How to Transport a Motorcycle from Decatur, Illinois
When it comes to motorcycle transport, Decatur, Illinois is a well-known spot for both sending and receiving motorcycles. Decatur is a town in central Illinois, renowned for its extensive past and lively community. Many individuals relocate to Decatur for employment or to be nearer to loved ones, and frequently need to move their motorcycles with them.
If you're seeking to transport a motorcycle to or from Decatur, there are numerous motorcycle shipping companies willing to offer you their service. However, finding the ideal one can often seem overwhelming due to the vast number of choices available and the factors to consider. That's where Shiply comes in - we simplify your life by providing a straightforward platform to compare prices and companies, often with quotes up to 75% less than standard rates.
Types of Decatur Motorcycle Transport Services
When it comes to moving motorcycles and considering motorcycle shipping cost, there are two primary transport methods to choose from. The most affordable and straightforward option is to have someone ride your motorcycle to where it needs to be. While this is a simple solution, it runs the risk of damage during the trip, increases mileage, and is only feasible if the motorcycle is in working condition.
The most common method of motorcycle shipping is through the use of trailers. These can be open or enclosed, with enclosed trailers often preferred for expensive or vintage motorbikes due to the increased protection they provide against accidents and the elements. However, this often comes at a higher price. Open trailers generally cost less but your motorcycle will be less protected.
Door-to-door motorcycle transport is the most commonly requested motorcycle shipping service, but if you reside in an area that is difficult to access, terminal-to-terminal delivery is also available at agreed pick-up and drop-off points.
Factors Affecting the Cost to Ship a Motorcycle
The price of transporting a motorcycle will vary based on several factors, but average prices range from $180 to $300 for trips under 1,000 miles and $300 to $700 for trips over 1,000 miles. The factors to consider when estimating the cost to ship a motorcycle include:
1. Distance - 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, this will likely cost you more than interstate motorcycle transport services would.
2. Motorcycle Size - The size of the motorcycle will also factor into the motorcycle shipping cost as larger motorcycles require more space on a trailer.
3. Motorcycle Transport Service Type - Choosing an enclosed trailer for your vehicle will likely increase the cost quoted by motorcycle shippers, whereas open trailers are typically cheaper.
4. Locations of Pickup & Delivery - If you live in an urban area, there are likely multiple motorcycle shipping companies in close proximity that will not have to go out of their way to pick up your vehicle. The same is true of delivery in urban areas. These routes are typically less expensive as the companies drive the routes regularly. However, urban areas can be more expensive as they require extra mileage to pick up and deliver your motorcycle.
5. Time of Year - The weather can also affect the price of your motorcycle transport, with the ice and snow that winter brings often making shipping a motorcycle a little more costly than in summer.
How Shiply Helps Find Motorcycle Transport Companies
With so many things to consider when selecting a motorcycle shipping service, it's easy to feel lost when beginning your search. There are hundreds of motorcycle shippers, all offering something similar, so how do you decide which is the best motorcycle shipping company for you?
Shiply simplifies the process by connecting you with multiple motorcycle shipping companies on our platform. All you need to do is enter a few details about your delivery, such as the make and model of the motorcycle, the pickup location, and the 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.
One highly recommended step is to check the feedback and user reviews for a company. Shiply's system gives each motorcycle shipping company a score and provides the ability to read reviews from previous users. You can also send a private message to any company that has provided you with a quote and inquire about insurance documents, trailer types, and delivery schedules.
Eco-Friendly & Affordable Motorcycle Shipping Quotes on Shiply
The motorcycle shipping companies on Shiply are usually looking to fill space on trips they are already making. By using Shiply to find a motorcycle delivery service, you're not only helping the environment by reducing the number of unnecessary vehicles on the roads but also potentially saving money.
Since the 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 rest of their vehicle. This allows them to provide some of the cheapest motorcycle shipping quotes out there, often up to 75% cheaper than usual rates.
Preparing Your Motorcycle for Shipping
Once you've selected a motorcycle hauler you're happy with, it's time to prepare your motorcycle for shipping using the following steps:
1. Documents - Make sure to provide any necessary documents, especially if you are selling the motorcycle.
2. Cleaning - Remove all personal effects from your motorcycle and give it a thorough clean before shipping. This allows you to properly assess the vehicle's condition prior to pickup, which will help should any damage occur 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. Note whether the motorcycle shipping company you've chosen requires the steering to be unlocked or not.
4. Photographic Evidence - Take high-resolution photos of the overall condition of your motorcycle prior to pickup. Should any damage occur to the vehicle during shipping, you'll have evidence of its condition beforehand.
Post-Delivery Checklist
After your selected motorcycle shipping company has delivered your vehicle, follow these steps to ensure everything is in order:
1. Check Vital Signs - Check lights, engine, brakes, and any other important functions upon delivery to ensure the motorcycle is in the expected condition.
2. Exterior Condition - Use the photos taken before shipping to compare the motorcycle's condition upon delivery and identify any extra damage that may have occurred during transit.
3. Check Mileage - If your motorcycle was driven to the delivery point, check the added mileage to make sure it matches the journey made.
Finally, we 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.
In conclusion, when it comes to motorcycle shipping, Decatur, Illinois is a popular hub for both sending and receiving motorcycles. By using Shiply to compare quotes from multiple motorcycle transport companies, you can find an affordable and reliable service that meets your needs. With proper preparation and post-delivery checks, you can ensure a smooth and successful motorcycle shipping experience to or from Decatur.