Motorcycle Shipping FAQ. Do you have questions about moving motorcycles?  See below for answers to all the  Frequently Asked Questions.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Motorcycle Shipping

Motorcycle Shipping FAQ

1. Quote

Use the Instant Shipping Quote Tool Online

2. Reserve

Enter Shipping Address

3. Confirm

We Process and Email Confirmation

4. Pick Up

Dispatchers Call 24 Hours Prior

5. Delivery

Dispatchers Call 24 Hours Prior


Answers to some of the most common questions asked by our customers. More questions? Just ask! Call 800.730.3151 or contact us.

What areas do you service?

We provide service between the 48 contiguous US states. As well, we ship outbound to Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico.

How long will it take for my shipment to be delivered?

Our Classic, Economy and Local Services all vary in total transport time. Please use our Instant Shipping Quote Calculator, choose your service type and then click Reserve Now to see the approximate dates.

If you have already booked with us please refer to the email we sent for your tracking information and dates.

Specific service days and/or expedited services may be available depending on the areas of service. View our VIP Services and ask your customer service representative how they can help meet your needs.

Motorcycle Shippers strives to provide the most expedient, safe and affordable methods of motorcycle transport available. We provide realistic time estimates for your shipment as part of our “No Surprises” customer service policy.

We want your shipment to get delivered just as quickly as you do, so please know that we work very hard to give you the most accurate information available to us at all times.

Can you explain the requirement that "the pick up and delivery addresses be tractor/trailer accessible"?

Your shipment will be transported in an 18-wheeled truck in most cases. This is a tractor-truck with a 53-foot trailer attached, just like the ones you see every day on the freeway. The total length of the truck from front to rear is approximately 80 feet, and the height is approximately 13 feet. Your streets must be large enough to accommodate a truck of this size, and the truck must be able to drive to the address or location from public streets. Dead-end streets and cul-de-sacs are considered “tractor/trailer” accessible as long as there is room to turn around at the end, or the street is wide enough to back down.

Some remote areas do not have roads wide enough for the trucks to navigate and/or include routes not normally used by trucks of this nature. Keep in mind that low-hanging tree branches or wires should also be considered when determining if your location is tractor/trailer accessible. Any location that requires access by a ferry or unpaved surface is not considered tractor-trailer accessible.

We want your shipment to go smoothly, so please provide an accessible location for the drivers. If your location isn’t tractor-trailer accessible, we recommend that you choose an alternate location like a friends or relative’s home or business location or even a local motorcycle dealer.

 

My location is not tractor/trailer accessible, can I just tell the driver to meet me down the street when they call?

Having a tractor-trailer accessible address is always the best option. However, if your address is not tractor-trailer accessible, it is possible to have the drivers meet you at a nearby tractor-trailer friendly location. Any location where the drivers can safely and legally pull out of traffic lanes will work.

It is also possible to pick up or deliver with a smaller truck, but additional fees will be incurred. Your sales representative can give you a specific quote for small truck fees but they usually range from $200-$400.

What is the difference between Classic and Economy Service?

Classic Service: Motorcycles are strapped onto a special skid and secured with soft straps. Units other than motorcycles are secured directly to the truck using straps. The skid provides a Perimeter of Protection around the bike to help protect it during transport. The transport time is generally a bit faster than our Economy Services, yet the cost is usually higher.

Economy Service: All units are loaded onto a fully-enclosed, air-ride truck and safely secured directly to the truck using straps. The transport time is generally a bit slower than our Classic Service, yet the cost is usually lower. This service is only available for certain vehicle types and specific areas of the US.

Do your drivers note the condition of the vehicle?

Yes, documentation is provided at both the origin and destination as to the condition of the vehicle.

Does someone need to be present when the drivers arrive?

Yes, someone must be available to review and sign the driver’s documents at the address provided.

Can I leave my vehicle in the driveway and sign the paperwork later?

Sorry, for the security of your shipment, the driver must be met by a “live” person. If the driver shows up after confirming their arrival by phone, and no one is present,  an attempt fee of up to $250 will apply.

Will I receive a phone call before the driver arrives?

Yes. Dispatchers normally call one business day prior to the drivers arrival.  They will specify a time frame, usually about 5 hours, for their arrival.

My schedule is very busy and I may not be available to wait for a driver, can they call me from the road just before they arrive?

You may request this service when the dispatcher or driver calls to make the arrangement for their arrival date. We cannot guarantee that drivers will be available to make a second call just before their arrival but they will do everything possible to accommodate your needs.

If for any reason you feel that you can’t be available at the address given, we suggest you choose an alternative pick up or delivery location where someone will be present during those hours.

If the drivers show up and no one is available, can they wait?

Drivers may be able to wait with proper notification. Driver wait time is $120 per hour. We would prefer not to charge these fees, so please choose locations for pick up and delivery where someone will be available.

Can I pick a specific time and day for my shipment to be picked up and delivered?

When the dispatcher or drivers call to make arrangements for arrival they will specify a day for delivery. The drivers can only estimate a time frame for their arrival, which is usually about 5 hours.

Requesting a date of your choice for delivery is possible depending on your area. Extra fees may apply for special day and/or time arrivals.See our VIP Program and consult one of our motorcycle shipping specialists so they can help meet your needs.

Can the drivers pick up or deliver on the weekends or after hours?

