How to Transport a Motorcycle to & from Iowa City, Iowa, US
Whether you're purchasing a pre-owned motorcycle, disposing of an old one, or simply need to move your bike from one location to another, there are numerous motorcycle shipping businesses prepared to help you. Selecting the ideal one can appear daunting due to the many choices available & the aspects to consider. Shiply can make your life easier by providing a simple platform to compare rates and companies, frequently with quotes up to 75% lower than standard prices. However, before you start, you must determine the precise type of motorcycle shipping service you need.
Iowa City, Iowa, US, is a well-known destination for motorcycle enthusiasts. Many individuals often transport their motorcycles to and from Iowa City for various purposes, such as participating in motorcycle events, relocating for work or personal reasons, or simply discovering the beautiful roads and scenery that Iowa City has to offer. With its lively culture, welcoming community, and breathtaking landscapes, Iowa City attracts motorcycle riders from across the nation.
Types of Motorcycle Shipping Services
When it comes to moving motorcycles and considering motorcycle shipping costs, there are two main transport 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 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 transport is using 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, but this usually comes at a higher cost. Open trailers generally cost less, but your motorcycle will be less protected. Door-to-door motorcycle shipping is the most frequently requested motorcycle transport 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.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Motorcycle?
The expense of shipping a motorcycle varies based on several factors, but average prices range from $180 to $300 for distances under 1,000 miles and $300 to $700 for distances over 1,000 miles. The factors that influence the cost to ship a motorcycle include:
- Distance: The distance the motorcycle needs to travel significantly impacts 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 affects the motorcycle shipping cost, as larger motorcycles require more space on a trailer.
- Motorcycle Transport Service Type: Choosing an enclosed trailer for your vehicle will likely increase the cost quoted by motorcycle shippers, while open trailers are typically cheaper.
- Pickup and Delivery Locations: If you live 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 the companies drive them regularly. However, urban areas can be more expensive as they require extra mileage for pickup and delivery.
- Time of Year: Weather can also affect the price of your motorcycle transport, with the ice & snow that winter brings often making shipping a motorcycle slightly more costly than in summer.
How Can Shiply Help 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. There are hundreds of motorcycle shippers offering similar services, so how do you decide which is the best motorcycle shipping company for you? This is where Shiply can assist you. Many motorcycle shipping companies are available on our platform, and to start receiving quotes from them, simply 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 you best. It's highly recommended to check the feedback & 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 and inquire about insurance documents, trailer types, and delivery schedules.
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 helping the environment by reducing the number of unnecessary vehicles on the roads. Not only is using Shiply eco-friendly, but it can also lead to some of the cheapest motorcycle shipping you'll find! As motorcycle transporters on Shiply are 'going there anyway,' they can offer different pricing compared to dedicated motorcycle transportation services. The Shiply motorcycle shipper's costs are already sunk, and they are simply looking to fill the rest of their vehicle, allowing 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 to carry out your delivery, it's time to prepare your motorcycle for shipping using the following steps:
- Documents: Make sure to provide any necessary documents, especially if you are selling the motorcycle.
- Cleaning: Remove all personal effects 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 help should any damage occur during transit.
- Running Condition: If the motorcycle will be driven at any point during transit, ensure that it is in running condition, meaning it has the necessary fluid levels and tire pressure. Another important thing to note when transporting motorcycles is whether the motorcycle shipping company you've chosen will require the steering to be unlocked or not.
- 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.
What to Do After Delivery
After your selected motorcycle shipping company has delivered your vehicle, follow these steps to ensure everything is in order:
- Check Vital Signs: It's crucial to check lights, engine, brakes, and any other important functions upon delivery of the motorcycle to ensure that it is in the expected condition.
- Exterior Condition: Use the photos taken of the motorcycle prior to shipping to compare its condition upon delivery to determine if any extra damage occurred during transit.
- Check Mileage: This is generally only relevant if your motorcycle was being driven to the delivery point, but you should always check the added mileage to make sure it corresponds to the journey made.
Finally, we ask that you leave feedback & a review for your chosen motorcycle shipping company so that future users of Shiply can continue to browse and compare services with a high level of confidence and security.
In conclusion, shipping a motorcycle to or from Iowa City, Iowa, US, doesn't have to be a daunting task. By using Shiply to compare quotes from various motorcycle shipping companies, you can find the best service at the most affordable price. Whether you're moving your motorcycle for an event, relocation, or simply for a change of scenery, Shiply makes the process easy and stress-free. So, start planning your Iowa City motorcycle adventure today and let Shiply help you get your bike there safely and efficiently!