Best motorcycle shipping companies

Your motorcycle does more than just get you from point A to point B. It’s an expression of who you are and a treasured possession, so you want to make sure it is safely transported to its new home.

Using an auto transporter to move your bike will help ensure it arrives safely and quickly to its destination. While there are many similarities between shipping a car and shipping a motorcycle, it’s best to work with companies that have specific experience shipping motorcycles.

We chose our top motorcycle shipping companies by looking at popular vehicle transporters and comparing transport options, customer service, pricing and reviews. Our picks may be Authorized Partners who compensate us — this does not affect our recommendations or evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear.

Compare top motorcycle shipping companies

Montway Auto Transport provides enclosed motorcycle shipping to all 50 states and internationally. The company works with a network of shippers, and Montway states that its set rates are not affected by increased demands, meaning you shouldn’t see much of a markup if you have to ship during a busier-than-usual time for the company.

The company uses enclosed carriers for motorcycle shipping to help protect your bike from road debris and inclement weather. While you’ll need to ensure your motorcycle’s gas tank is less than three-quarters full, you won’t need to drain any fluids or disconnect the battery.

What reviewers say: Montway has received high marks from its customers who've left reviews on our site, with many people reporting an excellent overall experience.

“Montway did a great job and it was a top-notch experience,” said a reviewer from Michigan. “It was easy to schedule when I signed up with them. The pickup and delivery were on time and the guys were very careful with the bike and got it there without a mark. The service was worth every penny.”

“When my motorcycle got to the other end of the line, they went above and beyond in unloading and taking care of it,” said a reviewer from New York. “It also arrived in the same condition as it was when it left.”

SGT Auto Transport offers enclosed shipping to all states and Washington, D.C., and offers perks like 24/7 customer service and free cancellation. The company also doesn’t require any payment until the shipment has been assigned to one of its carriers.

SGT lets you ship motorcycles and cars together, which could be a good option if you’re moving across the country and have to ship multiple vehicles.

What reviewers say: Satisfied SGT Auto Transport customers who left reviews on our site appreciate SGT’s clear communication.

“They are consistent, very well priced, communicate extremely well (which is key when you’re moving a car across the country), and they have always been on time,” stated a customer from Michigan who has shipped multiple cars and a motorcycle with the company.

Other reviewers noted the clear communication and customer service isn’t just a selling technique — the company’s representatives remain attentive though the entire transport.

“There were a few times that I called back to ask different questions about stuff and tried to get dates situated in correspondence with the person that owned the motorcycle,” stated a reviewer from Texas. “Everything that I called for, they were very fast to do everything really well.”

AmeriFreight has more than two decades of experience shipping vehicles and offers enclosed, door-to-door service in all 50 states. The company works with a network of carriers that offer standard cargo insurance, but you can also purchase AFta gap coverage through AmeriFreight — this provides additional coverage and lets you report damage up to 48 hours after delivery.

AmeriFreight also offers multiple discounts, including for military personnel, first responders, seniors, students and return customers.

What reviewers say: Several satisfied customers who left reviews on ConsumerAffairs noted that AmeriFreight was flexible and easy to work with, even when they needed to make changes. A reviewer from Massachusetts noted that even after changing their location, the company got back to them “fairly fast with the new updated quote.”

eShip offers motorcycle transport to all 50 states and has three options for motorcycle transport: transport on an open trailer, enclosed transport in a hard-sided trailer and enclosed transport using tarps. The different options give you an opportunity to save money if you’re not as concerned with exposing your motorcycle to the elements.

eShip also offers a Platinum Protection Plan that includes a damage-free guarantee and a rental vehicle reimbursement of up to $300 if your motorcycle is delivered more than 48 hours after the arranged delivery time.

What reviewers say: The quality of the shipping partners eShip works with stood out to many of its customers who left reviews on our site.

“When they say that they vet their drivers to only have the best, I believe it,” a reviewer from Massachusetts said. “I've shipped my motorcycles several times before with other companies and I've never been quite sure if my bikes would be OK, given the people that picked them up and the condition of their trucks. Not so here.”

