Well, let’s say you have come to the point that you wanted to ship or transport your motorcycle. Whether it is a trip to a new city, selling it to a person from a different state, or preparing for a cross-country tour and you don’t want to drive the entire distance, then motorcycle shipping is the best thing you can do.
However, like any other service, it entails some costs and it’s always better to know about these costs and what affects them in advance.
Distance and Location Matter
One of the most distinguishing features that defines the cost of shipping your motorcycle is the distance between the pickup and delivery points. The greater the distance that your bike has to travel, the higher the amount that you will be charged for the shipment. This makes sense especially when one considers factors like fuel, the cost of hiring drivers and the toll charges that come with long-distance transport.
Location is also important. Sending your shipment to or from a major city hub or at a highly utilized channel also tends to be cheaper than sending it to a less populated area.
In cases where the delivery location is remote or difficult to access, then the cost norm may go up a little to accommodate the extra time it takes to access it and the increased logistical complexity.
Open or Closed Transport
When it comes to shipping your motorcycle, you’ll typically have two options: open or closed transportation. These two have their cost characteristics that are different from each other.
Open transport is more readily available and cheaper than enclosed forms of transport. Your motorcycle will then be stacked on an open trailer for transportation similar to the one used for transporting cars. This method is cheap but very dangerous since the bike is left open to the weather and road skips. If your motorcycle is durable or not a limited edition, then this option is probably for you.
Enclosed transport is safer for your motorcycle since it will be transported in a covered trailer. This protects it from harsh weather conditions and any mishaps that may occur during the journey. Enclosed transport is best suited for luxurious, antique, or custom-designed bikes that need special attention. However, this added safety feature comes at a higher cost. Learn more here.
Size and Weight Matter
Other factors that influence the overall cost of shipping your motorcycle include the size and weight of the bike. Bicycles are of different sizes and weights. Bigger and heavier bicycles will need more room and could also call for other accessories to control them in the course of transport, all of which are more expensive.
For instance, the transportation of a small and a lighter bike such as the Honda Grom will cost less than the transportation of a heavyweight cruiser bike such as the Harley-Davidson Road King. This is because the size of the bike determines the amount of space it will occupy on the trailer and hence, the cost of transportation.
The Shipping Method
Another factor that influences the cost of shipping your motorcycle is the shipping method you choose—door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal.
Door-to-door shipping is the most convenient option, as the transport company will pick up your motorcycle from your current location and deliver it directly to your new address. This convenience, however, often comes at a higher cost due to the added time and effort required for the pickup and delivery.
Terminal-to-terminal shipping involves dropping off and picking up your motorcycle at designated terminals or shipping hubs. While this option requires a bit more effort on your part, it’s usually more affordable because the transport company can consolidate multiple shipments, reducing overall costs.
The Time of Year
What also affects the motorcycle shipping cost is the time of year you choose to ship your vehicle. Shipping companies tend to be busier during certain seasons, which can drive prices up.
For example, spring and summer are peak seasons for motorcycle shipping, as more people are buying bikes, moving, or planning vacations that require bike transport. During these months, demand is high, and so are the prices.
On the other hand, shipping during the off-season (fall and winter) might save you some money. Fewer people ship motorcycles during these times, so companies might offer lower rates to attract customers.
Additional Services
Sometimes, basic shipping isn’t enough, and you might need additional services, which can add to the overall cost.
One such service is insurance. While most shipping companies include basic insurance coverage in their quotes, it might not be sufficient for high-value or custom motorcycles. In such cases, purchasing additional insurance is advisable, but it will increase your total cost.
Crating is another service to consider, especially for high-end or delicate bikes. Your motorcycle is securely placed inside a wooden crate, providing extra protection during transit.
Expedited shipping is an option if you need your motorcycle to arrive by a specific date. This service ensures your bike is prioritized, but it comes with a higher price tag.