How to Ship a Motorcycle Long-Distance: The Real Process
Shipping a motorcycle long-distance comes up for buyers of used bikes on Cycle Trader or eBay Motors, military PCS moves, snowbird relocations, race teams hauling between events, and collectors moving prized vintage bikes. Motorcycles are easier to ship than cars (smaller, lighter, more carriers serve the niche) but they're also more damage-prone in transit — exposed paint, vulnerable handlebars, and easy-to-scratch tank surfaces. The right method depends on the bike's value, the route, and whether the carrier offers proper tie-down equipment.
ATI books motorcycle transport through carriers with motorcycle-specific equipment — soft-tie systems, wheel chocks, and dedicated motorcycle trailers — not generic car haulers that strap bikes down with ratchet straps over the painted tank. Below is the step-by-step process, costs to budget for, and how to spot a carrier that knows what they're doing.
Cost ranges: Motorcycle shipping costs typically run $400-$800 for shorter regional lanes (under 1,000 miles), $700-$1,500 for cross-country open transport, and $1,200-$2,500 for enclosed transport on cross-country lanes. Crated shipping (built crate, freight LTL or airline cargo) runs $600-$2,000 depending on lane and crate quality.
Step-by-Step: How to Ship a Motorcycle Long-Distance
- 1. Choose the shipping method — Three main options: (1) Open auto-transport carrier — bike loaded on an open car hauler. Cheapest, exposed to weather. (2) Enclosed motorcycle carrier — covered trailer, often motorcycle-only. Best balance of cost and protection. (3) Crated LTL freight — bike in a custom wood crate, shipped via LTL freight carrier. Slowest but works well for one-off shipments or shipments to military APO addresses.
- 2. Verify the carrier's FMCSA registration — Same rule as auto transport: motorcycle carriers in interstate commerce need active FMCSA motor carrier authority. Verify at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. Check insurance filings and broker bonds. Motorcycle-specialty carriers exist and are usually worth a small premium over generic auto-transporters.
- 3. Get binding quotes — Quotes vary by lane and equipment. Motorcycle-specialty carriers may quote higher than generic auto-haulers but include soft ties, wheel chocks, and motorcycle covers as standard. Crated LTL freight quotes from major carriers (Estes, Saia, R+L, FedEx Freight) can be cheaper for short lanes but slower.
- 4. Prepare the bike for shipping — Wash so existing damage is visible during inspection. Fuel level to less than 1/4 tank. Disconnect battery (or use a tender). Remove or secure loose items (saddlebags, GPS, windshield brackets). Document existing condition with 20-25 detailed photos. Note tire pressure and chain tension.
- 5. Remove accessories that increase damage risk — Take off windshields if removable, fold mirrors in, remove GPS mounts, secure or remove saddlebags, lock the steering. For crated shipping, remove the front wheel if instructions call for it. Photograph every removed accessory.
- 6. Inspect the carrier's tie-down equipment — Soft ties (1-inch nylon wrap-around straps) are the standard — they wrap around handlebars or frame without contacting painted surfaces. Ratchet straps directly on the handlebars or tank can damage finishes. Wheel chocks lock the front wheel in place. Refuse to load if the carrier shows up with only ratchet straps.
- 7. Complete the pickup inspection (BOL) — Walk the bike with the driver. Driver completes the BOL inspection form noting every scratch, dent, and chip. Sign only after personal verification. Get a signed copy. This is your insurance claim baseline.
- 8. For crated LTL freight: build a proper crate — Wood crate with 2x4 frame, 1/2-inch plywood walls, bolted (not nailed) construction. Bike strapped to a 2x4 floor frame with soft ties. Tires deflated to 15 PSI to absorb vibration. Crate labeled per LTL carrier instructions. NMFC freight class typically 200 or 250 depending on density.
- 9. Track the shipment — Reputable carriers offer phone-based tracking and ETA updates. Crated LTL freight is trackable via the LTL carrier's PRO number lookup. Note: LTL transit is slower than auto-transport carrier (5-10 business days vs 2-7).
- 10. Inspect at delivery — Compare against pickup BOL and your photos. Note any new damage on delivery BOL before signing. Don't sign clean if you haven't inspected. Photograph any new damage and file a claim within 15 days. Reattach accessories, reconnect battery, recharge or jump-start as needed, check tire pressure and chain tension before riding.
FAQ — How to Ship a Motorcycle Long-Distance
How much does it cost to ship a motorcycle long-distance?
Under 1,000 mi: $400-$800. Cross-country open: $700-$1,500. Cross-country enclosed: $1,200-$2,500. Crated LTL freight: $600-$2,000 depending on lane. Time of year and lane density move rates ±15-25%.
Open vs enclosed vs crated — which is right for my motorcycle?
Open transport for daily-rider street bikes and standard cruisers. Enclosed transport for sport bikes, high-value cruisers, customs, and vintage bikes. Crated LTL freight for one-off long-distance shipments where transit time isn't critical or for shipments to military APO addresses.
Will my motorcycle be tied down with ratchet straps directly on the handlebars?
If the carrier shows up with only ratchet straps and no soft-tie wrap, refuse to load. Soft ties (1-inch nylon wrap-around) protect painted surfaces. Wheel chocks lock the front wheel. Specialty motorcycle carriers use both. Generic auto-haulers sometimes only have ratchet straps — and that's how you end up with damaged grips, scratched fork tubes, and dented tanks.
Related Services and Guides
Get a Binding Quote for Shipping a Motorcycle Long-Distance
One call, one carrier, one accountable party. ATI dispatchers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Binding rates, real-time GPS, FMCSA-licensed direct service. Call (786) 574-5774 or email rates@ship-ati.com for a quote on shipping your motorcycle.