Are you a motorcycle owner moving long distances? Are you involved in selling or buying motorcycles that might need cross-country shipping? If your answer is yes, then you need to consider hiring the services of a professional motorcycle moving company.
If you plan to relocate to another state or across the country, you might consider riding your motorcycle to its new destination. However, driving your bike has numerous challenges, including road conditions, travel expenses, bad weather, and insufficient space for moving other items.
Before you hire a motorbike, company or moving company, first consider the cost as it’s quite high, and this depends on the fuel price, travel distance, and many other factors. This article has your motorcycle shipping expenses explained, among other vital aspects of motorbike shipping. So, if you’re stuck thinking about how to go about your bike shipment, get started with the information below:
The standard average cost to ship a motorcycle around 1,000 miles is $400 – $600. This price can go higher depending on the distance, motorbike weight, transportation type, moving company, and type of bike.
For example, to ship a motorbike across the country costs a minimum of $1,100 and as low as $200 to ship a short distance.
Factors That Affect Motorcycle Shipping Cost
1. Distance
Distance is one of the main factors when calculating the price of motorbike shipping. Reputable moving companies offer their customers or clients affordable deals if the pickup point is within range.
It’s less expensive if you’re sending your motorcycle to an urban area rather than a remote or rural area. It costs more if you send it across the country/world or long distance.
But mileage isn’t the only factor in shipping distance. The longer the carrier drives, the more you’ll have to pay. Traffic jams, road closures, and construction can add to the cost.
2. Enclosed Vs. Open Transport
These two options are available for shipping your bike, enclosed, and open transport. In open transport, your bike will be exposed to weather elements and road debris that can damage your bike’s finish throughout the journey; there are no walls or roofs.
Open transport can save you up to 25%, and it’s recommended for bikes with existing wear and dirt bikes.
While in enclosed transport, your motorbike will be placed inside a safe and secure truck, safe from weather elements and road debris.
Many bike-moving companies and owners understand that taking care of and ensuring the safety of their motorcycles is essential. Hence, they choose enclosed transport as the risk is minimal. The enclosed transport costs more but offers excellent protection for your bike in transit.
Read this to understand more.
3. Motorcycle Weight and Size
The size of your motorbike matters when it comes to moving motorcycles. The cost of motorbike shipment depends on standard motorbike specs, which occupy one space on the shipment trailer.
The average amount costs around $0.50 – $1 per pound. If your bike is much heavier or bigger, you will be charged for an oversized bike. It’s vital that you know the weight of your motorbike before shipping it.
Most carriers offer you an estimator where you enter the model and weight of your motorbike to receive a quote. Also, shipping oversized bikes requires unique packing resources to guarantee their condition.
4. Additional Insurance
Most moving companies include insurance, but it might not be enough to cover the worth of your motorbike. If the cost of your bike is high, then you should buy additional insurance coverage.
Check the moving company’s insurance policy and inquire about the deductible. Also, find out the supplemental policies they offer. This information is crucial, especially if something happens to your motorbike during transport.
Visit https://theinsuranceuniverse.com/coverage-for-bicycle-transport-and-shipping/ to learn more about bike insurance.
5. Pick Up and Drop Off Points
You’re likely to save on motorbike shipments if you live close to a major trucking route or in an urban area. Depending on your location, you can choose where your carrier picks up your motorcycle and drops it off (terminal-to-terminal shipping). Door-to-door shipping is convenient, but it comes with a higher price.
6. Time Of the Year
The time of the year when motorbike shipment is at its highest is during summer and spring, and the prices are much higher during these seasons. The best time to get deals and discounts on motorcycle shipments is during fall, as businesses tend to slow down during this time.
However, if you wait for too long, the weather during winter may increase transportation costs and delay shipment.
7. Additional Fees
Most motorbike moving companies include additional fees depending on the shipping job. Below are the following things you should look out for when given a quote:
- Mileage fees
- Fuel surcharges
- Crating service fees
- Gate or residential fees
Hiring a reputable and experienced motorcycle shipment company makes shipping simple and hassle-free. Be sure to consider the above-mentioned costs before moving your motorcycle.
