Motorcycles need to be less than 40” wide and 96” long in order to be shipped as a standard vehicle. Anything bigger than that will require special shipping arrangements, as the platforms used to secure motorcycles within enclosed shipping trucks cannot support other sizes.
The shipping company will also need to know the weight of your bike. There is no limit on this aspect, but you won’t be able to secure a space until the weight has been established. If you have the original manual for your bike, the weight and dimensions will be specified there. Otherwise, you can conduct a search online to find your bike’s model and see what the specifications are.
While you are required to leave some gas in the tank of a car, you should completely drain the tank of your motorcycle. Steering should be unlocked and all items from inside glove box should be removed. You don’t need to give the key either, as motorcycles are moved by towing, rather than driving them inside the transport truck.
When searching for a car shipping company, price is only one of the many things you need to keep in mind. This is especially true if you are shipping an exotic or one-of-a-kind vehicle or if you have special circumstances that need to be addressed, such as the need for storage (rather than immediate delivery) once the car makes it to its destination.
If you’re searching online for a car shipping company, your best bet is to look into directories, which will list several companies and most likely offer comparison tables. Many directories are also arranged by state or city, so you can find a local company. This can help you cut costs and make things easier by dealing with an organization that knows your area and can arrange pick-ups faster.
If you have a special vehicle that you need shipped, such as a motorcycle or a boat, you want a company that specializes in that or that at least has a specific department or division that can deal with the particularities of shipping that. Large companies are not necessarily better than local ones, but they may have more manpower and experience, especially when it comes to special cases or shipping to particular destinations.
Is car shipping always a good idea? Most of the time, the answer is yes. However, there are a few occasions on which doing so can actually not be a good choice.
If you need your car delivered on a specific date. Car shipping companies will give an estimate, but they can’t promise you a specific date (and you should be wary of any company that does so).
If you won’t be available to pick up your car ASAP. After 24-48 hours, storage fees will start running.
If you have a really expensive, unique car but are not willing to pay for enclosed shipping. An open carrier is not a good choice for a custom-made car. You need protection from the elements.
If you’re not willing to do your homework. You shouldn’t sign up with the first company you talk to. This will not only end up costing you more, but it will also shortchange your chances for negotiation regarding price, warranty coverage and pick up and delivery issues.
If you can’t bother to get your car ready. You will need to take photos of your car (to compare its condition at the time of delivery), clean out the trunk, tighten or remove lose objects and empty the car of fluids (almost but not completely). You need to put some time into getting your car ready for pick up in order to avoid complications later on.
Most of the information you can find online regarding shipping vehicles is directly related to cars. While some of the generals (price, insurance, contracts) apply to all vehicles, shipping a motorcycle is actually quite different to shipping a car.
For starters, motorcycles are rarely shipped in open containers. Closed carriers are the best options because they provide stability (don’t forget that bikes have only two wheels so they are unable to stand up straight during shipping unless propped or chained correctly). Aside from that, motorcycles are more likely to suffer damage if not properly positioned inside the carrier, so shipping companies usually provide special covers to protect the paint and small accessories that cannot be removed (such as handles or breaks). If you insist on an open trailer, you may not qualify for full insurance and risk the motorcycle being damaged by the elements.
Shipping a motorcycle is not necessarily any cheaper than shipping a car. Most companies base their pricing on the technicalities and difficulties of shipping a vehicle, rather than on its size. Because bikes require special care (both to protect the bike itself and to ensure that there are no accidents and slips from the carrier), you will end up paying a higher premium. Rather than fighting this, focus on making sure the company provides all necessary protections to ensure a safe ride for your motorcycle.
The bill of lading is a contract between you and the car shipping company that shows you both agree on the sending and receiving condition of the vehicle as well as the price rates and other terms and conditions. Watch the video for more information.
