Motorcycle Shipping

Can I ship a motorcycle with open transport?

Yes — motorcycles can be shipped on open carriers, but it’s not always the best option. Consider the following:

• Open Transport: Your motorcycle will be secured on an open trailer, exposed to weather, dust, and road debris during transit. This is usually the more cost-effective option, but it offers less protection.

• Enclosed Transport: Many motorcycle owners prefer enclosed shipping, where the bike is secured inside a trailer with soft straps or wheel chocks. This keeps it protected from the elements and provides added security.

• Carrier Policies: Not all open carriers are equipped to safely handle motorcycles. It’s important to confirm that the carrier has the proper equipment and experience.

 If budget is your main concern, open transport works. If protection and peace of mind are priorities, enclosed transport is the safer choice.

Motorcycles are carefully secured using industry-standard equipment to ensure safe transport.

• Soft Straps and Tie-Downs: The bike is strapped at multiple points using soft ties and heavy-duty ratchet straps to prevent movement.

• Wheel Chocks or Crates: Carriers often use wheel chocks or specialized cradles to hold the tires in place, keeping the motorcycle upright during transit.

• Frame Protection: Straps are attached to sturdy parts of the frame or handlebars, never fragile parts, to avoid damage.

• Open vs. Enclosed: In open transport, the motorcycle is exposed but still secured in the same way. In enclosed trailers, bikes are strapped or crated inside, offering extra protection from weather and debris.

Our professionals know how to protect your bike, no matter the size, shape, or type of transport. We rely on soft-loop strapping systems to secure your motorcycle by the frame or triple clamps. This helps avoid metal-on-metal contact and prevents the “fork compression” damage often caused by inexperienced haulers who ratchet suspension down too tightly for long periods. With the right equipment and experienced carriers, your motorcycle stays stable and protected from pickup to delivery.

No, personal items cannot be shipped with your motorcycle. Motorcycles must be transported completely empty. Consider the following:

• No Storage Allowed: Unlike cars, motorcycles don’t have enclosed trunks or cargo areas to safely store belongings. Any loose items could shift, fall off, or cause damage during transport.

• Regulations and Liability: Carriers are only licensed to ship vehicles, not household goods. They cannot take responsibility for personal belongings.

• Best Practice: Remove all accessories, saddlebags, and detachable gear before shipping. Only factory-installed parts should remain on the bike.

To ensure safety and compliance, your motorcycle must be shipped as-is, with no personal items attached or packed on it.

Absolutely. While many brokers simply tell you to call the driver for updates, Navi Auto Transport provides 24/7 visibility. Through our exclusive Navi Track 360^™ portal, you can monitor your shipment’s status in real time directly from your phone or computer, giving you total peace of mind throughout the journey.

No, crating is not required for our standard service. We offer roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) transport for maximum convenience. You simply need to unlock the steering and ensure the fuel is at approximately ¼ tank. The carrier will handle the safe loading, securing, and unloading of the bike using professional liftgates or ramps.

Due to DOT regulations and insurance liability limits, carriers are strictly prohibited from transporting loose personal items, such as:

• Helmets
• Jackets
• Detached parts

While hard-mounted accessories like permanent saddlebags or fairings are covered, any unattached gear must be removed prior to pickup to ensure the carrier can legally transport your load.