What is the Best Way to Transport a Motorcycle

What is the Best Way to Transport a Motorcycle

The Transportation industry offers various ways of freight shipping. Motorcycle shipping is not an exception. Whether you bought your bike in another state and need it to be delivered to you. Or you are moving and want someone to ship it for you. 

Basically, you have four options that allow you to transport your bike. Each of them has its own pros and cons, and, depending on your preferences, one of them is your best choice.

Moving by Yourself

It gives you the most control over the shipping process; however, you need to have a trailer that can fit the bike and all the equipment for its shipping. Without a ramp, straps, and ratchet, you can damage your motorbike and stuff you transport with it. Also, it’s not always cheaper to ship it yourself.

Carrier Company

There are plenty of carrier companies that will gladly ship your motor for you. They provide fair rates and delivery time from 3 to 7 days. However, not all of them provide special crates and containers for transportation, and you need to buy or build one yourself.

Independent Contractor

If you don’t trust carrier companies, you can always contact owner operators and independent contractors online. Internet platforms provide enough resources where you can type in your bike’s dimensions, type/model, and where you need to ship it. Owner operators will contact you offering their rates and you can choose from those. The downside is that not all of them are experienced in motorcycle transportation.

Specialized Motorcycle Shipping

The market also provides companies that specialize in motor and car shipping. Their services are more expensive, but they provide all the needed equipment, and they know exactly how to handle your rig. 

Additional Notes

There are also some considerations that you need to pay attention to. Whether you want open or closed transportation and whether you want to transport the bike inside the crate or without it.

• Open transportation is a good and cheap choice if your delivery is short and you are 100% sure that your motorbike won’t be affected by weather or flying debris.
• Closed transportation provides protection from any weather conditions.
• Transporting inside a crate ensures minimal damage in case of an accident. But a crate is an expensive thing.
• If you transport it without a crate – you’ll still need some ramps and tie-downs to secure it inside a trailer.

Throwing your bike inside the trailer and transporting it like that is also an option, but you must be prepared for whatever damage it might take. Expensive and luxury models require extra care and higher insurance.