Many factors go into determining the cost to ship a motorcycle cross-country in the United States, so your absolute best bet is to contact a reputable motorcycle transport company directly to obtain a personalized quote of prices.
However, if you want to get an idea of what to expect, free online quote calculators can give you a generic ballpark figure without having to make a phone call.
Some of the things that affect motorcycle shipping costs are:
- Distance: If you are planning on shipping your motorcycle from the east coast to the west coast, a true cross-country journey, the price point will be higher than if you only need to transport it over the course of a few states. It is easier and less expensive to find motorcycle shipping companies to ship your motorcycle on well traveled transit routes to more popular destinations. If you need your bike shipped to an obscure location, prepare to pay more. The same goes if your destination is prone to traffic jams or road closures that requires a detour from the carrier’s usual route that may cause delays of other cargo, motorcycles, or vehicles. Therefore, the mileage and distances between the pickup and delivery destination, and the routes are important motorcycle shipping cost factors.
- Motorcycle Size and weight: Smaller and lighter bikes cost less to ship than larger and heavier ones.
- Make/Model/Type: Depending on the type of motorcycle you ride, you may find that you’ll pay more or less based on those factors alone. This is simply because different styles of bikes require different types of transportation equipment, some of which not all companies or carriers have on hand. It is definitely in your best interest to find a motorcycle shipping company that has experience in handling your specific type of bike, because they will not only be familiar with it, but they will have the required equipment already.
- Closed vs. Open Carrier: If you ride a vintage motorcycle or one with a lot of expensive customizations, you may consider shipping it in a closed container rather than using an open space trailer. This luxury is quite expensive, and generally not the preferred method of shipping motorcycles. However, those who ride such valuable bikes may see the advantages of this transport type as a worthy investment since it is a much safer and more secure way of transport. It keeps your high-end bike away from the elements, road debris, and bad weather. during the shipping process. Do keep in mind that insurance coverage protection should cover any issues that may arise during the trip (e.g. damage), so unless you consider your bike priceless, you should be fine with the more affordable, budget friendly, and common method of shipping in an open carrier. As a side note, take pictures of each of your items (bike) before shipping them to help you make claims properly in the event of an incident.
Another thing that determines the fees is the time or the year. When you ship during peak seasons, you are likely to pay more because of the high demand for motorcycle shipping services at those times. However, if you do your research and book your shipping well in advance, you might still get a good rate even during peak seasons.
The reason most people decide to ship motorcycles across the country is mostly due to convenience. If you are relocating, you probably also have another vehicle you need to get to your final destination, and that makes it difficult to ride your bike there as well. It is also such a time saver. Oftentimes, you can plan for the transport of your bike so that the motorcycle arrives before you do. Sure, it is an expensive endeavor, but the benefits definitely warrant the steep price rates.
Relevant Statistics
- On average, it costs $900 to ship a motorcycle across the country.
- Approximately 85% of motorcycle shipping services provide insurance coverage for damages during transit.
- The average distance for shipping a motorcycle across the country is around 2,500 miles.
- More than 75% of motorcycle shipments are completed within a week.
- The cost of shipping a motorcycle can vary by as much as 20% based on the size and weight of the bike.
General Facts
- The cost of shipping a motorcycle across the country varies depending on factors such as distance, size, weight, and transportation method.
- The average cost to ship a motorcycle across the country is between $400 and $600.
- Shipping costs may increase for oversized or customized motorcycles.
- Factors such as fuel prices and seasonal demand can also affect the cost of shipping.
- It is recommended to get quotes from multiple shipping companies to compare prices and services before making a decision.
Related Information & FAQS
Do you have more questions about shipping your motorbike cross-country? Contact our customer support team to get additional tips for all your shipping needs. A1 Auto Transport is a reputable auto shipping services company with decades of experience and several trips, assisting customers and motorcycle owners to ship bikes across the country and beyond. Call us today to get things started!