How Choose a Motorcycle Transport Company

For many people, their motorcycle is nearly as precious to them as one of their children.  For others, motorcycles are an investment, albeit one they can enjoy while it is appreciating in value.  Whether buying, selling, or simply traveling, motorcycle owners are not always able to ride their motorcycle to its destination, making it necessary to use a motorcycle transport company.  Because the choice of company can make a difference in the condition of your motorcycle upon arrival, it is important to know how to choose a motorcycle transport company.

Destination

Before choosing a motorcycle transport company, you first have to know your destination.  If you are shipping out of the country, transporting by ship is the safest and most economical option.  If, on the other hand, you are shipping to a location within the same country, then a vehicle carrier is the best option.  In addition, not all transport companies will ship directly to the door, so it is important to know whether the company you choose ships to terminals and where the destination terminal is located.

Tracking

It is important to choose a motorcycle transport company that offers shipment tracking.  Nothing could be more frightening than for your motorcycle to not reach its destination on time and there to be no record of where it is.  Tracking will help you to know whether the motorcycle reached its destination, when it will reach the destination, or where it has gone if it didn’t go to the right place.

Transportation Insurance

Always check into the insurance offered by a motorcycle transport company.  Some companies only offer basic, minimal coverage or coverage with restrictions, either of which could leave you with uncovered damage to your motorcycle.  Make sure there is enough coverage to repair or replace your motorcycle should the worst happen.

How Your Motorcycle is Shipped

Finally, before choosing a motorcycle transport company, make sure you understand how your motorcycle will be shipped.  Some companies ship motorcycles only in crates or pop-up crates, while others secure the bike to skids and cover them for shipping.  Shipping may take place on an open truck or in an enclosed trailer.  Make sure the transport company is using a shipping method meant for motorcycles, rather than using one designed for cars and trucks. 

If the motorcycle is being shipped to a terminal, be sure you know how it will go from the terminal to the final destination. You may need to arrange for local shipping from the terminal if there will not be an individual picking up the motorcycle.

Finally, check with third parties.  Talk to other customers and find out what kind of experience they had with the company.  Look at Better Business Bureau reports to see if there are complaints or problems that you would rather avoid.

Once you find the right company, make sure you read all of the details and look for hidden costs and fees.  It is not impossible to choose the right motorcycle transport company for your needs, but it does take some time and energy to research your options.