Are you planning to move your motorcycle but not sure how to get it to your new destination? Instead of riding long distances or risking damage during transit, motorcycle shipping offers a safe and convenient way to get your bike where it needs to go.

Shipping a bike may seem intimidating if you’ve never done it before, but with the right information and preparation, it’s a straightforward process. Whether you’re transporting a standard motorcycle, a high-end bike, or even a custom chopper, understanding the options available and the steps involved will help ensure a smooth experience.

At JP Auto Transport, we specialize in reliable motorcycle shipping services, and in this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to ship a motorcycle.

Why Ship a Motorcycle Instead of Riding?

Convenience: If you’re moving across the country or buying a bike from a faraway seller, riding your motorcycle over hundreds or thousands of miles isn’t always practical.

Shipping your motorcycle allows you to avoid the wear and tear of a long ride while ensuring your bike reaches its destination quickly.

Safety: Long-distance riding can expose your bike to unpredictable weather conditions, road debris, and potential accidents. Shipping eliminates these risks, ensuring your motorcycle is transported securely in a specialized trailer.

Time-Saving: Riding your bike across states can take days, and if you have other obligations, it may not be a feasible option. Transporting your motorcycle allows you to focus on your relocation or other travel plans without worrying about the logistics of a long ride.

Protecting Your Investment: For owners of luxury, vintage, or custom motorcycles, shipping your bike offers added protection and security. Professional motorcycle transport ensures your bike arrives in the same condition as when it was picked up, without the risk of damage from long-distance travel.

Step-by-Step Guide to Shipping a Bike

At JP Auto Transport, we understand how important your motorcycle is to you, which is why we’ve streamlined the shipping process to make it as simple and stress-free as possible. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to ship your motorcycle safely and efficiently.

Get a Quote and Choose the Right Shipping Option

The first step in shipping your motorcycle is to obtain a quote. Motorcycle moving costs vary based on factors such as distance, the type of motorcycle, and the shipping method you choose. At JP Auto Transport, we offer a free online quote tool that provides transparent pricing for our motorcycle transport services.

 

Open Transport	In open transport, your motorcycle is shipped on an open trailer, exposed to the elements. This is a cost-effective option that works well for most standard bikes, but it does leave your motorcycle vulnerable to weather conditions and road debris.
Enclosed Transport	Enclosed transport provides the highest level of protection for your motorcycle by shipping it in a fully enclosed trailer. This method is ideal for high-value, luxury, vintage, or custom motorcycles, as it shields them from all external factors during transit.
In a Crate	Crating your motorcycle is one of the safest ways to ensure it arrives in pristine condition. However, you’ll need to either build, purchase, or custom order a crate for your bike.

 

Once you have a quote, you’ll need to choose between the two primary shipping options for motorcycles: open transport and enclosed transport. As a side note, please consider that every crating service will be different, but most will average 4-7 days to build the crate for your motorcycle.

 

Choose a Reliable Motorcycle Shipping Company

Choosing the right motorcycle transport company is crucial to ensuring your bike is handled with care. When selecting a vehicle shipping company, consider the following:

Experience: Look for a company with experience in motorcycle transport, as they will be familiar with the best practices for safely loading, securing, and shipping motorcycles.

Reputation: Read reviews and testimonials to get a sense of the company’s reliability and customer satisfaction. Reputable companies will have positive feedback from customers who have successfully transported their motorcycles.

Licensing and Insurance: Ensure that the car hauling company is licensed and insured. This protects you in the event of any damage during transport and provides peace of mind knowing that your motorcycle is in good hands.

 

At JP Auto Transport, we pride ourselves on our reputation for safe, reliable vehicle shipping services. We are a licensed and insured carrier-broker vehicle logistics company authorized by the Federal Carrier Safety Administration under USDOT number 3215610.

Prepare Your Motorcycle for Shipping

Properly preparing your bike for shipping is an essential step in ensuring it arrives safely at its destination. Here’s what you need to do before your motorcycle is picked up:

Clean Your Motorcycle	Give your bike a thorough wash to remove dirt and debris. A clean bike makes it easier to inspect for any pre- existing damage, and it ensures that dust and dirt don’t get trapped during transport. Mild Soap: Safe for all motorcycle surfaces. Microfiber Cloths: Prevent scratching while cleaning. Motorcycle-Specific Cleaner: For tougher stains and grease. Protectant Spray: To give a finishing shine.
Document the Condition	Take clear photos of your motorcycle from all angles, including close-ups of any existing damage such as scratches, dents, or chips. This documentation will be useful if you need to file a claim for any damage that occurs during shipping. Overall Condition: From each side, top, and bottom. Specific Areas: Close-ups of any existing damage, scratches, or unique features. Odometer: To record the mileage before shipping.
Check for Leaks	Inspect your motorcycle for any fluid leaks and repair them before shipping. Transport companies often require bikes to be leak-free to avoid contaminating other vehicles on the trailer.
Remove Accessories	Detach any loose or aftermarket accessories, such as saddlebags, windshields, or GPS units, to prevent damage or loss during transport.

