How Can I Ship A Motorcycle?

Having a motorcycle is many people's dream. Nothing beats being out on the open road, feeling the wind against your body as your adrenaline pumps the faster you go.

But, when it's time to relocate your life to say another apartment/house, across the country and even an overseas country, the process to ship slows things down for you a bit. You'll have to find a company that will take very good care of your bike during the process while still offering affordable costs.

Finding the best firm for the job means you have to do proper research. Professional movers are not necessarily hard to find, and once you find someone to haul safely and quickly, you're just about covered and can move on to securing options for the rest of your stuff.

A1-AT offers various services of which shipment and delivery is a significant part. When you're ready to move, all you have to do is reach out and make your request. We are here for you.

How Does Hauling Work?

It works pretty much the same as having your car or truck shipped. They have the same methods both locally and internationally, and prices vary based on the method and option.

Methods

Domestic

Open Option

This is the cheapest method used over land. Open trailers leave it exposed to the elements, and it is one of many vehicles on the carrier.

When the carrier arrives, you can expect it to be dirty from road debris and other dust that comes in contact with the carrier.

Enclosed Method

A fully enclosed carrier is the more expensive method over land since fully enclosed trucks carry a limited amount of vehicles at a time. The extra cost for fully enclosed option keeps it clean and scratch-free.

International

Ro-Ro

Ro-ro, or roll-on/roll-off involves driving onto the ship and allowing it to be hauled as-is, using tie-downs and skids. It is a popular form of open-air used when crossing a body of water.

Container Method

It is a type of enclosed option. This is most cost-efficient when moving multiple bikes or a car along with it. A container provides more protection during hauling and may be shared with other car and vehicle owners for a more affordable price.

Crate Hauling

It is another enclosed option for those who are not comfortable with the open option. Sometimes called 'palletized shipping', the bike is secured within a crate on its own and placed on a pallet.

Delivery Options

Door-to-door

Door-to-door delivery is the most convenient option for shipments. It can be picked up at your home in the US and brought to your home in another city, state, or country at an additional cost.

Terminal-to-terminal

This is the cheapest delivery option available. You're responsible for bringing it to the terminal and picking it up once it arrives at the destination terminal.

Terminal-to-door /door-to-terminal

You can always mix your delivery as you see fit. Our terminals allow for a convenient pickup, however, you may choose to have it delivered if you're unfamiliar with the new area. Similarly, if you're too busy with your move, or don't want to risk hauling it yourself through narrow streets we can make this leg of the move easier by scheduling pickup at your home.

What Do I Need to Do to Move?

Moving requires you to do three main things: Prepare it, gather the documents, and choose a pickup day.

Prepare It

Here's a checklist for preparing before transit:

• Wash it and take pictures of its condition (make note of any scratches or dents)
• Remove any accessories that did not come with the bike (e.g spoiler, toll tags, GPS, luggage rack)
• Check for leaks and fix them
• Leave tank 1/4 way full and/or charge battery
• Check tire pressure (they must be inflated)
• Disable alarm
• Mention any special instructions for operating a motorcycle (leave a note)

Gather the documents

Gather the following hauling before approaching companies:

1. Title or Manufacturers Certificate
2. Photo ID
3. Certificate of release if a lien or loan is involved
4. Proof of ownership or bill of sale
5. Proof of insurance
6. Keys
7. Power of Attorney (If applicable)
8. Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Finalize Shipment Details

Pay the necessary fees for the services you require, and finalize a convenient pickup day for your bike. Our frequent carrier availability means your vehicle should be ready to go on this day to avoid any delivery delays.

How to Spot Bad Firms

We all want to make a smart choice when moving a motorcycle or any vehicle. The choice can become difficult to make when you have a ton of companies offering what appears to be the same service.

The truth is, there are good firms as there are bad ones. Being able to distinguish between the two can save you the headache of poor service and empty promises.

These are the trademarks or signs of a bad agency:

Off-putting Customer Service

First impressions say a lot, and when moving, you need someone you can trust. If your interactions with the staff are unprofessional, it sets the tone for what you should expect when you haul with them. If the employees don't care, don't expect your shipment to be taken care of either.

Extremely Low Cost to Move or Large Upfront Deposit

Cheaper isn't always better, but expensive doesn't mean it's great. Scrutinize every rate you get.

A low price may be attractive but stop for a second to ask yourself why they would charge so little for the shipment, especially when using an enclosed trailer or container. Perhaps this is their way of attracting customers because no one wants to deal with their bad business practices.

A large upfront deposit to get it hauled may also be a sign of trouble. Deposits are standard with companies in this industry, but overly expensive deposits may indicate a huge money grab. This usually happens when a company is not confident in its ability to haul and wants to make sure they have the money in hand so customers can't withhold it if something goes wrong.

Poor Customer Reviews

Make sure you check the company's reviews before making a decision. Pay attention to why the customer gave a low review and the frequency of those complaints. If the same issue occurs, perhaps you should do it with a different firm.

No proof of legitimacy

Every company must be authorized under law to haul other vehicles. If you are unclear about their legitimacy, ask for proof.

A reputable company will have no problem with doing so. Avoid illegal companies no matter how cheap they may be. If the shipment is seized, it will be a while before you get back your motorcycle.

What you Can Expect From our Agency?

A1-AT has been in the business of hauling everything from a pin to an anchor both domestically and internationally for a few decades. During this time, we have worked towards a common goal: Helping people move at a fair price while providing excellent customer service.

This is what you can expect when you move with the best agency in the U.S:

Upfront prices

At A1-AT, we don't believe in hidden fees and take advantage of our customers for the services we provide. So, we tell you the exact price to ship and prepare you for what to expect when moving internationally.

How much does it cost to move with A1-AT? Fill out our quote form to find out. We provide FREE, no-obligation quotes!

Excellent Customer Service

We put our customers first. We know this is a hectic time for you and we strive to make moving as hassle-free as possible.

Our staff considers all our customers as part of our family. Let us take care of you.

Call today to speak to one of our representatives during normal business hours who will guide you through the shipment details and all things related to services.

Frequent carrier availability

A1-AT is one of the largest companies in the U.S. with multiple carriers, guaranteeing on-time pickups and promised deliveries.

We do, however, advise you to make your bookings as early as possible so we can serve you as best as possible.

Verifiable Insurance

Though moving is usually safe and uneventful, every legitimate agency is required to provide insurance. This ensures that if anything happens your motorcycle is covered to a certain extent and you have an insurance claim.

Contact your insurance agency to learn more about providing maximum protection for an expensive motorcycle during transit.