4 Things Every Motorcycle Shipping Company Should Have in Place

Motorcycle shipping companies are a great way to ship your bike around the world. They take care of everything from finding the best rates to handling customs paperwork.

But there are many things you need to consider before signing up with a motorcycle shipping service.

Here are four features every motorcycle shipping company should have so you can choose the right one.

1) License and Insurance

A legit motorcycle shipping company should have its license and insurance policies in place. Why? See the explanation below.

Licensing

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates companies that provide shipping services.

These businesses must adhere to all the safety regulations imposed by the FMCSA, which will provide them with an MC number to demonstrate that they are legitimate.

This MC number, which correlates to the company's FMCSA license, can usually be found on the company's website. If you don't see it there, the business should be able to supply it when you request it.

If the company cannot provide this license, it is quite likely that they cannot be relied upon, and it is best to avoid doing business with them.

Insurance coverage

Some companies offer liability insurance, others offer collision insurance, and some offer both.

Liability insurance covers damages caused by the company itself, whereas collision insurance covers damages caused by third parties, such as accidents.

This coverage protects both you and the shipper. In addition, some carriers offer additional protection, such as roadside assistance and emergency medical transport.

2) Proper Equipment to Handle Your Motorcycle Move

Motorcycle movers are responsible for moving motorcycles safely and securely during the shipping process.

So choose a company that uses quality equipment. Make sure the company uses motorcycle-specific equipment to secure your bike. Ask them about the type of trailer they use, what kind of lifting system they have, special strapping, and extra protection for the bike during transit.

A good motorcycle carrier should be able to move any type of bike, regardless of size or weight.

They must ensure the motorcycle is secured well enough to prevent damage during transport.

This approach should include securing the motorcycle to the trailer, ensuring that the tires are inflated correctly, and protecting the motorcycle against theft while being transported.

Open vs. enclosed shipping

The decision to use open versus enclosed motorcycle shipping is one of the most involved ones you'll have to make. There are several factors to take into consideration.

An open motorcycle transporter is basically a trailer holding your motorcycle upright and allowing air to flow around it. This method makes it ideal for short trips where there isn't a lot of traffic or weather issues.

Enclosed transport refers to transporting motorcycles inside a container. This method requires much planning ahead of time because you must choose a suitable container, prepare it properly, and load your bike. It's more complex than buying a box and putting your bike inside.

There are pros and cons to both methods. Generally speaking, closed motorcycle shipping is better suited for bikes that require special care.

These bikes include vintage bikes, custom builds, and high-end models. They are also ideal for bikes that weigh over 500 pounds.

On the other hand, open motorcycle shipping works well for bikes that don't need much attention. These include low-cost models, used bikes, and those that weigh under 400 pounds.

As you can see, the question of whether to utilize open or closed shipping methods is complex. The shipping provider should be able to answer your questions about the differences and advise you on which way is best for your situation.

As you can see, the question of whether to utilize open or closed shipping methods is a complex one. The shipping provider should be able to answer your questions about the differences and advise you on which method is best for your situation.

3) A Solid Quote for Transporting Your Motorcycle

Of course, budget is a major factor in selecting a company to ship your bike. However, choosing the cheapest provider doesn't always work out in your favor.

In fact, there have been instances of shipping scams. So it's tremendously important that you do your research to know what you're paying for.

Many factors go into determining motorcycle shipping costs. First, ask for a written quote before you commit to a shipment, and make sure the quote you receive details everything included in the price.

Also, remember the cost of fuel (based on the distance of travel), insurance, customs clearance, and any other additional charges.

A company specializing in moving motorcycles will be able to give you an accurate breakdown of costs and a price guarantee, so you don't have to shell out extra cash at the end of the motorcycle's journey.

When discussing price, ask questions like "How do I know if my motorcycle will fit?" and "What happens if there is damage during transit?"

4. Good Customer Service

Customer service is one of the most important factors in choosing a trusted provider for your motorcycle shipping needs.

A reputable motorcycle transport company will always have an excellent customer service team that can answer any questions and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about your shipment.

The company's staff should be available to assuage your concerns before, during, and after the transport of your bike.

Ask how they handle damage claims to find out what happens if something goes wrong.

From the time you deliver your bike to the shipper (or they pick it up from your home), have the contact information of the agent who will be handling the shipment. You don't want to wait days or weeks to resolve a problem because you don't know where to start looking.

Do Your Homework

Every motorcycle shipping company should have its license, insurance, high-quality equipment, and good customer service. Now you can select your preferred bike shipping service based on these factors.

It would be helpful to ask other riders for recommendations and check the online reviews of different shippers. Review sites like Yelp and TrustPilot can provide insight into what other customers think about a company.

If you follow the checklist above and do adequate research, you can find a reputable motorcycle shipping company to transport your vehicle.

Shipping your motorcycle with A-1 Auto Transport is an excellent option, given our many years in the shipping business and expertise in transporting motorcycles across the country and beyond.

Visit our website to get an instant quote for shipping your motorcycle to its next destination.