Getting a Good Deal On a Motorcycle Shipment
By Clint Lawrence
JC Motors- The Motorcycle Shipping Authority


With the ease of purchasing a motorcycle on the internet today, you may find yourself searching for a way move a motorcycle from miles away. Or maybe you want to ride at the Sturgis Rally without riding a thousand miles or more to get there and need a the best motorcycle shipping costs. Either way, hiring the motorcycle transportation services of a company that can transport motorcycles quickly and affordably is a great option. How do I ship my motorcycle?

When you need to ship a motorcycle, keep in mind, "Getting a good deal" definitely does not mean paying the least amount. Cheaper doesn't mean better. Uncrated motorcycle shipping prices will vary greatly. If your motorcycle is delayed or damaged, it could end up costing you many times the amount you saved by choosing the lowest priced motorcycle shippers.

1) Use a motorcycle shipping company that has a professional, user-friendly website.
Very simple, if they truly provide quality motorcycle transport services they will advertise their motorcycle moving service and provide resources using the latest technology, including the world wide web.

2) Use only licensed and insured transporters.
Motorcycle transport companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration also identified as the Federal Highway Administration, to be licensed there under. Any transporter should be able to provide a copy of their operating authority. The best motorcycle shipping companies will post them on their website. If this cannot be provided there is a good chance that the business you are dealing with may not be reputable.

3) Choose a company that specializes in motorcycle hauling.
Many companies offering motorcycle shipping services claim that they are expert motorcycle movers, but does their history prove it? Is the company really an auto transporter who tries to handle motorcycle transporting services as well? Does the company claim to be Harley Shipping experts but neglect all other models? Harley Davidson motorcycle shipping is just a small part of the services that motorcycle shipping companys should offer. BMW motorcycle shipping is also particularly tricky due to the unique design of the machine. Motorcycles are inherently fragile and moving of motorcycles should be done by trained personnel who understand their design. Get some references or read door to door motorcycle shipping testimonials from other customers. Uncrated ATV shipping and trike shipping can usually be acquired from a legitimate company.

4) Select a motorcycle mover that has the proper equipment to handle your motorcycle move.
Many companies can give you a quote on motorcycle shipment, but are they truly familiar with the special handling that motorcycle trucking requires? Ask companies to explain how your bike will be transported. Dedicated motorcycle movers will make pictures of their equipment readily available throughout their website. Once again, ATV transport service is usually offered. Harley hauling is an especially delicate procedure.

Will your motorcycle be transported in an enclosed air-ride truck?
Some companies provide only "open" truck/trailer transport instead of enclosed motorcycle transport. Exposure to wind and other elements can scratch, ding and even crack your motorcycles delicate finish. A rough ride can mean damage to your shocks, tires and other fragile items. Even ATV hauling requires this type of security. Be sure that the carrier you choose cares enough to protect your investment.

Are the trucks equipped with the proper loading equipment?
To safely ship motorcycle an extra large lift gate mounted on the rear of the truck is needed for loading. Many smaller companies do not have these expensive units. Improper loading can damage the underside your bike. The larger the cycle, the tougher the job is to complete without the right equipment.

Will your motorcycle be safely secured?
Your kickstand may work well in the driveway, but on a long motorcycle haul it takes at least four strong tie downs and protective ties to do the job correctly and keep your cycle from getting damaged. A good motorcycle hauling company will use motorcycle specific straps. If you wonder, how do I move my ATV or get an ATV shipping rate? Just remember, ATV moving also requires similar expert handling.

Does the company have enough trucks to cover their territory?
Transit time is directly linked to the availability of the trucks that move your cycle. Some companies even offer a Canada motorcycle shipping quote. Canada motorcycle transport can be a detailed procedure. Canadian customs for a motorcycle shipping service can be even tougher. So if you require service to Canada please choose your Canada motorcycle moving company carefully.

