Best Motorcycle Shipping Companies in 2026

Why Motorcycle Shipping Requires the Right Company

A motorcycle on a car carrier without proper equipment is a liability. Bikes are lighter, narrower, and less stable than cars. They can shift during transit, fall over, or get damaged by tie-down straps that were designed for vehicles with frames and axles — not for chrome exhaust pipes and carbon fiber fairings.

The companies that ship motorcycles well use carriers with dedicated motorcycle equipment: wheel chocks bolted to the trailer deck, soft loop straps that wrap around handlebars and frame points without scratching, and cradle systems that hold the bike upright through acceleration, braking, and turns. Some carriers specialize in motorcycles exclusively. Others handle both cars and bikes but have the right equipment for both.

We reviewed pricing, equipment standards, insurance terms, and customer experience across the most-used motorcycle shipping companies. Here is what we found.

Top 5 Motorcycle Shipping Companies

1. Bold Auto Transport — Best Overall for Motorcycle Shipping

Bold earns the top spot for motorcycle shipping because it solves the two biggest problems riders face when shipping a bike: finding a carrier who actually has motorcycle-specific equipment, and getting real communication about where your bike is during transit.

Bold works with carriers who have proper motorcycle equipment — wheel chocks, soft loop straps, and stable cradle positions. The carrier vetting process specifically checks for motorcycle handling experience, not just general auto transport authority. Every customer gets a dedicated transport coordinator who manages the shipment from pickup to delivery and communicates directly with the driver.

The $0 deductible insurance is included on every motorcycle shipment at no extra cost. If your bike gets scratched, dented, or damaged during loading, transit, or unloading, you pay nothing. Most competitors either charge extra for motorcycle-specific insurance or pass you through to the carrier's policy with a deductible.

Motorcycle shipping through Bold starts from $300 for shorter routes, making it competitive with motorcycle-only specialists while providing a higher level of personal service.

• Rating: 4.7/5 from 500+ verified reviews
• BBB: A+ accredited
• Insurance: $0 deductible, included free on every shipment
• Motorcycle Price Range: From $300 (varies by distance and bike type)
• Best For: Any motorcycle owner who wants reliable shipping with personal service and full insurance

Get a Free Motorcycle Shipping Quote →

2. Motorcycle Shippers (motorcycleshippers.com)

Motorcycle Shippers is a motorcycle-only transport company that has been in the business for over 20 years. Since they only ship motorcycles, every carrier in their network has the right equipment by default. They handle everything from sport bikes to Harleys to trikes. Their terminal-to-terminal network covers most of the U.S.

The downside is pricing. Motorcycle Shippers tends to run higher than multi-vehicle brokers because their overhead is built around motorcycle-only operations. Door-to-door service costs extra beyond their base terminal-to-terminal rate. And while the specialization is genuine, you are paying a premium for it compared to a broker like Bold that has motorcycle-capable carriers in a broader network.

• Strength: Motorcycle-only specialist, 20+ years experience, terminal network
• Weakness: Higher pricing, door-to-door costs extra, smaller network than multi-vehicle brokers

3. HaulBikes (haulbikes.com)

HaulBikes is another motorcycle specialist that operates on a zone-based pricing model. You pick your origin and destination zones, and they give you a flat rate. This makes pricing predictable and easy to understand. They offer both open and enclosed motorcycle transport and have a decent track record with standard motorcycle shipments.

The zone-based model can work against you on shorter routes where distance-based pricing would be cheaper. Their service model is more transactional — you book, they assign a carrier, and you get basic updates. There is no dedicated coordinator managing your specific shipment. For a $5,000 Sportster, that might be fine. For a $30,000 custom build, you probably want more attention.

• Strength: Motorcycle specialist, zone-based flat pricing, open and enclosed options
• Weakness: Zone pricing can overprice short routes, no dedicated coordinator, basic communication

4. Montway Auto Transport

Montway is one of the largest auto transport brokers in the U.S. with over 100,000 customer reviews. They handle motorcycles along with cars, trucks, and SUVs. Their carrier network is wide, so they can usually find a motorcycle-capable carrier for most routes. Brand recognition and review volume are their biggest strengths.

The challenge with Montway for motorcycles specifically is that they are not a motorcycle specialist. Your bike is a small job in a massive operation focused primarily on cars. The carriers assigned may handle motorcycles occasionally rather than regularly. Their call center model means you speak to a different agent each time you call. Insurance deductibles vary by carrier.

