Anyone who has shipped a vehicle across the country knows there are a few factors that affect price. The standing of the shipper is certainly one, but others such as transportation type and convenience also play a part.

But what if you are trying to ship a motorcycle here or there? Are there factors that affect motorcycle shipping services? The answer is yes. In this article, we will cover each of them so you are a better informed motorcycle shipping customer.

Motorcycle Shipping Cost Factors to Consider

Motorcycle Shipment Distance

Just as with car shipping, motorcycle shipping rates depend heavily on the distance the vehicle will travel. Shorter trips, generally speaking, will cost less on average than cross-country moves.

Similarly, travel between major hubs will generally cost less than shipments to or from less accessible areas.

Pick Up and Drop Off Service

Some motorcycle shipping companies will offer door-to-door service for vehicles of all kinds, including motorcycles. This service is obviously incredibly convenient. But it sometimes comes with a premium when compared with the shipping a motorcycle cost from a central location.

Auto Transport Type

A reputable vehicle shipping company should be able to offer different shipment types for your needs. This generally includes:

  • Open Transport: In which the vehicle is shipped exposed to the elements on a multi-tier or flatbed trailer, and
  • Enclosed Shipment: In which the vehicle is enclosed in the truck and protected from the elements while en route.

For cars, you can imagine enclosed shipment typically comes with a premium price tag. But motorcycles are smaller and, thus, more apt to be stored internally. So you can expect this type of service, while more expensive, to not be wildly so.

But due to their size, motorcycles can also fit into spaces that cars and trucks simply can’t. This is where container shipping and pallet shipment come into play. In this case, the motorcycle is enclosed in a small container that is loaded onto the truck.

Motorcycle transport companies can load more of these pallets onto their trucks. So, you can imagine, the potential bulk savings are quite large. The cost to ship in this method offers a great balance between cost effectiveness and vehicle protection.

Time of Year for Shipping Your Bike

Motorcycles are great during warmer months as the sense of adventure and wind whipping past are like nothing else. But motorcycle season means higher related shipping costs. The cost to ship it during those times of the year are generally more expensive than during the fall and winter. As with everything, planning is the best means to save money when it comes to motorcycle transport costs.

Supplemental Insurance

Motorcycle owners are smart to consider purchasing supplemental insurance coverage for their vehicle while en route. Why? Because most insurance companies don’t cover vehicle transportation coverage in their standard motorcycle policies.

Motorcycle carriers don’t typically charge for this, however. The costs are up to the vehicle owner to cover. When budgeting for a shipment, be sure to add this line item to your expected costs.

The Average Cost to Ship a Motorcycle

There’s obviously no single number for motorcycle shipping rates that will align for every rider. But generally speaking, shippers can expect to pay about this much as the cost to ship their motorcycle:

  • About $500 for local shipping
  • About $300 to $800 for cross country open air shipping
  • About $600 to $1,000 for cross country enclosed shipping
  • About $1,000 to $2,000 for crated cross country shipping

Obviously a great way to get the total cost down is to book a shorter distance, open air shipment. But obviously only you know the best level of service for your needs. And only you can know which ship a motorcycle cost is going to work for your budget.

Find the Best Motorcycle Shipping Rates and Services

At Direct Connect Auto, we offer vehicle transportation solutions for every kind of driver. Whether you are a hobbyist or a year-round rider, we have transport services to help.

Our door to door motorcycle transport costs are low, while our services are second to none. And with shipping options including open air transport, and enclosed transport, we have budget-friendly options for all riders.

Transport Your Vehicle With Us!