How motorcycle shipping works

Shipping a motorcycle uses the same network that moves cars, but the bike has to be held upright and kept from rocking for the whole trip. That changes the equipment, the prep and what the provider needs to know. This guide covers how bikes are carried, what drives price and timing, how to prepare the motorcycle, and what to document at pickup. It applies whether you are an owner moving one bike, a powersports or used-bike dealer delivering a sale, or a marketplace seller shipping to a buyer in another state.

How motorcycles are carried

A motorcycle cannot simply be parked on a car carrier deck. A Honda owner's manual (Z125) says a motorcycle that needs to be transported should be carried on a motorcycle trailer, or on a flatbed truck or trailer with a loading ramp or lifting platform and motorcycle tie-down straps. It also warns never to tow a motorcycle with a wheel on the ground, because towing can seriously damage the transmission.

In practice there are three common ways to ship a bike:

• Open transport. uShip describes open motorcycle transport as the most common and affordable option. The bike rides on an open trailer, often alongside other vehicles, held in a rack or wheel chock.
• Enclosed transport. uShip says enclosed transport costs more but gives high-value, vintage and custom motorcycles added protection from weather and road debris. It is the usual choice for collector bikes and fresh restorations.
• Crated or palletized. The bike is secured to a pallet or built into a crate so it can be handled with a forklift. Team Motorcycle, a dealer, advises choosing a company that will secure the bike in a wooden or metal pallet whose supports guard it from debris and movement and make forklift loading easier. uShip notes that a motorcycle does not need to be crated for standard motorcycle transport, though some owners build a crate on an oversized pallet for added security.

How the bike is tied down matters as much as the trailer. uShip's prep checklist says motorcycles should be stabilized with a wheel chock or center stand during loading, and recommends professional ratchet straps on solid frame points rather than bungee cords. Ask the provider what restraint system the driver uses and how straps are kept off painted and chrome surfaces.

What it costs and how long it takes

Price depends on distance, open versus enclosed, the route, the season and the bike itself. uShip publishes these estimated ranges for motorcycles shipped through its marketplace:

uShip also says most motorcycle shipments are picked up within 2 to 5 days after booking. Treat these as planning ranges, not quotes: a heavy touring bike, a trike, a non-running bike or a remote pickup can all land outside them. The car shipping cost guide and transit times guide explain the factors that apply to every vehicle. Pickup is usually a window rather than a fixed appointment, so build some slack into a sale or a move.

What to tell the provider before booking

Motorcycles vary far more than sedans, so a complete description gets the right truck. Share:

1. Year, make and model, and whether it is a standard two-wheeler, a trike, a bike with a sidecar or another three-wheeler. These take more deck space and may need different equipment.
2. Whether it runs. uShip says many motorcycle transport companies on its platform can ship non-running bikes using lift gates and ramps, but they need to know in advance. See inoperable vehicle transport.
3. Modifications that change size or loading, such as extended forks, lowered suspension, wide bars, large fairings or a tall windshield.
4. Approximate dimensions and weight, especially for big touring bikes and customs.
5. Whether you want open, enclosed or crated service.
6. Pickup and delivery addresses. uShip's checklist says to make sure both locations are accessible for large trucks.

Preparing the bike

Prep rules differ by provider, so read your carrier's instructions first. These common steps come from uShip and Team Motorcycle:

1. Clean and photograph it. Wash the bike so marks are visible, then take dated photos from multiple angles with close-ups of existing damage, as uShip recommends.
2. Lower the fuel. uShip's checklist says most transporters require the tank to be no more than one-quarter full. Team Motorcycle also advises tightening the gas cap to prevent spillage. Freight and international shipments can have stricter rules, so ask.
3. Look after the battery. uShip recommends a charged, corrosion-free, securely fastened battery and notes that some carriers ask you to disconnect it. For international shipments, Team Motorcycle advises disconnecting the cables, taping the posts and/or removing the main fuse.
4. Turn off the alarm. uShip advises switching off alarms and electronic security systems to prevent false alarms and battery drain.
5. Remove accessories. Empty or remove saddlebags, and take off luggage, GPS and phone mounts, and anything not bolted down. uShip's prep guide warns that lost or damaged accessories will not be covered by insurance.
6. Check tires and fluids. Inflate the tires to the manufacturer's recommended pressure and fix fluid leaks before pickup, per uShip.
7. Prepare keys. uShip suggests two sets: one for the transporter, covering the ignition and any compartments, and one you keep.

Inspection and the bill of lading

At pickup, walk around the bike with the driver and agree on its condition. Record existing chips, scratches and mechanical issues on the bill of lading or vehicle condition report, as uShip advises, and keep a signed copy. At delivery, inspect the bike before signing and note any new damage while the driver is still there. The bill of lading guide explains what the document does and why it matters in a claim.

Ask about insurance before booking, not after. uShip recommends asking the carrier about coverage limits, deductibles and optional upgrades. Check what your own motorcycle policy covers while the bike is in someone else's hands.

Notes for dealers and marketplace sellers

• Check the transporter. The FMCSA states that auto transport brokers and carriers operating interstate must be registered with it, and that both are issued a six-digit MC docket number. It advises avoiding any transporter or broker that does not prominently display that number on its website. The broker vs carrier guide explains the two roles.
• Answer the delivery question early. A buyer two states away often asks about shipping before anything else. Showing a price on the listing settles it before the buyer leaves to research elsewhere. See adding shipping quotes to your site and the out-of-state buyer guide.
• Put prep duties in writing. State who handles fuel level, battery and accessories, who hands over the keys, and who signs the bill of lading at pickup.
• Offer enclosed for high-value bikes. For classics, customs and low-mileage units, quote enclosed alongside open. See open vs enclosed transport.