Motorcycle Transport
A Guide to Shipping a Motorcycle
Motorcycles get shipped for many of the same reasons cars do, moves, remote purchases, seasonal riding, but the equipment and prep involved are different enough to deserve their own guide. For full service details, see our motorcycle shipping page; this guide focuses on the practical planning side.
Quotes are free to request. Nothing is charged unless you accept an offer.
- Guide
- Motorcycle Transport
- Reading
- 7 sections
- Applies to
- Contiguous US shipments
- Cost to ask
- Quotes are free
Photo: Illustrative transport image, Created for Velocity Auto Transport Group
Crated vs. strapped-in transport
Motorcycles can be shipped either strapped directly to a trailer deck, standing upright and secured at multiple points, or packed into a purpose-built crate that's then loaded like freight. Strapped-in transport on an open or enclosed trailer is common and works well for most bikes, while crating adds a layer of physical protection that some owners prefer for a particularly valuable or fragile bike, at the cost of the additional crating process. Which approach fits your situation depends on the bike and your priorities; discuss it with your coordinator.
Fluids and fuel level before pickup
As with a car, carriers generally prefer a low fuel level, and it's worth checking with your coordinator or the assigned carrier for their specific preference. Check for any fluid leaks beforehand too, since a leaking bike can complicate securing it properly on the trailer and affect its placement relative to other vehicles on the load.
Battery and electronics
A weak or disconnected battery can matter more on a motorcycle than a car since some models rely on it to release a steering lock or fuel pump prime when repositioning the bike during loading. If you know your battery is marginal, address it beforehand or flag it clearly so the driver knows what to expect during loading and unloading.
Fairings, mirrors, and loose parts
Fairings, windshields, and mirrors are more exposed on a motorcycle than equivalent parts on a car, and they can be vulnerable during loading, securing, and transit if not accounted for. Fold in mirrors where possible, and mention any aftermarket fairings, saddlebags, or other accessories to your coordinator ahead of time so the driver can plan how to secure the bike properly.
Pickup and delivery access for a motorcycle
Motorcycles are lighter and more maneuverable than cars, which can make loading in tighter spaces more feasible, but the trailer or truck delivering it still needs reasonable access to the pickup or delivery location. Confirm access with your coordinator just as you would for a car shipment, particularly if the bike is stored somewhere like a garage or shed with limited surrounding clearance.
Buying a motorcycle remotely
The same general cautions that apply to buying a car out of state apply to a motorcycle: get extra photos and video, ask detailed questions about the bike's history and mechanical condition, and consider an independent inspection if the purchase price and distance justify it. Confirm the seller's expectations for a third-party pickup, since a private seller may not be used to a carrier, rather than the buyer, arriving in person.
Handoff planning at pickup and delivery
Whether you're shipping your own bike or one you just purchased, make sure whoever is present at pickup and delivery, you, the seller, or an authorized representative, understands the walk-around inspection process and is prepared to sign the paperwork. Photograph the bike from multiple angles before pickup, including any existing scratches or wear, for your own record.
When you are ready, request a written quote or contact us with questions about your specific vehicle and route.
Velocity Auto Transport Group LLC is an auto transport brokerage. We arrange vehicle transportation through qualified motor carriers and coordinate your shipment from quote to delivery — the carrier assigned to your vehicle operates the truck.
How we work
What you can expect from us
We are a licensed-carrier brokerage, not a trucking fleet
Velocity Auto Transport Group LLC arranges your transport with qualified motor carriers. The carrier assigned to your vehicle operates the truck; we coordinate the booking, the paperwork and the updates.
Written quotes, reviewed by a person
Your route, vehicle and timing are reviewed against current carrier-market conditions before we send a quote. No instant algorithmic number that changes after you book.
One point of contact from quote to delivery
You reach the same team for scheduling changes, pickup windows and delivery updates rather than a call queue.
Questions
Common questions
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