How to Transport a Motorcycle: A Comprehensive Guide
Whether you're purchasing a pre-owned motorcycle, vending an old one, or simply need to convey your bike from one location to another, there are countless motorcycle shipping enterprises ready to assist you. However, with so many choices available & various aspects to consider, finding the right one can be daunting. Shiply streamlines the process by providing a user-friendly platform to compare prices and companies, often offering quotes up to 75% more affordable than standard rates. But first, let's explore the different types of motorcycle shipping services available.
Types of Motorcycle Shipping Services
When it comes to transporting motorcycles & considering the cost of shipping a motorcycle, there are two primary methods to choose from. The most economical and straightforward option is to have someone ride your motorcycle to its destination. While this is a simple solution, it comes with risks of damage during the journey, increases mileage, and is only feasible if the motorcycle is in working condition.
The most common method of motorcycle transport is through the use of trailers. These can be open or enclosed, with enclosed trailers often preferred for expensive or classic motorbikes due to the added protection they provide against accidents & the elements, albeit at a higher cost. Open trailers are generally less expensive, but your motorcycle will be more exposed. Door-to-door motorcycle shipping is the most frequently requested service, but if you live in a hard-to-reach area, terminal-to-terminal delivery is also available at designated pick-up and drop-off points.
Factors Affecting Motorcycle Shipping Cost
The cost of shipping a motorcycle varies based on several factors, with average prices ranging from $180 to $300 for distances under 1,000 miles and $300 to $700 for journeys exceeding 1,000 miles. The main factors influencing the cost of motorcycle shipping include:
1. Distance - As mentioned earlier, the distance your motorcycle needs to travel significantly impacts the price quoted by motorcycle shipping companies. Shipping a motorcycle cross-country will likely cost more than interstate motorcycle transport services.
2. Motorcycle Size - The size of your motorcycle also plays a role in determining the shipping cost, as larger bikes require more space on a trailer.
3. Motorcycle Transport Service Type - Opting for an enclosed trailer will likely increase the price quoted by motorcycle shippers, while open trailers are typically more affordable.
4. Pickup and Delivery Locations - If you reside in an urban area, there are likely multiple motorcycle shipping companies nearby that won't have to go out of their way to pick up your vehicle, and the same applies to delivery in urban areas. These routes are usually less expensive as companies frequently drive them. However, urban areas can also be more costly due to the extra mileage required for pickup and delivery.
5. Time of Year - Weather conditions can also affect the price of motorcycle transport, with the ice & snow during winter often making shipping a motorcycle slightly more expensive compared to summer.
How Shiply Helps Find Motorcycle Transport Companies
With numerous factors to consider when selecting a motorcycle shipping service, it's easy to feel overwhelmed when starting your search. Hundreds of motorcycle shippers offer similar services, making it challenging to decide which is the best motorcycle shipping company for you. This is where Shiply comes in.
Shiply's platform hosts many motorcycle shipping companies, and to start receiving quotes from them, simply enter a few details about your delivery, such as the make and model of the motorcycle, pickup location, and delivery destination. Once you submit this information, companies will send motorcycle shipping quotes directly to your Shiply inbox, allowing you to easily compare prices, service types, and companies until you find the quote that suits your needs.
It's highly recommended to check the feedback and user reviews for a company. Shiply's system assigns each motorcycle shipping company a score and allows you to read reviews from previous users. You can also send a private message to any company that has provided you with a quote to inquire about insurance documents, trailer types, and delivery schedules.
Affordable Motorcycle Shipping Quotes on Shiply
Motorcycle shipping companies on Shiply are often looking to fill space on trips they are already making. By using Shiply to find a motorcycle delivery service, you not only help the environment by reducing the number of unnecessary vehicles on the roads but also potentially access some of the cheapest motorcycle shipping quotes available. As motorcycle transporters on Shiply are "going there anyway," they can offer different pricing compared to dedicated motorcycle transportation services. Their costs are already sunk, and they are simply looking to fill the remaining space in their vehicle, enabling them to provide some of the most affordable motorcycle shipping quotes, often up to 75% cheaper than usual rates.
Preparing Your Motorcycle for Shipping
Once you have selected a motorcycle hauler you are satisfied with to handle your delivery, it's time to prepare your motorcycle for shipping using the following steps:
1. Documents - Provide any necessary documents, especially if you are selling the motorcycle.
2. Cleaning - Remove all personal belongings from your motorcycle and give it a thorough cleaning before shipping. This allows you to properly assess the vehicle's condition prior to pickup, which will be helpful if any damage occurs during transit.
3. Running Condition - If the motorcycle will be driven at any point during transit, ensure that it is in running condition, with the necessary fluid levels and tire pressure.
4. Steering Lock - Note whether the motorcycle shipping company you have chosen requires the steering to be unlocked or not.
5. Photographic Evidence - Take high-resolution photos of the overall condition of your motorcycle before pickup. If any damage occurs to the vehicle during shipping, you will have evidence of its condition beforehand.
Post-Delivery Checklist
After your chosen motorcycle shipping company has delivered your vehicle, follow these steps to ensure everything is in order:
1. Check Vital Signs - Inspect lights, engine, brakes, and any other important functions upon delivery to confirm that the motorcycle is in the expected condition.
2. Exterior Condition - Compare the photos taken of the motorcycle before shipping with its condition upon delivery to determine if any additional damage occurred during transit.
3. Check Mileage - This is generally only relevant if your motorcycle was driven to the delivery point, but always check the added mileage to ensure it corresponds to the journey made.
Lastly, we kindly ask that you leave feedback and a review for your chosen motorcycle shipping company so that future Shiply users can continue to browse and compare services with a high level of confidence and security.
Motorcycle Shipping in Marion, Arkansas, US
Marion, Arkansas, US, is a popular location for people moving motorcycles to and from the area. Situated near major highways and transportation hubs, Marion offers convenient access for motorcycle shipping companies. Many motorcycle enthusiasts in the region rely on reliable motorcycle shipping services to transport their bikes safely & efficiently. Whether you're relocating to Marion or need to ship your motorcycle from the area, Shiply can help you find the best motorcycle shipping Marion options available. By comparing quotes from top Marion motorcycle shipping providers, you can ensure that your motorcycle reaches its destination in pristine condition at an affordable price.