Cross country motorcycle shipping can be daunting. Whether moving for a new job, buying a bike from a faraway seller, or merely want to skip the long drive, knowing the nitty-gritty of cross country motorcycle shipping is crucial. Many riders choose to transport a motorcycle across country to avoid unnecessary mileage or wear on their bikes. Here, we will lead you through everything you need to know about shipping a motorcycle across the nation, including the advantages, factors involved in cost, and how Bold Auto Transport can make your experience a breeze.
Motorcycle shipping is the company service of towing motorcycles thousands of miles without you taking them for a ride. Instead of riding thousands of miles on your motorbike, you arrange to have it transported by a professional hauler and have it delivered safely from point A to point B. This service is especially crucial for motorcyclists who don't want to put mileage on their bike, want to save time, or simply are unable to take the motorcycle out themselves due to logistics or adverse weather conditions.
Most commonly, motorcycles are transported on open carriers or enclosed trailers. Open carriers are the cheapest and most sought-after variety, but they expose your bike to the elements. Enclosed trailers, although being costlier, provide your bike with extra protection against weather, road obstructions, and potential damage. Either option, your motorcycle is treated by professional carriers with the utmost care so it can reach the destination in the same state it left.
When you decide to ship a motorcycle across the country, the process normally begins with the selection of the transport means and company. You can choose door-to-door, whereby the carrier picks up and delivers your bike at the destinations you select, or terminal-to-terminal, where you drop off and collect your motorcycle at fixed transport facilities. Door-to-door service is more comfortable but somewhat more expensive. It’s important to understand the cost to ship a motorcycle cross country early on, as factors like distance, transport type, and timing can all influence the final price.
Once you have your shipment organized, the carrier will schedule pickup on a specific date. Before loading your motorcycle, it's examined and secured with specially designed straps and supports to prevent movement in transit. For the ride, most carriers permit you to track your motorcycle in real time, so you can watch it travel to its destination. When budgeting for your move, keep in mind that the cost to ship a motorcycle cross country can vary, but choosing a reliable service like Bold Auto Transport ensures value for your investment. Bold Auto Transport is distinguished by its convenient cross country motorcycle shipping experience, taking care to get your bike to its destination safely and on time.
Transporting your motorcycle instead of driving it across the nation has several solid advantages. For starters, it saves you precious time and energy. Cross-country drives drain you and even are dangerous at times when weather or road conditions are bad. Shipping your bike lets you avoid those risks and arrive safely in one piece.
Shipment also causes less wear and tear on your motorcycle. Thousands of miles of riding can mean costly repairs and potential damage. By having a professional shipper care for your bike, you can keep it in good condition and maintain its resale value. Shippers also usually offer insurance protection, which means you can have confidence your motorcycle will be safe while in transit.
To transport a motorcycle cross country effectively, start with researching good, reputable companies with proven track records. Request quotes to compare price and service and utilize resources like the Car Shipping Cost Calculator to obtain a rough estimate. Select open or enclosed transport depending on budget and amount of protection needed for your motorcycle.
After choosing a carrier to ship your motorcycle across country, arrange a pickup date according to your schedule. Pre-clean your motorcycle and take off any loose accessories or personal effects before pickup. Preparing your motorcycle in this manner avoids damage and facilitates inspection. On the pickup date, the carrier will inspect your motorcycle, strap it down safely, and depart.
On delivery, examine your bike closely for damage and record the condition upon receipt immediately. This allows any claims to be quickly processed if necessary. Lastly, make payment as agreed and enjoy your motorcycle at its new destination.
Cost for moving a motorcycle across country varies based on several factors such as distance, mode of transport, and pick-up and drop locations. Generally, the longer the distance, the more the cost, but the charge per mile decreases for longer transports. If you're planning to transport a motorcycle across country, understanding the logistics and available shipping options will help you choose the most reliable and stress-free method.