How to choose a motorcycle shipping company

It can be difficult to choose a motorcycle shipping company from the many options available. Most motorcycle shipping companies are brokers that work with a network of partner companies that perform the physical transport, which means it’s critical to find a company that vets its shippers and keeps your best interests in mind.

1. Get motorcycle shipping quotes from a few different carriers and verify their licensing and insurance before utilizing their services. Also, check out motorcycle shipping reviews to see what other consumers have to say.
2. Confirm that the company you choose carries the proper licensing. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), auto transporters (and transport brokers) are required to be registered with the FMCSA and are issued a six-digit MC Docket number. You can confirm the validity of the MC Docket number by doing a search through the FMCSA licensing website.
3. Verify that the carrier is registered with the Department of Transportation and has a seven-digit USDOT number. In addition, there are other licensing requirements that are state-specific. Carriers must have the licensing required for their state in order to operate legally.

How much does it cost to ship a motorcycle?

Motorcycle shipping costs depend on several factors, including distance of travel and shipping method. The average cost to ship a motorcycle in the U.S. a distance of 1,000 miles is $500 to $700. The average cost to ship a motorcycle internationally ranges from $800 to $3,000 or more.

It helps to know all the variables that will affect shipping cost so you can get an accurate motorcycle shipping estimate. The cost of shipping a motorcycle is based on several factors, including:

• The method of transport: Most companies offer only enclosed shipping for motorcycles, though a few offer both enclosed and open transport options for those willing to expose their bike to the elements in exchange for a lower shipping cost.
• The weight of your motorcycle: The weight of the bike can affect the shipping cost. Heavier bikes are typically more expensive to ship than lighter bikes.
• The time of year: The season you’re shipping may impact the quoted rate. Summer and early fall are more popular times of year for vehicle transport, and the higher demand typically leads to higher prices.
• Where the vehicle is picked up and delivered: The specific location where your bike will be shipped matters too. Urban shipments tend to be less expensive than remote or rural deliveries. Companies may also offer an option of door-to-door delivery or the use of distribution centers — using distribution centers requires more effort from you but is less expensive.
• The total distance of transport: How far you're shipping your bike will impact cost. Typical motorcycle shipping rates in the U.S. are between 50 cents and $1.50 a mile. Longer trips tend to cost less per mile (though the added mileage means the total cost is more expensive).

Motorcycle shipping insurance costs

While shipping companies are required to carry insurance, purchasing supplemental insurance is a good idea for high-value motorcycles.

Motorcycle transporters are required to carry liability and cargo insurance to cover theft or damage, so the cost of insurance is included in the initial quote. A typical insurance cost is 50 cents per pound, but this could be higher for heavier or specialty motorcycles.

Minimum insurance amounts are established by the FMCSA; according to federal guidelines, carriers must maintain coverage of $750,000 or more. However, this amount applies to all the motorcycles or vehicles the carrier is transporting — not just your bike.

Ask for proof of insurance prior to making arrangements with the company, and inquire about what specifically that insurance covers. If you have a very valuable or vintage bike, this is an especially important step. You may also want to check with your own personal insurance provider to see if it will provide any additional coverage when you transport your motorcycle.

How to save money when shipping your motorcycle

Most motorcycle transport companies charge relatively similar costs. However, with a little bit of thinking ahead, you can save some money when shipping your motorcycle:

• Try open shipping: If you’re not overly concerned with the risk of light damage to your bike, then consider open shipping. It’s cheaper than enclosed shipping — though enclosed shipping provides much better protection.
• Ship in the winter: If timing is not as big of an issue to you, ship your bike in the winter. This is the offseason for motorcycle and car shipping, and your quote will be lower.
• Plan ahead: The more lenient you are with the shipment’s arrival time, the less it costs to transport your bike. Waiting until the last second to book transport, especially if you have to opt for expedited shipping, typically costs much more.

Although it’s great to save money, you shouldn’t necessarily just go with the lowest quote offered to you. A quote that's significantly lower than others is often hiding additional fees, so be careful.