Shipping a motorcycle (or scooter) can be frustrating if you don't know where to look for a shipper. While any shipper or mover can technically handle the job, you don't want just anyone dumping your prized two-wheel transportation in the back of a semi like just another crate. There are shippers and methods available specific to motorcycles that can treat your bike a bit better than the normal cargo.

Crate it Yourself

The first option, which may be cheaper, depending on which shipper you hire to actually move the bike, is to crate the motorcycle yourself. You can build your own crate using materials from a hardware or lumber store. Make sure to drain the bike of all fluids completely, install hooks in the floor, and tie down the bike with heavy-duty nylon straps. Then build a frame around the bike to protect it. Board up the framed bike, leaving enough room on the bottom for a forklift to move the box. When done, just bring the box to your shipper and send it to the new address. UPS freight can handle the box, just as as any other shipper can.

Motorcycle-Specific Shippers

Some shippers, like Forward Air, specifically cater to motorcycle owners. They have containers predesigned to carry and move motorcycles. And these shippers can move both by ground and by air for affordable prices. Expect to pay something between $350 to $700 with these businesses, depending on the distance the bike has to travel. The process involves you bringing the motorcycle to the shipper, paying the fees, and then arranging pickup near the destination. These kinds of shippers aren't in every location and cater to large urban areas with airports, so you might still need to arrange local delivery or pickup.

Have a Friend or Proxy Deliver the Bike

If you know a friend or acquaintance who is going to the same place you want your bike to go, she might be able to truck or drive your motorcycle for you. Depending on her ability and your trust level, this method could give you more peace of mind than trusting an unknown shipper. Assume you will need to pay for gas, lodging and some incentive to ensure there is no cost to the person providing this service.

General Shippers/Movers

General shippers and movers will handle your motorcycle under certain conditions. Typically, movers like to handle large loads and will take your motorcycle if they are moving quite a bit more, such as the entire contents of a garage or household. Their cost is not worth shipping just a motorcycle alone. General shippers or freight handlers will charge by the pound and destination, but they can do the job. You will almost always need to provide the container for the motorcycle, but both general shippers and movers can deliver to a specific destination.

Do It Yourself

You might decide that doing the shipping yourself could be easier. If you have your own truck or can borrow one, your costs will then be mainly gas for the distance. If you don't have a truck, consider renting a van or truck from a rental agency like Ryder or U-Haul. Many have vans with cargo rears, pickup trucks and regular cargo trucks. If you don't mind a daily fee and destination charge, driving yourself, loading and unloading, this may be the best way to go. Make sure to have a ramp of some sort, as lifting a motorcycle by yourself might not be possible.

Source:

Haul Bikes: article: "How to Ship a Motorcycle"

Jim's Harley Davidson: video: "How to Ship a Motorcycle"

ShippingMasters: FAQ: "Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Shipping"

More Information:

JC Motors: motorcycle shipping

Forward Air

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