To give you a clearer picture, here’s a comparison of estimated cost ranges based on distance and transport type:
Distance (miles) | Cost Range (Open Carrier) | Cost Range (Enclosed Carrier) |
Under 500 | $300 – $600 | $600 – $1,000 |
500 – 999 | $400 – $800 | $800 – $1,300 |
1,000 – 1,999 | $650 – $1,200 | $1,200 – $1,800 |
2,000+ (Cross Country) | $700 – $1,600 | $1,500 – $2,300 |
Preparing your motorcycle properly is essential for a smooth and successful shipment. If you’re getting ready to ship a motorcycle cross country, taking these preparatory steps can help protect your bike and ensure it arrives without any issues. Follow these key steps before handing over your bike:
Clean Your Motorcycle: A thorough wash helps reveal any existing scratches or dents and allows the carrier to inspect it accurately.
Remove Loose Items: Take off saddlebags, GPS units, and any aftermarket accessories to prevent damage or loss during transit.
Check for Fluid Leaks: Repair any oil or fuel leaks beforehand to avoid safety hazards and potential damage to other vehicles.
Maintain Fuel Level: Keep your gas tank about a quarter full to reduce weight and minimize the risk of spills.
Charge the Battery: Ensure the battery is fully charged to help with secure loading and prevent issues during transport.
Inflate Tires Properly: Check and adjust tire pressure to facilitate safe handling while loading and unloading.
Document Condition: Take detailed photos from multiple angles to record your motorcycle’s condition for insurance purposes.
Disable Alarms: Turn off any alarms to prevent battery drain and avoid unnecessary noise during the journey.
At Bold Auto Transport, we understand that shipping a motorcycle across country is more than just a transaction—it's about trust and peace of mind. Whether you need to Ship a Car Across the Country or transport a motorcycle, our experienced team tailors solutions to meet your specific needs. Our team is dedicated to providing a smooth shipping experience, from when you request a quote to the day your motorcycle is safely delivered to its new destination.
We offer open and enclosed shipping solutions, both to your security and budgetary requirements. Our door-to-door service minimizes the inconvenience of drop-offs and pickups at terminals, saving you time and effort. Through our real-time tracking, you can trace your motorcycle's ride step by step.
The best way to haul a motorcycle coast to coast is up to your personal choices. If budget is foremost, open-air carriers provide an affordable and secure means. They are engineered as the industry standard and will provide safe transport for most bikes.
But if you have a vintage or specialty bike, or wish to have all the protection possible from weather and road debris, enclosed trailers are worth the extra expense. They completely enclose your bike, so that it arrives in pristine condition.
Lastly, the best choice balances cost, security, and simplicity. By getting ahead and working with a reputable car transport company, you have the assurance that your motorcycle will arrive safely and on time.
On average, shipping a motorcycle across the country costs between $700 and $1,600, depending on distance and transport type. Longer distances may reduce the per-mile price.
Yes, preparing your motorcycle is essential. Cleaning it, removing loose items, checking for leaks, and documenting existing damage help ensure a smooth transport process.
Most professional shipping companies provide insurance coverage during transit. However, coverage limits vary, so it’s wise to verify details and consider additional insurance if needed.
Generally, most motorcycles can be shipped. Oversized or heavily modified bikes may require special arrangements. It’s best to consult with the transport company beforehand.
Motorcycles are secured using specialized tie-down straps and supports to prevent movement and damage throughout the journey.
Yes, many companies, including Bold Auto Transport, offer real-time tracking so you can monitor your motorcycle’s location during transit.
Bold Auto Transport is widely recognized for its reliable, affordable, and professional cross country motorcycle shipping services.
Using an open-air carrier with terminal-to-terminal service usually offers the lowest cost for cross country motorcycle shipping.
Shipping a motorcycle is generally less expensive than shipping a car due to its smaller size and lighter weight, though exact costs depend on distance and transport options.
