How to Transport a Motorcycle from Brandon, South Dakota
If you're seeking to buy a pre-owned motorcycle, dispose of a used one, or simply need to move your bike from one location to another, there are numerous motorcycle transport services available to assist you. However, selecting the ideal one can be daunting due to the vast array of choices and factors to consider. Shiply simplifies your experience by providing a user-friendly platform to evaluate prices and companies, frequently offering quotes up to 75% lower than standard rates. But first, you must identify the kind of motorcycle shipping service you need.
Brandon, South Dakota, US, is a common destination for individuals transporting motorcycles to and from. Many people relocate to Brandon for professional or personal reasons, and they frequently need to move their cherished bikes with them. Moreover, Brandon is home to various motorcycle dealerships, making it a practical place to buy or sell a motorcycle.
Varieties of Motorcycle Shipping Services
When it comes to moving motorcycles and considering motorcycle shipping expenses, there are two main methods to select from. The most economical and straightforward choice is to have someone ride your motorcycle to its destination. While this is an easy solution, it comes with the risk of damage during the trip, increases mileage, and is only possible if the motorcycle is operational. The most common approach to motorcycle transport is using trailers, which can be open or enclosed. Enclosed trailers are often favored for costly or vintage motorbikes due to the enhanced protection they provide against accidents and the elements, but this typically comes at a steeper price. Open trailers generally cost less, but your motorcycle will be less secure. Door-to-door motorcycle shipping is the most frequently requested service, but if you reside in a hard-to-reach area, terminal-to-terminal delivery is also available at designated pick-up and drop-off points.
Elements Influencing Motorcycle Shipping Expenses
The expense of transporting 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 trips over 1,000 miles. The primary elements that impact the cost of shipping a motorcycle include:
- Distance: The distance your motorcycle needs to travel greatly affects the price quoted by motorcycle shipping companies. If you need to transport your bike cross-country, it will likely cost more than interstate motorcycle transport services.
- Motorcycle Size: Larger motorcycles require more space on a trailer, which can increase the shipping cost.
- Transport Service Type: Selecting an enclosed trailer for your vehicle will likely result in a higher quote from motorcycle shippers, while open trailers are typically cheaper.
- Pick-up 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 companies drive them regularly. However, urban areas can be more costly as they require extra mileage for pick-up and delivery.
- Time of Year: Weather conditions can also affect the price of motorcycle transport, with ice and snow in winter often making shipping a bit more expensive than in summer.
How Shiply Assists in Finding Motorcycle Transport Companies
With numerous factors to consider when choosing a motorcycle shipping service, it's easy to feel overwhelmed when beginning your search. There are hundreds of motorcycle shippers offering similar services, so how do you decide which is the best for you? This is where Shiply comes in. Many motorcycle shipping companies are on our platform, and all you need to do to start receiving quotes is provide a few details about your delivery, such as the make and model of the motorcycle, pick-up 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 right quote for you.
It's highly recommended to check 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 privately message any company that has provided you with a quote to inquire about insurance documents, trailer types, and delivery schedules.
Readying Your Motorcycle for Shipping
Once you've selected a motorcycle hauler you're satisfied with, it's time to prepare your bike for shipping using the following steps:
- Documents: Provide any necessary documents, especially if you're selling the motorcycle.
- Cleaning: Remove all personal items from your motorcycle and give it a thorough cleaning before shipping. This allows you to assess the vehicle's condition prior to pick-up, 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 and tire pressure. Note whether the motorcycle shipping company requires the steering to be unlocked or not.
- Photographic Evidence: Take high-resolution photos of your motorcycle's overall condition before pick-up. If any damage occurs during shipping, you'll have evidence of its previous condition.
Post-Delivery Steps
After your chosen motorcycle shipping company has delivered your vehicle, follow these steps to ensure everything is in order:
- Check Vital Signs: Inspect lights, engine, brakes, and any other crucial functions upon delivery to confirm the motorcycle is in the expected condition.
- Exterior Condition: Compare the motorcycle's condition upon delivery with the photos taken before shipping to determine if any additional damage occurred during transit.
- Check Mileage: If your motorcycle was driven to the delivery point, 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 selected motorcycle shipping company so that future Shiply users can continue to browse and compare services with a high level of confidence and security.