Although your bike’s kickstand may work perfectly in the driveway, you will require a minimum of 4-strong tie-downs to ensure the safety of your motorcycle in the trailer, and to avoid it moving around and getting damaged.

Straps that are specifically made for motorcycles will be used to hold your bike down by a good motorcycle transport company.

Your bike will be tied to a skid that has strong strapping points which are made explicitly for motorcycles by a great transport company. They also train their drivers properly to get the job done without damage.

• Is there loading equipment on the truck?

There is a need for a very large lift-gate placed on the back of the moving trailer for safe transporting of the motorcycle. These lift gates are expensive and thus, many self-acclaimed transport companies don’t invest in them.

A good lift gate is required for the proper loading and unloading of your bike. Loading your bike wrongly could cause damage to its underside because many unqualified companies use lower-cost equipment (ramps) to load and unload motorcycles.

Kindly note that the size of your bike will determine the size of the equipment to be used, this means it becomes tougher to move because of the size.

• Are there many available trucks to cover the area?

The duration of time spent in transit is determined by the availability of the moving trucks that transport your motorcycle. Choosing a motorcycle shipping company that has a sufficient number of trucks throughout the country to provide you with instant service to all locations is the best thing to do.

Although there are smaller motorcycle moving companies that has lesser trucks in their fleet but will do your job effectively and affordably, only that it might take them up to 8 weeks to ship your motorcycle.

4. Choose a Transporter that takes Daily Order

This might sound too simple. Why do you have to wait for the transporters to send you shipping quotes or do you search for an available moving truck to drive your bike to your destination? Locate a transport company that will accept your order into their system and gives you information on the available truck that will come and pick up your bike.

In most cases, the cost will be made known to you within a day. Good companies will reveal the cost to you immediately after you submit your order. Professional companies will reveal the cost to you and also accept your order instantly via the phone.

5. Choose a Transport Company with Excellent Customer Service

You will be saving yourself enough time here. There are many ways to evaluate good customer service, but let us consider the basics below:

• Can I contact someone in customer service? Endeavor to call your transport company many times to see how quickly they respond to customers before you submit your order. Some transport companies make provisions for staff that will handle your order, but when you call for an update on your shipment, your call might be diverted to their voice mail.

• Can I track my order instantly? You will get to know the current status of your shipment online as provided on their website. Good companies will give you access to this information once you contact them. Some transport companies will have all calls directed to their voicemail and then call you back at their convenient time.

• What options do I have for placing an order? Mistakes sometimes cause headaches. Submitting your order online provides you with advantages like saving you time, and accurate and proper documentation of your phone numbers and addresses. Consider choosing only a transport company that provides you with an online platform to make your order.

• Will I get help if I have a claim or complaint? Although damage claims are unfortunate to experience and are not common, choosing a professional transport company will make it easier for you when the need arises. Make sure you find out if the motorcycle shipping company you are looking to hire has a claim department that helps settle claims. Many transport companies do not provide coverage on shipment. Good transport companies will make it available at an extra cost. Reputable transport companies will include it on your quote, including a small deductible. The best motorcycle transport companies include insurance in their services at no cost, and they will also assist you when the need for claims arises.

6. Choose a Motorcycle Shipper that Gives you A Written Shipping Quote

If there are variables that could affect the overall price of the original quote given to you, then the deal might not be good as you must have thought.

Some shippers will provide you with a certain price, and then add costs for fuel, shipping equipment, home delivery, and others which will significantly increase the overall price given to you.

It is advisable to request a solid quote that contains all costs and make sure the transporter explains any additional charges before they begin with your job.

An instant answer should be provided when you ask how much your motorcycle shipping would cost you. Some transporter will give you a shipping quote without documentation. You will be provided easy access to rate by great shipping companies.

The best shipping companies have their rates posted on their website, giving you the chance to choose your preferred pick-up and drop-off location, so you can be given instant shipping quotes. The best shipping companies offer club members or military personnel discounts.

Ask for a discounted rate if you fall into any of these categories or any other civil service organization. The saying that what you pay for is what you get, even if you pay more, is very true.

7. Choose a Motorcycle Shipping Company that Provides Coverage on Valuation without a Deductible

The best shipping companies will offer you a zero deductible. Great transport companies will offer coverage at no extra cost, while good companies will offer it at an additional charge.

Other companies will tell you they will make sure no damage comes to your motorcycle and that there is no need for coverage.

The best motorcycle shipping companies will take time to inspect your bike before they ship it to you so you will have proper documentation of the condition for record and reference purposes.

We consider a number of factors before we can determine the best cities for motorcyclists. We considered the number of property crimes as well as individual income for each area.

Our consideration was also on traffic, weather conditions, as well as the maximum highway speeds allowed by each state to determine the best places for you to ride your bike.

