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By Amy DeYoung, Roxanne Downer and Allaire Conte, CNN Underscored
5 minute read
Published 11:04 AM EDT, Tue April 30, 2024
What's in this guide
- How motorcycle shipping works
- Factors that impact motorcycle shipping cost
- Hidden costs of motorcycle shipping
- How to save money on motorcycle shipping
- Tips to prepare your motorcycle for shipping
- Bottom line
- Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
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.
Key takeaways
Expect to pay around $1,000 to $2,000 for cross-country shipping.
It may cost as little as $500 to ship your motorcycle locally.
Closed freight shipping is more expensive than open freight, but the extra cost is often worth the peace of mind.
Motorcycle shipping costs vary significantly based on the distance, bike model, season and type of transportation.
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
| Distance | Average cost * | |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles to New York City | 2,790 miles | $2,092 |
| Cleveland to Miami | 1,242 miles | $931.50 |
| Phoenix to Austin, Texas | 1,006 miles | $754.50 |
*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
| Average cost* | |
|---|---|
| Open freight | $1,000 |
| Closed freight | $1,450 |
| Crate (cost added to freight cost) | $200 to $400 |
* 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.
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)
The average cost to ship a motorcycle is between $1,000 and $2,000, depending on the distance and carrier. However, shipping your bike a short distance may cost as little as $500. Other factors like open versus enclosed shipping, the time of year and your bike’s size and weight will determine the final price.
One of the cheapest ways to ship a motorcycle is by putting the bike on a trailer, pickup truck or utility van. You’ll need to secure it properly to avoid causing damage to your motorcycle. In some cases, shipping your bike through a car shipping service may be cheaper than the cost of travel, fuel, renting a trailer and lodging, so calculate several transit options before deciding.
Yes, you can ship a motorcycle internationally but expect to pay premium rates, especially if your motorcycle needs to travel overseas. The average rate to ship a bike internationally starts at $750 for a standard-size bike to common destinations like Australia or the United Kingdom. However, it can cost $2,000 or more, especially if your bike isn’t operable.
Research specialized motorcycle shipping companies, as they will have custom crates, straps and the experience needed to transport your bike safely. You’ll also want to consider the carrier’s insurance options, shipping process and if they offer storage and shipment tracking. Lastly, check their claims rate by asking them about their claims history and researching customer reviews on reputable sites like Trustpilot.
Yes, the weight and size of a motorcycle greatly influence the shipping cost, especially for enclosed shipping. If your bike takes up more room or space, shipping costs will be higher because there is less room for other motorcycles or vehicles. Lightweight motorcycle models, like a Kawasaki Ninja 400, weigh less and are usually more compact, making them less expensive to ship than heavy-duty ones.
Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
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