Does the company offer service to all areas?
Motorcycle shipping USA services are common but if you require Alaska motorcycle shipping, Hawaii motorcycle shipping, Puerto Rico motorcycle shipping, international motorcycle shipping, or simply want to export a motorcycle you need a company that specializes. Moving cycles to these places requires motorcycle crating services because a motorcycle crate is required for loading. Crating motorcycles or any motorcycle packing can be expensive, but a good motorcycle crate is priceless. Search for cycle crate, motorcycle shipping crate, motorcycle moving crate or Pop Up crate on the web if you need help.

5) Pick a company with good customer service.
This will save you time, and we all know that "Time is Money". Good customer service can be evaluated many ways, but lets look at the basics.

Can I reach someone in the customer service department?
Try calling your prospect several times before you book your order to see if you can get live help. Some companies have staff on hand to take your order, but when it comes to needing assistance with tracking for example, you may get directed to their voice mail.

Can I track my order quickly?
Great companies will offer tracking on their website to let you know the location of your shipment with a few clicks of the mouse. Good companies will offer you this information after you phone them. Below average companies will offer you a voice mail and a call back tomorrow.

What are my options for placing the order?
Mistakes cause headaches. Being able to type your order online not only saves time, but it helps ensure that addresses and phone numbers are accurately documented. Choose a motorcycle transport company that has invested in your convenience by providing this option on their website.

If I have a claim for damage, will I get assistance?
Damage claims are rare and unfortunate experiences, but they can be made easier if you have chosen a company with professional procedures to deal with such an incident. When searching for a company to trust your cycle with, be sure to ask them if there is a dedicated claims department to handle any issues if the need should arise. The best motorcycle shipping companies will put you in direct communication with a specialist for no-hassle claims.

6) Find a motorcycle moving company that offers valuation coverage with a low deductible.
When you have questions moving motorcycles remember, great companies will include coverage at no additional cost; good ones for a charge and poor ones will say "We have never damaged a motorcycle before, why do you need coverage?" Also, a great company will complete a condition report on your bike when they pick it up.

7) Pick a transporter that can give you a solid quote for transporting motorcycles.
If you thought your original quote was a good deal but variables exist that could affect the motorcycle shipping pricing in the end; it may not be such a good deal. Get a solid motorcycle shipping price or ATV shipping quote and make sure the company explains any extra charges before the motorcycle transporting begins. Side note: Your ATV shipping price shouldn't be much different than your price to ship a motorcycle, if the transporter is an ATV shipment specialist.

When you ask the question "How much does motorcycle shipping cost", you should get a quick answer. The best quotes come from companies who give you easy access to their rates. Great companies post the rates on their website for you to see and won't slap you with surcharges that may change when you actually ship motorcycles with them. Good companies will provide quotes by email upon request. Below average companies will quote you without documentation.

Some companies even offer discounts to club members or military personnel. Ask for discounted motorcycle shipping rate. You may also be able to find an ebay motorcycle shipper, who specializes in buy/sell transactions to give you low motorcycle shipping quotes.

There's truth in that old cliché, you get what you pay for but it doesn't mean that you get more if you pay more! The best motorcycle transporters usually don't have the absolute lowest price or the highest price, but the one in the middle.

8) Be available by phone when your motorcycle transport company calls.
Why is this important to you and getting a good deal? When you ask how to ship my motorcycle, remember motor cycle hauling companies are just as busy as you, and when they call to speak with you about your shipment, it is important to be available. If the company has to leave a message or call you again, it will only cause a delay in your shipment. Yes, a delay in their schedule which equals a delay in your schedule. Your time is valuable. Also remember, a good deal is one that leaves you as a satisfied customer. You most likely won't feel satisfied when the delivery of your beautiful ride gets delayed and the best motorcycle transporters want your bike delivered quickly just as much as you.

If you are knowledgeable about the shipping process and choosing a reliable motorcycle transport company to haul your cycle, the end result will be a Good Deal.

As a partnered transporter for Ebay, JC Motors also offers other specialized Powersports related shipping services such as Watercraft Shipping, Sandrail Shipping and even Boat Shipping.