Below is the list of the best cities for motorcyclists:  

#10. Sacramento, CA

This top 10 list was started and will end in California. This is very much expected as the state is popularly known for its sunny weather and unmatchable favorable laws on a motorcycle, which makes it a better place for motorcycle riders. The main challenge faced by motorcyclists in Sacramento is the heavy traffic, which is almost the same as the one faced in San Diego.

#9. Lincoln, NE

The traffic in Lincoln is manageable, and the motorcycle laws are good, so it is one of the best places motorcyclists can live and enjoy their stay. We have written about Nebraska’s capital city before, especially on its low cost of living. You might be able to buy another motorcycle if you probably end up there.

#8. Las Vegas, NV

Although Las Vegas is known for world-class entertainment for everyone, however, this also includes motorcycle lovers. The nearby motorcycle roads are available for everyone in the city, whether a local or just a tourist passing through the city. The major problem here is the traffic you will have to ride through in the Strip.

#7. Fort Wayne, IN

Fort Wayne is the city that experiences the most rain on our top 10 list with 132 days of rainfall annually. The many numbers of motorcycle roads in Fort Wayne, as well as its less- commuter traffic than any of the cities listed on our list, help it make up for the bad weather.

#6. Milwaukee, WI

This city is popularly called The City That Beer Built, and there are many craft breweries situated here, including the headquarters of Miller Brewing Company.

A large number of motorcycle riders and the beer culture in Wisconsin give rise to the number of biker bars in the city where local riders can make a stop for a drink at Miller Time to make Milwaukee a place nice to live for motorcyclists.

#5. Fresno, CA

Many of the most productive farmland across the universe can be found in Fresno County, and it is located at the center of all this pastoral beauty. Motorcyclists who enjoy riding through nature will find Fresno more liveable as it is not far from Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, and Yosemite National Park.

#4. Madison, WI

This is another Wisconsin city in our top 10. Wisconsin’s bike laws are not really good for motorcycle lovers compared with California’s as it doesn’t allow split lanes, however, Wisconsin still holds a high number of registered motorcyclists than many other states.

#3. San Diego, CA

Although San Diego is known for many things, however, you may not know that it is also situated right in the middle of many scenic motorcycle roads. San Diego’s nice climate and scenic roads make it a great place to live for motorcycle lovers who can still cope with riding through average commuter traffic on major roads.

#2. Stockton, CA

Getting to Stockton from Bakersfield will take only a 4-hour drive, so you know it experiences the same weather statistics and climate, even though it experienced a little rainfall. Its motorcycle laws are similar to that of California’s as well.

#1. Bakersfield, CA

Bakersfield tops our list of best cities to live for motorcyclists with its few days of rainfall, temperate climate, and comprehensive laws for motorcyclists. Many motorcycle repair shops, an outlet of Harley Davidson, and a clothing store called Bakersfield are all located in the city, which makes it liveable for motorcycle riders.

Riding a motorcycle can be a scary thing to do in the city. You likely have experienced a close call if you’ve ridden a bike in the city.

A 2016 report shows that 840 motorcyclists were killed in motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. more than 70% of the killings happened in urban areas, where the probability of having more cars and bikes on the roads is high.

Some cities have bad records for motorcyclists. However, this doesn’t generally mean you can ride your motorcycle in the cities, but need to be more careful.

Below is a list of the worst cities to ride a motorcycle in the United States:

#10. Atlanta, GA

This is the first city from the southeast region on our list and is not ideal for riding due to its often rainfall and muggy summer experiences. Being the largest city in Georgia, its traffic congestion can make riding of motorcycle unsafe and with no enjoyment.

#9. Detroit, MI

Bob Seger, a popular musician that acclaims himself as a motorcycle buff, was born in Detroit, but it makes us wonder why the city is not the best place to live for motorcyclists. We discover from our research that the traffic and weather condition in Detroit is terminally bad and not conducive for riding.

#8. Baltimore, MD

Just like other cities listed in our bottom ten, Baltimore, which is located in the northeast part of the country, has weather that is too cold and rainy, which makes it unsafe for riding. Although traffic in Baltimore is not as worse as others on this list, however, even late-hour riding across Baltimore downtown would still take some time.

#7. Boston, MA

This is another city that has much dangerous weather and traffic for riding a motorcycle. Regardless, Boston does have many beautiful motorcycle roads closer, so you can go ahead and move to Boston with your motorcycle without fear.

#6. Houston, TX

Houston sees an average of over 900 Fahrenheit temperatures in 104 days annually, which makes it the hottest city on this list. If you enjoy the heat, then you may not have a problem with that; however, the city also experiences a lot of rain and regular traffic congestion, which makes it not ideal for riding a motorcycle.

#5. Buffalo, NY

This is the second biggest city in New York and the fact that its traffic is manageable compared to the traffic jams in New York City. However, the frequent precipitation and cold winters in Buffalo make it a bad choice of place to live for motorcyclists.

#4. Chicago, IL

This is one of the three states in the country that doesn’t mandate the use of a helmet for motorcyclists – Alaska and Iowa are the other two. However, Alaska does mandate the use of a helmet for motorcycle riders under the age of 18 and passengers.

