Moving your motorcycle a long way can be tricky. Sometimes, driving it isn’t an option because you have lots of stuff to move with your family. Also, bad weather and dangerous roads can make riding unsafe. So, in such cases, it makes sense to ship your motorcycle, but it can be costly.
On average, shipping a motorcycle within the U.S. costs around $600. However, the price can vary based on a few things. This includes how you’re shipping it (like by truck, air, or boat), the kind of motorcycle you have, how far it needs to go, and when you’re doing it.
For instance, using a covered trailer can be more expensive than an open one because it gives better protection. Bigger and heavier motorcycles usually cost more to ship. But there are ways to save money on this.
Summary
How much does it cost to transport your Motorcycle?
The cost of shipping your motorcycle depends on a few things, like how far it has to go and how it’s being shipped. If it’s a long-distance move, over 1,200 miles, it can be on the higher side. For shorter trips, it might cost less, possibly under $300. Some companies charge a fixed rate no matter the distance.
Certain companies won’t add extra charges for things like fuel, delivering to your home, or special fees. But other companies might.
The final price is made up of many smaller fees, like the distance it travels, how it’s transported, extra insurance, and packing services, among others.
Here’s a simple table for motorcycle shipment pricing based on mileage. Please note that these are approximate values, and actual costs can vary depending on various factors and the specific shipping provider.
| Mileage Range | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Under 100 miles | $100 – $200 |
| 100 – 500 miles | $200 – $400 |
| 500 – 1,000 miles | $400 – $800 |
| 1,000 – 2,000 miles | $800 – $1,200 |
| Over 2,000 miles | $1,200+ |
The actual price you’ll pay for shipping your motorcycle may differ based on the shipping company, the type of service chosen, the size and weight of your motorcycle, and any additional services or fees. It’s always a good idea to get quotes from shipping providers for the most accurate pricing.
Accurate cost – How does pricing works?
The first thing to do is decide how you want your motorcycle to be transported. You’ll need to decide if you want it in a container, crate, on a pallet, or using roll-on/roll-off shipping. It’s a good idea to talk to a few companies about these options, especially considering the distance between your current location and your new one.
The most common way to transport motorcycles is using open transport or enclosed transport. Open trailers are cheaper, but they’re best for dirt bikes. Enclosed trailers provide more protection from bad weather, so if you have a valuable or classic bike, it might be worth paying a bit more for this service.
Instead of just posting an ad on Craigslist, it’s better to ask people you know for recommendations and get price quotes from reputable shipping companies. You can also look online and read what other customers have said about their recent experiences with these companies.
Keep in mind that different carriers have different ways of pricing their services. With one company, you might need to pay extra for things like insurance or additional charges. Another company might give you a single price that already includes these costs. If you want your motorcycle to be shipped faster or need a guaranteed pickup or delivery date, you’ll probably have to pay more. And be aware that some carriers may charge you if you change your mind or your travel plans after they’ve agreed to ship your motorcycle.
What factors are involved for calculating the cost for your bike shipment?
While calculating the pricing for your Motorcycle shipment you need to take into consideration several factors like:
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Locations and distance
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Type of transport
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The weight and size of the Motorcycle
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Door-to-door or Terminal shipment
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Time of the year that you want to ship
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Availability in your area
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 Insurance
The price for shipping your motorcycle typically ranges from $0.05 to $0.80 cents per mile it needs to travel. If your motorcycle is going a long way, the route it takes can affect the cost. If it’s going on a popular and well-used route, it might be cheaper than if it’s going on a route that’s not used as much.
For instance, here are some average costs for shipping from one place to another:
- Florida to California: about 30 cents per mile
- New York to Washington: about 35 cents per mile
- California to Florida: about 37 cents per mile
You have different choices for how your motorcycle is transported, such as fully enclosed, semi, or open trucks. Using an enclosed truck is more expensive because it provides better protection from bad weather and things on the road.
Here’s a price range for both options:
- Open trailer motorcycle transport: Costs between $300 and $1,200.
- Enclosed motorcycle transport: Costs between $600 and $1,800.
If your motorcycle is big or really heavy, it might cost more to ship. Some companies charge extra if your bike takes up the space of two in a trailer, especially if it has an attached sidecar.
Bigger and heavier motorcycles are more challenging to handle, so they need larger crates, special ties, and special packing to make sure they’re transported safely.
Getting your motorcycle delivered directly to your doorstep is more expensive than having it taken to a specific location. In general, shipping to places near big roads and highways in cities is cheaper than to places that are harder to reach.
Some companies can’t deliver to places that aren’t on paved roads, military bases, or other countries. If you need delivery to these kinds of places, it might be more challenging to find a company that can help you.
Just like with many things, shipping your motorcycle can be more expensive when lots of people are doing it. So, the priciest time to transport your bike is usually in the summer when many folks are moving for jobs or school. You might get better prices when business is slower, like in the winter.
If you stay in a place with lots of people, you’ll probably have many companies to choose from for shipping your motorcycle. This means they have to compete with each other, which can lead to better prices for you. However, if you live in a less crowded area, you might not have many options, and it could be tougher to find good deals.
Many regular insurance policies don’t cover your motorcycle when it’s being transported. So, it’s a good idea to check your insurance policy first before getting extra coverage for shipping. Always make sure to double-check how much insurance is already included in the shipping cost and compare prices to find the best deal.
FAQ’s
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- How much does it typically cost to ship a motorcycle across the country?
- The cost of shipping a motorcycle across the country can vary widely, but on average, it ranges from $500 to $1,200, depending on factors like distance and the type of service you choose.
- What are the differences between open and enclosed motorcycle shipping, and how do they affect pricing?
- Open trailer shipping is generally cheaper, while enclosed trailer shipping costs more because it offers better protection from weather and road debris.
- Are there additional fees I should be aware of when shipping my motorcycle, such as insurance or surcharges?
- Yes, there can be additional fees like insurance, fuel surcharges, and other surcharges, depending on the shipping provider. It’s important to clarify these fees when getting quotes.
- Does the time of year impact motorcycle shipping costs, and are there cheaper times to transport my bike?
- Yes, the time of year can influence shipping costs. Typically, shipping is more expensive during the summer when demand is high. You may find better deals during slower seasons, like winter.
- Will my regular motorcycle insurance cover any damages during transit, or do I need supplemental coverage?
- Most regular motorcycle insurance policies do not cover damages during transit. It’s essential to check your policy and consider purchasing supplemental transit coverage for added protection during shipping.
- How much does it typically cost to ship a motorcycle across the country?