• Strength: Huge network, strong brand, 100K+ reviews, handles all vehicle types
• Weakness: Not motorcycle-specialized, call center model, variable insurance terms

5. uShip

uShip is a marketplace where you post your motorcycle shipment and carriers bid on it. This can occasionally produce lower prices through competitive bidding. You can also read carrier reviews before accepting a bid, which gives some transparency into who is handling your bike.

The problem is quality control. There is no service layer between you and the carrier. If a carrier damages your bike, you deal with them directly. There are no insurance guarantees from uShip itself. The carriers bidding may or may not have motorcycle-specific equipment — you have to ask each one. And there is no dedicated coordinator; you manage the logistics yourself. For experienced shippers who know the right questions to ask, uShip can work. For a first-time motorcycle shipper, it is risky.

• Strength: Competitive bidding, carrier reviews visible, can find good deals
• Weakness: No service layer, no insurance guarantee, inconsistent carrier quality, you are on your own

Motorcycle Shipping Company Comparison

Here is how the top motorcycle transport companies compare side by side:

What to Look for in a Motorcycle Shipper

Motorcycle shipping has specific requirements that car shipping does not. Here is what separates a good motorcycle transport company from one that treats your bike like cargo:

Motorcycle-Specific Equipment

This is non-negotiable. The carrier should use wheel chocks (metal or heavy-duty plastic cradles that lock the front wheel in place and prevent rolling), soft loop straps (fabric straps that wrap around handlebars and frame points without metal hooks touching the bike), and stable tie-down points on the trailer deck. Ask the company whether their carriers have dedicated motorcycle positions on the trailer or whether they strap bikes to car positions with adapters. Purpose-built motorcycle positions are always better.

Loading and Unloading Experience

Most motorcycle damage happens during loading and unloading, not during transit. The driver needs to know how to roll a bike up a ramp (or onto a lift gate) without dropping it, how to mount it in the chock without scraping the fender, and how to strap it down without overtightening and compressing the forks. Ask the company how many motorcycles their carriers load per week. A driver who handles five bikes a day is in a different league than one who loads a motorcycle once a month.

Insurance That Actually Covers Motorcycles

Standard auto transport insurance policies may not adequately cover motorcycles, or may have exclusions for chrome damage, custom paint, or aftermarket parts. Ask whether the insurance covers the declared value of your motorcycle specifically, what the deductible is, and whether custom modifications are covered. The best option is a company like Bold that includes $0 deductible coverage on every motorcycle shipment.

Open vs. Enclosed Options

A good motorcycle shipping company should offer both open and enclosed transport. Open is fine for most standard bikes — it is how the majority of motorcycles are shipped. Enclosed is worth it for custom builds, vintage bikes, and high-value machines. If a company only offers one option, you are either overpaying for a standard bike (enclosed-only) or unable to protect a valuable one (open-only).

How Much Does Motorcycle Shipping Cost?

Motorcycle shipping costs less than car shipping because bikes take up less space on the trailer. Here is what to expect by distance:

Prices are estimates for a standard motorcycle. Trikes, custom choppers, and oversized touring bikes may cost more. Use our cost calculator for a personalized estimate.

Open vs. Enclosed Transport for Motorcycles

Both options work for motorcycles, but the right choice depends on your bike and how much protection you want:

Most motorcycles ship open without any issues. Open transport is the industry standard and how the majority of bikes move across the country. Enclosed is the right choice when the cost of potential cosmetic damage (paint chips, dust, water spots) outweighs the extra shipping cost. Read our full open vs enclosed guide →

How to Prepare Your Motorcycle for Shipping

Proper preparation takes 15-20 minutes and helps prevent damage during loading and transit. Here is a quick checklist:

• Remove loose accessories — Saddlebags, GPS mounts, phone holders, and loose mirrors should come off. Anything that can shift, swing, or snap off during transport should be removed and shipped separately.
• Check tire pressure — Inflate tires to the manufacturer's recommended PSI. Proper tire pressure helps the bike sit stable in the wheel chock.
• Reduce fuel to 1/4 tank — Enough fuel for the carrier to roll the bike on and off the trailer, but not so much that it adds unnecessary weight or spill risk.
• Charge the battery — The carrier needs to be able to start the bike or at least disengage the steering lock. A dead battery creates loading delays.
• Document existing damage — Take dated photos of every angle before the carrier arrives. Note scratches, dents, chips, and any existing cosmetic issues. This is your proof if a damage claim is ever needed.
• Disable the alarm — An alarm going off on a moving trailer is a problem. Disable it before pickup.
• Check for leaks — Oil, coolant, or brake fluid leaks can damage other vehicles on the trailer and may cause the carrier to refuse loading.

For a more detailed guide, see our full motorcycle shipping page.