| Company | Customer rating | Transport type | Delivery method | Availability | Cancellation fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Mercury Auto Transport | Learn More | 4.4 | Open and enclosed shipping | Door-to-door, terminal-to-terminal | All 50 states | Loss of deposit + $75 |
 Montway Auto Transport | Learn More | 4.7 | Open and enclosed shipping | Door-to-door only | All 50 states | $249 |
 Tempus Logix | Learn More | 5.0 | Open and enclosed shipping | Door-to-door, terminal-to-terminal | All 50 states and international | Loss of deposit |
 Easy Auto Ship | Learn More | 1.0 | Open and enclosed shipping | Door-to-door, terminal-to-terminal | All 50 states and international | Loss of deposit or $195 fee, whichever is less |
 American Auto Shipping | Learn More | 1.0 | Open and enclosed shipping | Door-to-door, terminal-to-terminal | All 50 states and U.S. territories | Loss of deposit |
More details about our top 5 motorcycle shipping picks
- Type of company
- Broker
- Services
- Door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal shipping for all types of vehicles in open or enclosed carriers
- Availability
- All 50 states
- Type of company
- Broker
- Services
- Ships all types of vehicles; Door-to-door service in open or enclosed trailers
- Availability
- All 50 states
- Type of company
- Broker
- Services
- Ships all types of vehicles; door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal service in open or enclosed trailers
- Availability
- All 50 states and international
- Type of company
- Broker
- Services
- Ships all types of vehicles; door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal service in open or enclosed trailers
- Availability
- All 50 states and international
- Type of company
- Broker
- Services
- Ships all types of vehicles. Door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal service in open or enclosed trailers.
- Availability
- All 50 states and U.S. territories
How to choose a motorcycle shipping company
With so many options available, choosing a motorcycle shipping company can feel challenging, but it’s not so different from selecting a moving company or finding a dependable auto mechanic. You’re looking for a motorcycle shipper that you can trust to get the job done safely, efficiently and for a reasonable cost.
First, make sure you understand the type of company you’re interested in working with. Many transport companies are brokers that work with a network of carrier companies to arrange transportation; the carriers actually pick up, ship and deliver the motorcycle. If you want to work with a broker, it’s important to find a company that carefully vets its shipping partners and facilitates a smooth customer experience from start to finish.
Look for professionalism, reliability and adherence to delivery timelines, recommends Joan Denizot, CEO and founder of Zize Bikes. “By considering these key criteria and opting for a shipping company that excels in these areas, individuals can have peace of mind knowing their motorcycles are in capable hands,” she said.
As you start looking for a motorcycle shipping company that meets your needs, consider the following factors:
Cost
Licensing and registration
Whether you’re working with a broker or a carrier, look for a six-digit MC Docket number prominently displayed on the company’s website. Carriers must also have a USDOT number. You can search these on the FMCSA website. There may be state-specific licensing requirements for carriers, too.
Insurance coverage
Consider what kind of insurance coverage will make you feel comfortable with shipping your motorcycle. As you compare companies, search their websites for insurance information or terms and conditions documents, and take some time to review the fine print. But don’t be afraid to ask your booking agent to explain how their company handles insurance — it isn’t always easy to find motorcycle-specific insurance details on a company’s website.
Some brokers offer their own insurance policies; the coverage could be included in your booking or available for an extra fee. Other broker companies don’t offer an insurance policy. Instead, some have a policy to reimburse you up to a certain dollar amount (generally $500 to $2,000) if your bike is damaged and the carrier’s insurance doesn’t cover the full cost of repairs.
Delivery options
While auto transport companies largely recommend enclosed shipment for motorcycles, a company may offer a choice between soft-side and hard-side trailers. Some companies do support open transport for motorcycles, usually for short-distance trips.
Find out which shipping options are available at the company you’re considering. Then, weigh the protection or convenience of each against the cost it adds — or saves.
Customer support and communication
Consider: Does the company have 24-hour customer support, either through a dedicated phone number or an online chat? Will you work with a designated company rep from booking to shipment, or will you reach a different person each time you call? How does the company provide status updates during the shipment?
