Among vehicle owners, the cost to ship a motorcycle is the biggest concern. As much as possible, motorcycle owners want to protect their bikes, but they also want to find the carrier that offers the best value for their money.
I will explore the factors that influence the final cost to ship a motorcycle in this blog post.
Factors Affecting Motorcycle Transport Costs
In addition to those factors listed below, you’ll need to consider the following when calculating actual costs.
Shipment Distance
Mileage is a major determinant of motorcycle shipping costs. The cost of transporting a package over a longer distance is lower per mile, but the overall price is normally higher. You may have to pay more if you choose to pick up your motorcycle in a nearby state or city, since the driver may have to travel far in order to load it on the trailer.
Vehicle
Price may also vary depending on what type of motorcycle you have. There are sometimes additional considerations to take into account when transporting Harley-Davidsons, vintage bikes, trikes, and super sport vehicles. Additionally, the condition and value of your motorcycle will play a role, as will any accessories you have on your bike, such as a sidecar.
Transport Mode
The mode of transport you choose will also play a role in how much motorcycle shipping costs. The cost of overseas shipments or Hawaii car shipping from the continental United States will be significantly higher since boats may be required. Several types of international transportation are available, including trains and trailers.
Open or enclosed trailers are the options you have when selecting a trailer. In most cases, a motorcycle can be transported on an open trailer for a lower cost, which exposes the motorcycle to weather elements throughout its journey. In addition to costing more, enclosed trailers offer better protection against the weather and road debris that could cause damage to your vehicle. When shipping a motorcycle, most owners select enclosed transport so as to diminish the risk of damage and theft.
Delivery Method
Deliveries of motorcycles are typically door-to-door, meaning the driver comes to your home or office and drops it off. Pricing for this service might be higher. Many carriers have many distribution centers across the country, which makes it possible to ship motorcycles from one to another. This will result in significant cost savings.
You may not be able to pick up or have your order delivered to your home, depending on where you live. The driver might not be able to load/unload the truck on a narrow street or busy city street if you live there. You will find another location if this is the case.
Timeline
The cost to ship a motorcycle will be less when motorcycle owners can pick up and drop off their vehicles at different times and days. Pricing can also vary by season. During the summer months, demand is greatest – and therefore, prices are also higher. During the winter months, the demand is least. When you aren’t on a strict schedule for shipping your motorcycle, you’ll save the most money by transporting it in the winter.
Unlike most shippers, a4autoTransport negotiates discounts and fixed rates with the best motorcycle shippers, allowing you to receive a set price that’s not directly affected by fluctuations in demand.
Motorcycle Shipping Insurance
Carriers are not required to provide liability insurance for vehicles. Many carriers do not offer cargo insurance independently from vehicle coverage. You should verify the kind of insurance offered by your shipper with your shipment. By this you have the coverage you need.
It offers peace of mind to work with a trusted carrier when it comes to covering your transportation needs. In addition to validating the coverage amount, they will also share recommendations for additional coverage if necessary. Usually, you can obtain additional coverage directly from the carrier, or from your own insurer.
Get a Motorcycle Shipping Quote
It’s easy to get a price quote for motorcycle shipping. You can request a quote directly from a carrier by calling them and providing details about your shipment, or you can do it online on the carrier’s or broker’s website. details required:
- Locations for pick-ups and drops
- Model, year, and make of the motorcycle
- Preferred transport mode (open vs. enclosed)
- Availability of pick-up date