Key takeaways
- Motorcycle shipping costs $300–$1,200 depending on distance and method.
- Three methods: open carrier (cheapest), enclosed (safest for high-value), motorcycle-specific carriers with wheel chocks (safest overall).
- Enclosed and motorcycle-specific options cost 30–50% more than open.
- Reduce fuel to ¼ tank, remove loose accessories, photograph from all angles before pickup.
Motorcycle shipping costs $300–$1,200 depending on distance, method, and whether the bike is crated or transported on a motorcycle-specific carrier. The most common methods are open carrier (cheapest), enclosed (safest for high-value), and crated/palletized shipping for long distances or international moves.
Methods
Open carrier
Your motorcycle is secured on a standard auto transport carrier alongside cars. The most affordable option — best for standard bikes where budget matters.
Enclosed carrier
Bike travels inside a covered trailer. Best for high-value, custom, and vintage bikes. 30–50% more than open.
Motorcycle-specific carrier
Specialized trailers with wheel chocks, soft-tie straps, and individual securing systems. The safest option.
Cost by distance
- Under 500 mi: $300–$500 open / $450–$700 enclosed
- 500–1,000 mi: $400–$700 / $600–$900
- 1,000–2,000 mi: $600–$900 / $800–$1,100
- 2,000+ mi: $700–$1,200 / $900–$1,400
Preparing your motorcycle
- Clean the bike and photograph from all angles
- Check tire pressure and battery charge
- Remove loose accessories (saddlebags, GPS mounts, fragile mirrors)
- Reduce fuel to one-quarter tank
- Disable the alarm
- Note any existing scratches or damage
FAQ
How much to ship a motorcycle? $300–$1,200 depending on distance and method.
Is my motorcycle insured? Yes. Every ShipCargo shipment includes $200,000 in third-party cargo insurance covering your bike from pickup to delivery.
Should I drain the gas? Reduce to one-quarter tank. Don't drain completely — the carrier needs fuel to move the bike during loading.
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