Shipping a motorcycle is easier than you think. Whether it’s bringing a new motorcycle purchase home or shipping your bike to meet you in another state to take part in an event, often a motorcycle transporter is the safest, most reliable method for getting your bike to its destination unscathed.
Benefits of motorcycle shipping
There are many times as riders that we are at war with ourselves; our heart says ride, and our head says transport. As exhilarating as it can be to acquire a new motorcycle, sometimes the bike is simply not up to the journey, or our schedules don’t allow for the riding time between point A and point B. If you’ve bought a motorcycle online and the bike is many miles away, a motorcycle shipper is the safest and least expensive way to get that bike to the anxious buyer. If you’re preparing to sell a motorcycle online, investigate shippers to determine which one you’d prefer to work with. Once you’ve selected a shipper, determine where the truck can pick up your bike and how you’ll get the bike to the pickup location. Shipping is the buyer's responsibility, but it's a good idea for both parties to agree on using a professional shipper.
How to choose a motorcycle shipping company
Currently, several companies offer motorcycle shipping in the US:
· Daily Direct (https://haulbikes.com)
· uShip (https://www.uship.com)
· Federal Motorcycle Transport (https://federalcos.com)
· Mecum Auto Transport (https://transport.mecum.com)
Each company listed does business differently, so it’s important to check their services carefully. While each of these companies can ship your motorcycle to a chosen destination, not all of them are specifically designed for motorcycle transportation. Depending on the service, your motorcycle might be transported alongside other goods.
Haulbikes is the only company that is geared towards motorcycle transportation. Their 20+ years of experience in the motorcycle shipping business has seen them transport bikes for Harley-Davidson and Honda and some of the biggest auctions in the country. Haulbikes trucks are equipped with purpose-built trailers that are enclosed to protect your motorcycle from the weather and other elements on the journey. Their double-decker trailers enable them to carry more bikes per load, keeping costs in check.
Once you’ve decided on a motorcycle shipping company, it’s time to provide the necessary details to make the process as smooth as possible. The shipper will want to know the exact pickup and delivery locations. Ensure you’re giving the shipper locations where the driver can maneuver a 40-foot-long trailer. Narrow street with no parking space, forget it. A steep hill where the trailer can’t sit level, forget it. Meet the driver at a truck stop, motorcycle dealership, or a large parking lot that doesn’t have much traffic. Some shippers have warehouse locations around the country, and these can be helpful for the driver. You may save a little money by delivering to or picking up from the shipper’s warehouse.
Insurance
Motorcycle shipping companies often include insurance for your vehicle. Transportation insurance is primarily designed to protect the condition and value of your motorcycle during transportation. There are limitations to every insurance policy, so check that your motorcycle’s worth is completely covered before committing to a particular service. For classic, collectible motorcycles of a higher value, additional insurance can be acquired. Insurance is always the buyer's responsibility; confirm this with the buyer before shipping arrangements are made.
Conclusion
Sellers and buyers should embrace shipping when they sell a motorcycle online when the bike needs to be delivered to a distant city or state. A professional shipper can save time and money and reduce the chances of damage. Using a company with purpose-built motorcycle trailers adds more confidence that your sale or purchase will reach the intended destination safely. Our recommendation is DailyDirect at HaulBikes.com.
The Author
Clay Baker is a motorcycle enthusiast, collector, and restorer. Clay is also a managing partner at an investment firm where he analyzes companies and co-directs investment strategies. Clay's background in investing turned into a passion for determining valuations for collectible motorcycles and ultimately led him to launch Motonexus.
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