 

Inspect and Sign the Bill of Lading

When the transport driver arrives to pick up your motorcycle, you’ll need to conduct an inspection with them and sign the Bill of Lading. This legal document serves as a receipt for the transport service and includes a condition report for your motorcycle.

The driver will note the current condition of your bike, and you should verify that this information is accurate before signing. Keep a copy of the Bill of Lading for your records.

Track Your Motorcycle During Transit

Many reputable motorcycle shipping companies, including JP Auto Transport, offer status tracking feature so you can monitor your motorcycle’s journey. This transparency provides peace of mind, allowing you to know exactly where your bike is and when it will arrive at its destination.

Receive and Inspect Your Motorcycle Upon Delivery

Once your motorcycle arrives at its destination, the transport driver will conduct a final inspection with you. Check the condition of your bike and compare it to the initial report on the Bill of Lading.

 

 

If everything is in order, you’ll sign off on the delivery, and your motorcycle will be safely in your hands. If you notice any damage, be sure to document it and report it immediately to the transport company so they can address the issue.

 

Item to Check	What to Look For	Action Required
Battery	Charge level, corrosion on terminals.	Charge if low, clean terminals.
Brakes	Pad wear, fluid level, responsiveness.	Replace worn pads, top up fluid, bleed if necessary
Chain(Belt)	Tension, wear, lubrication.	Adjust tension, replace if worn, lubricate.
Controls	Clutch and throttle operation, brake and clutch lever condition.	Adjust for smooth operation, replace any damaged parts.
Exhaust System	Damage or leaks.	Repair or replace damaged parts.
Fluids	Levels of oil, coolant, brake fluid.	Top up any low fluids.
Frame & Suspension	Any signs of damage or unusual wear.	Inspect for cracks, ensure suspension is properly adjusted.
Lights	Functionality of headlights, brake lights, indicators.	Replace any non-working bulbs.
Tires	Air pressure, tread wear, any damage.	Inflate to correct pressure, replace if worn or damaged.

 

Tips for Successful Motorcycle Transportation

To ensure your motorcycle shipping experience goes smoothly, here are a few additional tips:

Book Early: Motorcycle transport is in high demand, especially during certain times of the year. Booking your shipment well in advance helps ensure availability and may result in better pricing.

Communicate Clearly: Provide clear instructions to the transport company regarding pickup and delivery locations, as well as any special requirements for your motorcycle.

Check Reviews: Before selecting a shipping company, read customer reviews to verify their reputation for safe and reliable motorcycle transport. This can help you avoid potential issues.

Insure Your Motorcycle: While most transport companies provide basic insurance coverage, you may want to consider purchasing additional coverage for added protection, especially if you’re shipping a valuable or custom motorcycle.

Try JP’s free shipping calculator to estimate your motorcycle shipping price.

 

Why Choose JP Auto Transport?

At JP Auto Transport, we are committed to providing transparent, competitive pricing and great service. With 20 years of experience in the auto transport business our logistics professionals are dedicated to ensuring your motorcycle is transported safely and efficiently, no matter the distance or destination.

Transparent Pricing: We believe in clear and upfront pricing with no hidden fees. You’ll know exactly what to expect when you choose JP Auto Transport. We offer three different packages: Standard, Priority, and Expedited to fit your motorcycle shipping requirements.

 

 

Flexible Services: We offer a range of transport options, including open and enclosed transport, door-to-door service, and expedited shipping, to meet your specific needs.

Experienced Team: Our drivers, logistics coordinators and dispatch specialists are highly trained and experienced, ensuring your motorcycle is handled with care from pickup to delivery.

Insurance Coverage: We provide comprehensive insurance coverage for all vehicles we transport, giving you peace of mind throughout the shipping process. In the rare event of a damage, JP Auto Transport will assist with filing any necessary insurance claims.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you JP Auto Transport for your professionalism, great customer service and prompt delivery of my 2022 Jeep Wrangler. I can’t believe my car got to its destination from Rockford ILLINOIS to Watertown Wisconsin at the time that works perfectly for me and just want to say thank you for your service and the discount.

– Alfred Koroma

Inc. 5000 Award

JP Auto Transport is proud to be recognized by Inc. 5000 magazine as one of the fastest- growing companies in America. This prestigious honor highlights our commitment to exceptional service, customer satisfaction, and continuous growth in the auto transport industry.

 

 

Let’s Ship Your Bike

Ready to ship your bike? Visit JP Auto Transport to get a free, no-obligation quote. Our team is here to answer any questions you may have and guide you through every step of the process, ensuring a seamless and worry-free experience from start to finish.

Don’t leave your motorcycle’s transport to chance – trust JP Auto Transport for professional and secure motorcycle shipping.