Motorcycle shipping cost: Here’s what to know

Amy DeYoung, Roxanne Downer and Allaire Conte, CNN Underscored
·6 min read

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ArtistGNDphotography/iStockphoto
ArtistGNDphotography/iStockphoto

If you plan to move to another state or cross-country, you might consider driving your motorcycle to its new home. However, this choice presents many challenges, such as travel expenses, unsafe weather and road conditions, and lack of space for moving your belongings.

In many cases, motorcycle shipping is a better — and safer — option. Shipping a motorcycle across the continental United States can cost as little as $500 to around $1,000, on average, depending on the distance, type of transportation (trucks, freight or air), type of bike and time of year.

How motorcycle shipping works

Most companies ship bikes on open or enclosed trucks. While cheaper, open trailers are only ideal for heavy-duty vehicles like dirt bikes as they leave your bike open to the elements. Enclosed trailers are the best choice for most motorcycle owners, especially if you’re a collector or own a more delicate bike.

Here are some of the most common types of motorcycle shipping:

  • Open transport: For this transport, your bike is attached to a tow trailer or flatbed truck, leaving it exposed to debris. If your motorcycle isn’t fragile, this is a cost-effective option.

  • Enclosed transport: Motorcycles are shipped in an enclosed trailer, giving them the best protection from debris, weather and theft.

  • Container and pallet: For this transport type, your bike is placed onto a pallet and then secured in a container, like a wooden crate, before being loaded onto a truck.

  • Freight shipping: Similar to container and pallet shipping, the provider’s team will place your motorcycle onto a pallet and secure it inside a wooden crate before it’s transported on a train, ship or aircraft.

Factors that impact motorcycle shipping cost

Distance, the size and weight of the bike, mileage, season and pickup/drop-off points significantly impact shipping motorcycle costs.

Distance and route

Shipping your bike a short distance may cost as little as $500, but a longer distance quickly increases prices. Cross-country shipments are far more time-consuming and expensive than moving a motorcycle within the same state, so anticipate higher prices if you’re shipping out of state. The company may use multiple carriers, leading to potential transfers, longer transit times and higher costs.

Traffic jams and congested areas also increase costs as your bike takes longer to reach its destination, even if the miles traveled are the same.

Motorcycle shipping cost by distance

*Figures are based on open motorcycle transport prices, averaging between 60 and 90 cents per mile. Source: CitizenShipper

Insurance

Most auto insurance policies offer no protection for motorcycles while being shipped, so supplemental insurance coverage is a must. If you have a more expensive bike or a collectible, leave more room in your budget, as this will increase insurance costs.

Motorcycle size and weight

Larger motorcycles cost more to ship because they take up more space in the transporter, leaving less space for other motorcycles. Most spots on motorcycle carriers have room for a 4’ x 9’ bike, so if your vehicle is larger than this, expect to pay more for the additional space.

Heavier models, like Harley-Davidsons, can also increase shipping costs even if they fit into the provided space.

Pickup and drop-off points

The more miles your motorcycle travels, the more you can expect to pay. Common routes, such as shipping between big cities in Texas and California, may save you money compared to shipping to a small, remote town.

Transport type

While open freight is more affordable than closed freight, most motorcycle owners choose closed freight or, ideally, crate transit for extra protection. Crate shipping prevents your bike from shifting around, providing additional peace of mind.

Motorcycle shipping cost by transport type

* Figures based on average domestic shipping costs to all locations.

Season

Auto transport is usually less expensive during winter, while prices see all-time highs during summer or peak travel times.

Hidden costs of motorcycle shipping

No one wants to be surprised by hidden fees, so keep these possible added costs in mind when arranging your motorcycle shipment:

  • Delivery attempt fees: If the driver can’t access the location or you can’t meet the driver, expect to pay a delivery attempt fee. This fee is usually between $50 and $200.

  • Express shipping: If you need your motorcycle delivered as soon as possible, you can pay extra for priority shipping, which moves your bike to the front of the line. This fee varies by carrier but is usually a few hundred dollars. For example, American Auto Shipping offers different levels of express shipping, which are $200 or $500, depending on how last-minute the reservation is.

  • Fuel surcharges: Diesel fuel prices are set by the U.S. Energy Information Administration and are outside the carrier’s control.

  • Insurance: Most carriers provide coverage between $7,000 and $15,000, but you may want to pay for a more comprehensive plan if you have a collector’s bike.

How to save money on motorcycle shipping

Motorcycle shipping can be expensive. Here’s how to save money:

  • Shop around: Gather quotes and negotiate with multiple motorcycle transit companies before booking.

  • Make an advanced reservation: If you book early, your bike may be transported on a more optimal route, saving you money on distance charges. You’ll also avoid premium express shipping fees.

  • Choose the right drop-off location: Large trucks often deliver motorcycles to their final destination, so choose a place that isn’t busy with ample parking to accommodate the truck’s size to avoid attempted delivery fees.

  • Consolidate shipments: If you have multiple bikes, combine your shipment. Many companies offer multi-bike discounts.

Another option is having the bike dropped off at a warehouse. “It is also often cheaper by about $200,” said Guillermo Cornejo, the co-founder and CEO of Riders Share. “We like working with vendors that have a wide network of warehouses for this reason. ”

Tips to prepare your motorcycle for shipping

“Savings come from preparing the motorcycle ahead of the trip, booking during the slower seasons — such as during winter months — and, finally, by being flexible on the timeline. By far, the biggest cost-influencing variable in motorcycle shipping is the delivery time frame,” said Matt Matasci, a content editor of marketplace CitizenShipper.

Before dropping your bike off, remove all personal belongings, accessories and alarms to keep them safe and reduce your bike’s overall weight. Next, clean your motorcycle so it’s free of heavy dirt, including any soil deposits on the wheels or tires.

Lastly, take detailed pictures of your bike at the drop-off location in case you need to dispute any damages or make a claim.

Bottom line

Motorcycle shipping costs vary significantly based on the distance, bike model, season and type of transportation, but you can expect to pay around $1,000 to $2,000 for cross-country shipping. Shorter distances may cost as little as $500.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.

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