Posted By
Clint Lawrence, founder of Motorcycle Shippers. Helping give riders more freedom to enjoy the bikes they love. clint@motorcycleshippers.com
Terminal Drop-Off & Pickup — Ride In, Ride Out Motorcycle Shipping
Want a faster, more affordable way to ship your motorcycle? Skip the door-to-door wait and use our Ride-In, Ride-Out terminal service. Simply ride your bike to one of our 40+ terminal locations across the US, hand over the key, and we’ll take it from there. When it arrives at the destination terminal, just show up, start it, and ride away.
No crating. No disassembly. No draining fuel tanks. No removing windshields, mirrors, or saddlebags. Ride in, ride out — it’s that simple.
Why Terminal Shipping Is Faster & Cheaper
Terminal-to-terminal shipping is typically 5 days faster than standard door-to-door service and costs less too. Here’s why:
- No scheduling delays — with door-to-door, the driver has to route through multiple residential pickups. At a terminal, your bike is already at the hub and gets loaded onto the next outbound truck.
- Lower cost — we pass the savings from fewer stops and more efficient routing directly to you. Check our pricing page for details.
- On your schedule — drop off anytime during terminal hours. No waiting around for a pickup window.
How It Works
Step 1: Get a Quote & Book
Use our free instant quote tool and select terminal-to-terminal shipping. You’ll see the price difference compared to door-to-door right away. Book online or call (800) 730-3151.
Step 2: Ride to Your Nearest Terminal
Find the terminal closest to you and ride your motorcycle there. Our team of bike-handling experts will meet you, inspect the bike, and document its condition on a bill of lading.
Step 3: We Secure & Ship
Your motorcycle is mounted on our specially designed shipping skid and secured with soft-loop tie-down straps and ratchet straps — creating a secure perimeter of protection around your bike. It then travels in a fully enclosed, air-ride trailer alongside other motorcycles — never mixed with household goods or general freight.
Step 4: Ride Out at the Destination
When your bike arrives at the destination terminal, we’ll notify you. Show up, inspect your motorcycle against the pickup documentation, start it up, and ride away. That’s it.
40+ Terminals Nationwide
We have terminal locations in every major region of the country. Here are some of our key hubs:
- West Coast: California (Poway, Milpitas, Anaheim, W. Sacramento), Washington (Fife, Spokane), Oregon (Portland)
- Southwest: Arizona (Phoenix), Nevada (Las Vegas), New Mexico (Albuquerque), Utah (Salt Lake City)
- Mountain: Colorado (Brighton), Montana (Billings), Idaho (Boise)
- Midwest: Illinois (Bolingbrook), Michigan (Grand Rapids, Redford), Minnesota (Roseville), Iowa (Des Moines, Iowa City), Missouri (Earth City, Independence)
- South: Texas (Dallas, Houston), Florida (Jacksonville, Pompano Beach, Tampa), Georgia (Atlanta), Tennessee (Knoxville, Smyrna)
- Northeast: New York (Syracuse), New Jersey (Dayton), Pennsylvania (Freedom), Connecticut (New Britain), Maryland (Laurel), Massachusetts (Lowell)
Don’t see a terminal near you? View the full terminal map or call us — we may have a location closer than you think. And remember, door-to-door shipping is always available if there’s no convenient terminal.
When Terminal Shipping Makes Sense
- Vacation rides — shipping your bike to Sturgis, Daytona Bike Week, or Laconia? Drop it at a terminal before the event, fly out, and ride when you land.
- Long-distance moves — relocating across the country? Terminal drop-off saves money on the bike while you focus on the rest of your move.
- eBay & online purchases — bought a bike online? Have the seller drop it at the nearest terminal. Read our eBay shipping guide.
- Dealer inventory transfers — moving bikes between dealership locations? Terminal-to-terminal is the most cost-effective way. Learn about our dealer program.
- Seasonal snowbird moves — heading south for winter or north for summer? Ship the bike ahead and fly.
What’s Included with Every Shipment
- Valuation coverage — your bike is protected from pickup to delivery at no additional cost. Upgradable for high-value motorcycles at just $7 per $1,000 of additional valuation.
- Dedicated account representative — one person handles your shipment and answers your calls. No call centers.
- Online tracking — follow your bike from terminal to terminal.
- Condition documentation — full inspection and bill of lading at pickup and delivery.
- Enclosed transport — fully enclosed, air-ride trailers protect your bike from weather, road debris, and prying eyes.
- No-surprise pricing — the price you’re quoted is the price you pay. No fuel surcharges, residential fees, or hidden charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to prepare my motorcycle before dropping it off?
No. That’s the beauty of terminal drop-off. Ride in with a full tank, leave on your mirrors, saddlebags, windshield — everything stays as-is. The driver handles all securing and loading.
How much faster is terminal-to-terminal vs. door-to-door?
Typically about 5 business days faster. Since your bike is already at the hub, it skips the residential pickup routing and gets on the next outbound truck.
Is terminal shipping cheaper than door-to-door?
Yes. Terminal-to-terminal is usually less expensive because it eliminates the residential pickup and delivery legs. Use our quote tool to compare both options side by side.
Can I drop off any type of motorcycle?
We ship all types — cruisers, sportbikes, touring bikes, dirt bikes, ATVs, and UTVs. Non-running bikes are welcome too — just let us know when booking.
What if there’s no terminal near me?
No problem. We offer door-to-door pickup and delivery anywhere in the US. You can also mix and match — terminal drop-off on one end and door-to-door delivery on the other.
How long has Motorcycle Shippers been operating terminals?
We’ve been shipping motorcycles since 1994 — over 30 years. Our terminal network has grown to 40+ locations nationwide. We’re licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and trusted by organizations like the BMW MOA, GWRRA, and the California Motorcycle Dealers Association.
Ready to ship? Get a free instant quote or call (800) 730-3151 to book your terminal drop-off today.