If you’re like most motorcycle owners, your ride is your pride and joy. That gleaming heap of polished chrome and steel does more than get you from Point A to Point B. It gives you the exhilarating rush of the wind and sun on your face as you blaze new roads or wind along old favorites. It’s more than just a mode of transportation; it’s a part of who you are. That’s why it’s especially important to find a reliable shipping carrier when transporting your bike long distance. Great Guys helps you find reputable motorcycle shipping companies with the expertise needed to safely and carefully move your motorcycle. We vet companies for you to ensure they hold a license according to FMCSA regulations, then let you compare the best transport options!
Options For Shipping A Motorcycle Across The Country
Whether you’re moving your entire household to another state or you’ve purchased a new bike from another part of the country, you have several options for transporting your motorcycle to its destination.
1. Hire A Transport Company
A professional transport company takes care of the entire motorcycle shipping process for you, so it’s one less thing for you to worry about during your relocation. Most motorcycle moving companies offer door-to-door shipping, picking up the chopper at one location and dropping it off at the designated address. Motorcycle shippers specialize in this type of shipment and typically do not move household goods or automobiles. Because they focus solely on transporting motorcycles and other small vehicles, like ATVs and snowmobiles, you can trust that your bike is in the hands of seasoned professionals that have the systems in place to transport it with care. When the transport company comes to pick up your bike, it is usually loaded onto a specially designed pallet or crate, then strapped down and secured for shipment. Once loaded onto the moving truck, the pallet is also secured to prevent it from shifting during transit.
Enclosed vs. Open Shipping
Most transit companies offer enclosed shipment for your motorcycle, which protects it from road and weather conditions on the highway. While this is the more expensive option, professionals recommend it for long distance relocations. However, you may elect to have your bike shipped via an open trailer.
2. Use A Moving Container
If you prefer to handle the loading of your motorcycle yourself but don’t want to drive a trailer, you can ship your chopper in a moving container pod. Companies like U-Pack and 1-800-PACK-RAT allow customers to move their motorcycle and other small motorized items in the storage container. Be sure to check with your specific provider to learn about their rules and regulations regarding this type of shipment. The moving container option is helpful if you’re moving your bike along with the rest of your household goods as part of a residential move. To prep the bike, you’ll need to drain the fluids (so nothing spills during shipment), then cover it, and load it into the container. Secure it to the pod using ratchet straps and a chock block to keep the wheels from rolling.
3. Trailer It Yourself
The final option is to trailer your motorcycle yourself. If you don’t own a motorcycle trailer, you can rent one from U-Haul. These trailers are easy-to-load and hitch to most vehicles provided they meet the tow rate requirements. Once you hitch the trailer to your car, load the motorcycle using the ramp then secure using built-in chock and at least four ratchet straps. While this mode of transport is relatively inexpensive, this open trailer leaves your motorcycle exposed to the elements and requires that you assume full liability for adequately securing the trailer and bike.
Alternatively, you may want to invest in a motorcycle trailer of your own. Motorcycle trailers come in all shapes and sizes, from the compact stand-up trailers that have a small footprint when not in use to hitch-mounted carriers to enclosed trailers that have extra room for additional items you might want to tow along. Options for trailers range from as little as $150 to well into the $1000s for higher-end models. Depending on the frequency with which you may transport your bike, this may or may not be a good option for you.
Motorcycle Shipping Quotes
If you’re still on the fence about which method to use to transport your bike, then why not request a free shipping quote from our moving partners? Submit your information using the provided form, then up to four shipping partners will get back to you with estimates for transporting your chopper. FREE quotes are just one of the many excellent reasons to plan your shipment through Great Guys. Here are a few more:
- Multiple quotes in one place: With Great Guys, you can do your comparison shopping quickly – just one form and you’re done!
- FMCSA-authorized companies: We only work with companies that are licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to transport your bike.
- Insured: Shipping companies are required to carry basic insurance for your bike. Ask about coverage and options for increasing coverage.
- Professionals: These shippers are real professionals that know how to properly crate or palletize your bike, so it stays safe and protected for the duration of your move.
- Door-to-Door Shipping: When you hire a transport company you can have your motorcycle shipped door-to-door, so you don’t have to hassle with any part of the shipping process.
To request your free moving quote, please contact Great Guys (greatguyslongdistancemovers.com) today!