This is one of the reasons why Chicago is low on our list, as well as its frequent traffic and fearful weather condition.

#3. New York, NY

As expected, the Big Apple is also not a liveable place for motorcyclists due to traffic. Only Washington DC, Loa Angeles, and San Francisco had the worse traffic jam of all the cities we reviewed.

You can only consider New York City if you enjoy riding your motorcycle through populated streets. You may add this city to one of the places you may want to visit but not live in.

#2. New York, NY

New York is also not ideal for motorcyclists because of its cold winters, frequent precipitation, and averagely heavy traffic. We believe motorcyclists also understand the reason to stay off as the number of registered motorcyclists in New Jersey is the smallest per capita.

#1. Washington, DC

Washington, DC ranks first on our list of worst cities for motorcycle riders because of its frequent rain, very harsh winters, and bad traffic. The only thing riders get to enjoy in this city is the yearly Rolling Thunder Ride but has also been stopped because of financial reasons. We recommend visiting the nation’s capital instead of living here if you love riding.

We started our research by looking at the 100 most populous cities in the United States and ignoring any city that doesn’t have relevant information. The cities were then ranked based on the following factors:

• Registration of motorcycles per 1,000 residents of the state: cities from states with a high number of registered motorcyclists scored higher.
• Average yearly congestion hours per auto commuter: cities that experience less heavy traffic scored higher.
• An average number of days per year with over 0.01 inches of precipitation: cities that experience less precipitation scored higher.
• Average days in a year where the highest temperatures are above 900 Fahrenheit: cities with more than 900 Fahrenheit mostly scored higher.
• Average days in a year where lowest temperatures are below 320 Fahrenheit: cities, where average temperatures fall below 320, Fahrenheit mostly scored higher.
• A total number of safety laws for motorcycles: cities with daytime headlight laws, helmet laws, and legal lane-splitting laws scored higher.

How much will it cost to ship my bike?

Shipping prices can vary depending on the distance your motorcycle is traveling, how soon you need it delivered to your specified destination, the shipping company you choose, the weight of your motorcycle, the size, and its destination?

What is the advantage of choosing a long-distance mover that offers motorcycle shipping?

Highlighting the benefits of selecting a long distance movers that can handle both your household items and motorcycle.

What is the maximum size expected of my bike?

Your motorcycle should not be more than 96 inches in length and 40 inches in width. It is also important to know the weight of your bike. However, you can contact your shipper to know their policy.

What are the essential things I should know before my motorcycle is picked up for shipping?

Make sure you unlock your bike’s steering wheel, remove the keys, and fold in its mirrors (optional) before you hand it over to your shipper. Make sure you remove any of your items from the blog box, saddlebags, or any other storage section on your motorcycle.

Should I send my key along with my motorcycle?

Avoid sending any keys or important documents with your motorcycle. Send these items through an overnight courier if you are not traveling to the destination where your bike is heading. None of our drivers will accept the keys or documents from you.

When should I call the shipper before shipping?

We strongly recommend that you call your shipper at least 7 days before the day you specified for the carrier to pick up your motorcycle. If you have a close deadline for shipment, you can count on us to help you. Just place a call to us, and we will discuss your needs.

What is the transit duration before my motorcycle is delivered?

It depends. The distance, road, and weather conditions will all determine how long it will take before your bike is delivered; however, it takes between 5 days and 2 weeks. Transit time estimations will be discussed between you and the carriage company you chose.

When will the carrier pick up my motorcycle after I place an order?

Most shipping companies will pick up your motorcycle within 1 to 4 days after submitting your order.

How far in advance can I place an order for a motorcycle shipment?

Most shipping companies accept orders up to 60 days in advance. You can, however, call your shipper to see if we can work something out on your needs.

Is it possible for my bike carrier to also ship some of my household belongings?

Maybe not; some of these carriers only specialize in motorcycle shipping. Kindly notify us if you are looking to relocate your household. We can provide you with movers that will handle your household relocation as well as the bike.

Do shippers provide insurance for my motorcycle while in transit?

Generally, motorcycle shipping companies provide liability insurance that is up to $1,000 and above. The size, age, and condition of the bike will determine the full amount. Contact them to discuss your needs as there are more insurance options available.

What happens if I’m not available during delivery?

It is advisable to have a family member or a trusted friend sign for the motorcycle in your place. Make sure you provide your phone number or that of your friend so the driver can make contact and arrange for the delivery of your bike. Drivers generally call from 3 to 24 hours before their arrival, and they arrive within a 4-hour window.

Preparing your motorcycle for shipping to make sure it gets to its destination safely is very important. To save money, you need to draft a nice plan and make sure you ship during the offseason. The enclosed shipping option is the best for you if you want your bike to arrive at its destination in perfect condition.

However, everything tells on your choice of the shipping company. Request for proof of insurance from your shipper to know how reliable they are. Have you used any of these companies before? Share your experience!

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