Normal pick up and delivery service is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Choosing service on a weekend or after hours is possible depending on your area but extra fees will apply. Consult one of our motorcycle shipping specialists for more details.

Do you have a terminal that I can pick up or drop off my shipment at my convenience?

Yes in most cases. We have  Terminals across the US that can be used to drop-off or pick-up your shipment when pre-arranged through our Classic Service option. This is free additional service but  we need to provide the terminal with proper notice before you drop off your bike. When reserving your shipment, please let us know which terminal you would like to use. After your order is reserved, you will receive a contract number. You will need to provide your contract number when you arrive at the terminal.

We encourage you to chat with one of our motorcycle shipping specialists for more information.

Can the drivers handle the money exchange for me since I am buying/selling this vehicle?

Monetary transactions are best handled through PayPal or Escrow.com. The drivers do not handle funds. We want to help keep your transaction safe.

This is my first purchase online? How can I be sure that the other party is honest?

Of course nothing can be perfect, but our history of motorcycle transport has proven that online transactions are safe. Conducting yourself professionally throughout the transaction, using a secure method of payment transfer such as PayPal or Escrow.com and using an approved interstate carrier to transport your cycle, are the most important things to remember.

Call us if you have any questions, our friendly motorcycle shipping specialists have handled 1000’s of transaction and would be happy to assist you with any questions you might have.

Can I give the keys and title to the driver along with the vehicle?

We don’t start or run your motorcycle, so the keys are unnecessary. Please ship your keys and title through a company like FedEx.

If we are shipping a trike, UTV, slingshot or golf cart for you, please leave the keys in the ignition as these units are too large to push.

Loose or removable items (Helmets, titles, extra parts, etc.) are not included in the valuation coverage & must also be shipped separately.

 

How do I prepare the unit for transport?

For your protection, we require that all units be shipped without the keys, unless you are shipping a Golf Cart, UTV, Slingshot or trike. Golf Carts, UTV’s, Slingshots and trikes but be operational and we must have the keys in order to move them due to their size and weight.

Motorcycles do not have to be operational, but they must roll (tires must be full of air) and the steering needs to be unlocked.

Fuel in the tank is OK, you do not need to drain the gas or oil. Please make sure the steering must be unlocked and any alarm system you may have is disabled or put in “transport” mode.

 

Can I send my helmet and jacket with the vehicle?

Safe delivery of your vehicle is our top priority. Any additional items are not covered by the valuation so we suggest that you send any additional gear or parts via FedEx.

Can I pay the driver for the transportation fees when they arrive?

The drivers do not handle funds so payment must be made to Motorcycle Shippers when the order is placed. We accept all credit cards, PayPal or you may mail payment prior to booking.

Do you offer dealer discounts?

Register with us as a dealer and one of our motorcycle shipping specialists will reach out to you with more details.

Are there any size restrictions?

Yes there are some size restrictions, additional fees may apply for units over the standard size. Maximum height cannot be exceeded for some units:

  • Motorcycle: 108″ L x 48″ W
  • Motorcycle over 108″: Can be over 108″ L but Max 58″H
  • ATV: 90″ x 48″ (Classic Service) or 108″ x 48″ W x 58″ H (Economy Service)
  • Trikes: 144″ L x 58″ H.
  • UTVs: 170″ L x 70″ W x 76″ H.
  • Slingshots: 58″ H.
  • Golf Carts: 92″ L x 51″ W x 67″ H (Classic Service) or 108″ L x 48″ W x 58″ H (Economy Service).
  • E-Bikes/Bikes: 90″ L x 30″ W x 45″ H. Max weight 175 lbs.

Do the transport trucks handle only motorcycles?

Along with motorcycles ATV’s, and other powersports products there may be other high-value items in the trailer as well. By consolidating high-value items we are able to provide you with lower costs and faster service.

Motorcycle Shippers works to provide you the most efficient, safe and affordable transport methods available today.

What will the truck look like? What documentation will the driver have?

There are over 1100 motorcycle transport-equipped trucks across the US, in a couple different networks so their design will vary. They will be of different sizes, colors and have varied  logos and markings. You will not see the Motorcycle Shippers name or logo on the side of the truck, but rest assured our service quality standards are still in place.

The driver will present you with documentation showing the physical address to which they were dispatched and the make and model of vehicle as you have provided to us. A signature from an adult will be required.

How does your tracking system work?

The tracking information that is provided in our system is current to the last point of check-in by the truck and does not constitute “Real Time” or “Satellite/GPS” positioning. We provide you with the most detailed status/location updates via this system. Shipments routinely stop at secure locations awaiting transfer for the fastest possible delivery. A unit may “hold” at a particular location for several days. These stops are considered when estimating the time needed for transport and do not affect the delivery date provided. Please be assured that the carrier’s goal is to deliver your cycle by the approximate delivery date.

What are beyond fees and how do I avoid paying them?

Beyond fees are charges that apply only to certain zip codes that are outside of the normal transport lanes. Remote or rural areas are one example of where these fees may apply. If your quote has a message that says your quote includes beyond fees, then additional fees have been applied. In order to avoid paying them, you may select alternative zip codes where the fees don’t apply. Try using another location that is nearer a large city or airport. Maybe use a friend or relatives address, or try using the zip code from one of our terminals for drop-off or pick-up. We also have an economy service that may help reduce the cost of your transport.