The Motorcycle Shipping Process: How Does it Work?

Driving a car versus riding a motorcycle is hardly a comparison. Motorcycle riding is an exhilarating experience that you won’t find in driving your mom’s boring old soccer van. If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast and are looking to relocate, you might think that riding your bike cross-country or the next several states over is the right thing to do. But when you factor in the cost of gas, food, and hotels, it doesn’t make much sense. Hiring a professional motorcycle shipping company like us can save you time, money, and hassle. Our customers often ask us how the motorcycle shipping process works. Here’s what you need to know about shipping your motorcycle.

The Motorcycle Shipping Process: How Does it Work?

Motorcycle Shipping: Do it the Easy Way

The cheapest, easiest way to get your bike relocated without a scratch is by hiring a professional motorcycle transportation company like Cheap Motorcycle Shipping. When you’re in the process of a move, you’re busy juggling so many things. You’re probably preparing for a new job in your new location and trying to get settled into your new home or rental. No matter what, you’re being pulled in so many directions, that adding just one more thing to your plate is the last thing you need. Having a professional company handle the transportation of your motorcycle will make relocation a little less stressful.

To get started, you’ll want to ask for a sample quote, and for any additional charges and surcharges that might apply to your transportation job. At Cheap Motorcycle Shipping, we offer competitive rates and fast, accurate quotes. Don’t forget to ask us if we have any promotional deals running when you’re ready to ship your motorcycle.

What does your motorcycle shipping quote include? Your quote will include the following:

 

  • Precise pick-up and delivery locations
  • The type and size of the bike you’re shipping
  • Your delivery time
  • Your choice of insurance
  • Any promotions or discounts

After you’ve got a quote that meets your satisfaction and you accept, the next step in the motorcycle shipping process is to schedule your pick up and drop off date, time, and place. Once you agree to the price, conditions, and terms of the transportation, we’ll book your shipment asap to avoid any inconveniences and hiccups in your relocation plans. We’ll also assign a professional customer service agent to your shipment who can answer any additional questions you have.

Cheap Motorcycle Shipping also offers customers the ability to track their bikes during the shipping process. Once the contract is completed and signed, we’ll process your payment upon receipt. After that, you’ll get an estimated pick-up and delivery schedule with your requested times and locations.

We ask that you make sure the location is accessible for semi-trailers if you’ll be shipping in a container. We also offer crate and uncrated motorcycle shipping options. But when shipping via container, an 80-foot semi has to be able to get in and out of the location. In some cases, it’s not possible to safely and legally maneuver an 80-foot tractor-trailer where a customer requests the drop off of their motorcycle. If that’s the case, then we will have to agree to another location that’s accessible for tractor-trailers so you can get your bike at a place and time that’s convenient for you.

The Pick-Up Process for Motorcycle Shipping

What happens during the pick-up process? You’ll first get a call from one of our professional drivers the day before we’re scheduled to pick up your motorcycle. We request that either you or someone you trust is present at the assigned pick up location when we arrive. Again, if we can’t get to the area safely and legally with the semi, we’ll need to find another place for pick up, and we ask for your understanding if this happens, although it’s rare.

On the date and time for scheduled pick up, our driver will arrive on location to meet either you or your contact person to pick up the motorcycle. Upon arrival, our driver will perform a visual inspection of the bike. Then, both the driver and you or your representative will sign additional shipping documents. We’ll safely and carefully load your bike, and then it’s on its way to your new location. We respectfully ask that customers are aware that we don’t transport extras along with the motorcycle, such as paperwork, boxes, or extra parts for the bike.

Motorcycle Shipping: Delivery

Finally, the day of the scheduled delivery has arrived. The first thing that will happen during this part of the motorcycle shipping process is you will get a call from our driver the day before. Make sure that either you or a person you trust is available via phone for this call, and to ensure that someone is present for the delivery. Next, we’ll arrive at the location, and either you or your representative will need to inspect the motorcycle. If you find any differences between the delivery, and when you first shipped the bike, you’ll want to note them. We’ll unload your motorcycle, and it’s ready for you to ride to your new house.

The Motorcycle Shipping Process: FAQs

Do you have to prepare your motorcycle before shipping?

One of the benefits of shipping with us is that you don’t have to do very much to prepare your bike before we ship it. You won’t need to drain the gas tank or other fluids if you’re shipping shorter distances with our open or uncrated shipping option. You don’t have to crate the bike or put it on a pallet, because we will do that for you. The battery won’t need disconnecting either. If you are shipping your bike in a crate or in a tractor trailer, you’ll need to drain the gas tank first. Then, all we have to do to ship your motorcycle is move it into the tractor-trailer then safely position it for the journey.

How should you store extra parts?

You can store extras in trunks, saddlebags, or tour packs. But we don’t recommend storing extras like pipes or helmets outside the motorcycle. It’s best to ship these items with an overnight carrier yourself to prevent scratches, dents, and other damage. Please be sure to lock and secure the trunk and saddlebags, too, before you ship.

Should you inspect your vehicle before shipping?

Before shipping your bike, inspect it for any scratches or dents and make a note of those. If you end up having to file a claim, you’ll want to have detailed documentation on hand.

What about your keys?

Always remember your keys to the bike. While we don’t need the keys, you are free to attach a set to the handlebars. We advise our customers to bring an extra set with them. If you are sending the bike to another party, you’ll want to ship them via an overnight carrier.

What if you’re transferring ownership?

 If you’re transferring ownership, also remember to send the person a set of keys via an overnight carrier or certified U.S. mail. Titles should also be sent via overnight carrier or certified U.S. mail.

At Cheap Motorcycle Shipping, our goal is to deliver your bike as quickly and securely as possible. We offer the fastest and most affordable rates in the industry. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote on your motorcycle transportation job.