Reputation and customer reviews
» MORE: How to ship a car
How much does it cost to ship a motorcycle?
Several factors contribute to motorcycle shipping costs, but the average cost to ship a motorcycle a distance of 1,000 miles within the United States is $600 to $1,100. 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: 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). Shorter trips may cost $2 a mile or more.
» LEARN MORE: Cost to ship a car
Motorcycle shipping cost comparison
We gathered dozens of quotes from 17 vehicle transport companies to get a range of prices for what it costs to ship a motorcycle in 2024. Check out the tables below to compare rates across different distances and locations for three of our top pick companies.
For a 2021 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy 114 in operable condition that’s shipped in the summer on a standard timeline, we found the following shipping rates when booking 30 days in advance:
| Pickup location | Drop-off location | Distance (miles) | Montway Auto Transport | Tempus Logix | Easy Auto Ship | Approx. average cost per mile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit, Mich. | Daytona Beach, Fla. | 1,150 | $949 | $664 | $675 | $0.66 |
| Boston, Mass. | Phoenix, Ariz. | 2,650 | $1,249 | $590 | $1,300 | $0.39 |
| Reno, Nev. | Fresno, Calif. | 300 | $1,029 | $403 | $450 | $2.09 |
| Cheyenne, Wyo. | Sturgis, S.D. | 290 | $1,079 | $400 | $550 | $2.33 |
| Sacramento, Calif. | San Jose, Calif. | 130 | $719 | $260 | $440 | $3.64 |
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. Minimum insurance amounts are established by the FMCSA; according to federal guidelines, carriers must maintain liability coverage of $750,000 or more and generally at least $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before you lock in shipping arrangements with a vehicle transport company, ask for proof of insurance and make sure you understand exactly what that insurance covers. You may also want to check whether your personal motorcycle insurance covers damage during shipment, but don’t stress if that’s not included in your policy.
>>RELATED: Is moving insurance worth it?
Pros and cons of shipping your motorcycle
If you need to move a motorcycle and don’t have the time or ability to ride it across the country yourself, shipping it with a vehicle transport company is a convenient, often cost-effective option that protects both you and your motorcycle from many risks of the road.
Pros
- Convenience of service
- Protection from the elements
- Professional expertise and equipment
Cons
- Can be costly
- Some risk of damage
- Approximate delivery timelines
Working with a vehicle transporter to ship your motorcycle may be best if you’re short on time, energy or just mental bandwidth. A broker company will handle all the logistics of arranging the motorcycle’s pickup, shipment and delivery. The staff handling your bike have the technical experience and appropriate gear to secure it for transport, and enclosed trailers keep out inclement weather and road debris.
On the other hand, there’s always a degree of uncertainty about how long the shipment will take. If you’re dealing with a tight timeline, shipping your motorcycle with expedited service or guaranteed pickup dates might be worth the additional costs.
Shipping your motorcycle vs. riding or driving it
Whichever methods you’re considering to move your motorcycle, it’s worth taking the time to carefully research your options.
If you’re choosing between shipping your motorcycle cross-country or riding it, consider the safety risks and make sure you’re prepared to handle various weather and road conditions.
While it isn’t cheap to ship your bike, the costs of riding it or trailering it yourself can add up. Unless you already own a trailer, you’ll need to rent one and pay for the required insurance to operate it. You’ll also need to buy specialized straps to secure the bike in the trailer — not just any ratchet straps are up for the job. Once you factor in the costs of gas, food and lodging for a long-distance trip, shipping your bike may end up being the more affordable option.
If you choose to load your motorcycle into a trailer and transport it yourself, it’s especially important to know what you’re doing and have the right equipment. Shipping companies use specific tools to balance the motorcycle in each direction so it’s secure during shipment.
How to save money when shipping your motorcycle
Most motorcycle transport companies charge similar costs for the same journeys. However, with a little bit of thinking ahead, you can save some money when shipping your motorcycle:
- Plan ahead: If you can, book your shipment at least a month in advance. Waiting until the last second to book transport, especially if you have to opt for expedited shipping, typically costs much more.
