How to Transport a Motorcycle from Oakland, California
Whether you're purchasing a pre-owned motorcycle, vending an ancient one, or simply require transporting your bike from one location to another, there are numerous motorcycle shipping enterprises willing to assist you. Discovering the appropriate one can appear overwhelming due to the sheer quantity of choices available & the elements to contemplate. Shiply can simplify your existence by providing a straightforward way to contrast prices and companies, frequently with quotes up to 75% less expensive than standard rates. But initially, you gotta determine precisely what kind of motorcycle shipping service you necessitate, especially if you're relocating to or from Oakland, California.
There are two primary transport methods to select from when examining shipping motorcycles (and considering the cost of motorcycle shipping). The most economical & most basic option is to have someone ride your motorcycle to where it needs to go. While this is a straightforward solution, it comes with the risk of damage during the trip, adds mileage, and only works if the motorcycle is in running condition. The most common method of motorcycle transport is using trailers. These can be open or enclosed, with enclosed trailers often preferred for expensive or classic bikes due to the extra protection they provide against accidents & the elements, but usually at a higher price. Open trailers generally cost less but your motorcycle will be more exposed. Door-to-door motorcycle shipping is the most popular motorcycle transport service, but if you live somewhere hard to get to, terminal-to-terminal delivery is also available at agreed pick-up & drop-off points.
The price of shipping a motorcycle varies based on several factors, but average prices range from $180 to $300 for trips under 1,000 miles & $300 to $700 for trips over 1,000 miles. The factors that affect the cost to ship a motorcycle include:
- Distance - As mentioned above, the distance the motorcycle needs to travel will greatly impact a motorbike shipping company's price. If you need to ship a motorcycle cross country, it will likely cost more than interstate motorcycle transport services.
- Motorcycle Size - The size of the motorcycle also factors into the shipping cost since bigger bikes require more space on a trailer.
- Motorcycle Transport Service Type - Choosing an enclosed trailer for your vehicle will probably increase the price quoted by motorcycle shippers, while open trailers are usually cheaper.
- Locations of Pickup & Delivery - If you live in an urban area like Oakland, there are likely several motorcycle shipping companies nearby that won't have to go out of their way to pick up your bike, & the same goes for delivery in urban areas. These routes are typically less expensive since the companies drive them regularly. However, urban areas can be pricier as they require extra mileage for pickup & delivery.
- Time of Year - The weather can also affect the price of your motorcycle transport, with the ice & snow of winter often making shipping a motorcycle a bit more expensive than in summer.
Oakland, situated in the San Francisco Bay Area, is a popular city for motorcycle enthusiasts. With its mild climate, picturesque roads, & vibrant motorcycle culture, many individuals opt to relocate their bikes to Oakland to relish riding year-round. The city is also home to several motorcycle events & rallies throughout the year, attracting riders from all over. On the other hand, some people may need to move their motorcycles out of Oakland due to job relocation, selling their bike, or simply wanting a change of scenery. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of motorcycle shipping companies that can help transport bikes to & from Oakland.
With so many things to consider when choosing a motorcycle shipping service, it's easy to feel overwhelmed when starting your search. There are hundreds of motorcycle shippers offering similar services, so how do you decide which is the best one for you? That's where Shiply comes in. There are many motorcycle shipping companies on our platform, & all you need to do to start receiving quotes from them is enter a few details about your delivery, such as the make & model of the motorcycle, the pickup location, & the delivery destination. Once you submit this info, companies will send motorcycle shipping quotes directly to your Shiply inbox, making it easy to compare prices, service types, & companies until you find the right quote for you. It's highly recommended to check the feedback & user reviews for a company. Shiply's system gives each motorcycle shipping company a score & allows you to read reviews from previous users. You can also privately message any company that has provided you with a quote to ask about things like insurance documents, trailer types, & delivery schedules.
The motorcycle shipping companies on Shiply are usually looking to fill space on trips they're already making. This means that by using Shiply to find a motorcycle delivery service, you're helping the environment by reducing the number of unnecessary vehicles on the road. Not only is using Shiply eco-friendly, but it can also lead to some of the cheapest motorcycle shipping you'll find! Since motorcycle transporters on Shiply are 'going there anyway,' they can offer different pricing than dedicated motorcycle transportation services. The Shiply motorcycle shipper's costs are already sunk & they're just looking to fill the rest of their vehicle, allowing them to give you some of the cheapest motorcycle shipping quotes out there, often up to 75% cheaper than usual rates.
Once you've selected a motorcycle hauler you're happy with to handle your delivery, it's time to prepare your bike for shipping using these steps:
- Documents - Make sure to provide any necessary documents, especially if you're selling the motorcycle.
- Cleaning - Remove all personal items from your motorcycle & give it a thorough cleaning before shipping. This allows you to properly assess the vehicle's condition prior to pickup, which will help if any damage occurs during transit.
- Running Condition - If the motorcycle will be driven at any point during transit, ensure it's in running condition with the necessary fluid levels & tire pressure. Another important thing to note is whether the motorcycle shipping company you've chosen will require the steering to be unlocked or not.
- Photographic Evidence - It's a very good idea to take high-quality photos of the overall condition of your motorcycle before pickup. If any damage happens to the vehicle during shipping, you'll have evidence of its condition beforehand.
After your chosen motorcycle shipping company has delivered your vehicle, follow these steps to make sure everything is in order:
- Check Vital Signs - It's crucial to check lights, engine, brakes, & any other important functions upon delivery to ensure the motorcycle is in the expected condition.
- Exterior Condition - Use the photos taken of the motorcycle before shipping to compare its condition upon delivery & determine if any extra damage occurred during transit.
- Check Mileage - This is usually only relevant if your motorcycle was driven to the delivery point, but you should always check the added mileage to make sure it matches the journey made.
Finally, we ask that you leave feedback & a review for your chosen motorcycle shipping company so future Shiply users can continue to browse & compare services with a high level of confidence & security.