- Ship from major cities: If your pickup or delivery locations are in rural or otherwise remote areas, you’ll probably have to pay a bit more. Consider meeting the carrier in nearby cities or towns for pickup or delivery.
- Ship in the winter: If moving your motorcycle isn’t time-sensitive, consider shipping your bike in the winter, spring or fall. Costs are generally lowest in winter, which is the offseason for motorcycle shipping and vehicle transport in general. Summer tends to bring peak-season pricing and less availability.
- Ask about discounts: If you’re an educator, military member or first responder, see if your shipping company offers relevant discounts. Many vehicle transport companies also have discounts for students, seniors, repeat customers and multivehicle shipments. Others may take $50 to $100 off the price if you want to pay your driver in cash.
- Try open shipping: If you’re not worried about exposing your bike to the elements, consider looking for open shipping. Just know that not all companies offer open shipping for motorcycles like they do for cars. Enclosed shipping is the industry standard and provides far superior protection for the bike.
» WHICH ONE IS RIGHT? Open vs. enclosed shipping
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 may be hiding additional fees. As you research motorcycle shipping companies and gather quotes, look for mentions of all-inclusive estimates and price guarantees.
FAQ
Can I track the progress of my motorcycle shipment?
Many motorcycle shipping companies offer tracking services that let you monitor the progress of your shipment. Depending on the company you choose, you may be able to take advantage of an online location-tracking tool or simply contact the shipping company's customer support team. Either way, tracking provides you with real-time updates on the location and status of your motorcycle, giving you peace of mind and the ability to plan accordingly for its arrival.
Among our top picks, Tempus Logix offers an online tracking tool that lets you monitor the real-time location of your motorcycle. The other motorcycle shipping companies in our roundup have straightforward processes for contacting a customer service rep or dispatcher to get status updates.
What happens if my motorcycle is damaged during shipping?
In the unfortunate event of damage during shipping, it's critical that you promptly notify the shipping company. Reputable shipping companies and the carriers they partner with have insurance coverage and procedures to handle these situations.
First, thoroughly document the damage to your motorcycle. Take pictures and videos of the affected parts of the bike and take notes for yourself to describe the nature and placement of scratches or dents. If you notice the damage at drop-off, point it out to the driver who delivered your bike and make sure it’s documented in the Bill of Lading.
Then, contact the shipping company. There may be a limited window of time in which you can file a claim, so don’t wait to notify the customer support team.
For a smoother experience, make sure you understand the process and requirements for filing a claim before you reach out to the company. You should be able to find this information by reviewing the company’s liability terms, your motorcycle shipping contract and any relevant insurance documents. You can also start by searching the company’s website for instructions on how to file a claim.
Are there any specific preparations I need to make before shipping my motorcycle?
Yes — there are some steps you can take to prepare your motorcycle for a safe, smooth shipping experience. We recommend taking the following actions:
- Clean your motorcycle thoroughly. This will help make any existing damage or scratches more visible and make it easier to compare the condition of the bike before and after transport.
- Take detailed pictures of your motorcycle. Get photos of it from various angles to document its condition before shipping. These pictures will come in handy if there’s any damage to your bike during transport.
- Remove any personal belongings, loose items or accessories. For safe shipment, motorcycles need to be carefully strapped down. Extra items like saddlebags, GPS systems and accessory mounts might get in the way of these straps or come loose during transport. If you have an alarm system on your motorcycle, make sure to disable or remove it, too.
- Check fluids, battery and tire pressure. Motorcycles must be ridden or rolled onto most carriers, so it’s important that the bike is in good working order. This step will also make sure your motorcycle is road-ready as soon as it’s delivered.
- Reduce the fuel level. To minimize the risk of leakage, many vehicle transport companies will require you to have your fuel tank no more than one-quarter full. You could also consider using a fuel stabilizer.
Each motorcycle shipping company will have its own guidelines for preparing your motorcycle for transport. Make sure to check these instructions in advance and give yourself ample time to complete them before your scheduled pickup date.
