Common mistakes to avoid when shipping a motorcycle

As a motorcycle shipping company, we have seen it all when it comes to the mistakes people do when shipping their motorcycles.  Shipping mistakes can lead to costly repairs, lengthy insurance claims, and even irreparable damage to your motorcycle. This post will highlight the 5 most common mistakes and offer expert tips on how to avoid them. By avoiding these mistakes, you can protect your investment and enjoy a stress-free shipping experience.

Not Preparing the Motorcycle for Shipping

Before you ship your motorcycle, it’s essential to prepare it properly. Failure to prepare your motorcycle could lead to damage or other issues during transit. One of the most common mistakes is failing to clean the motorcycle thoroughly. Dirt, grime, and debris can scratch the bike’s paint, making it look dull and unattractive. Additionally, it’s crucial to remove all accessories and loose items from the motorcycle, such as mirrors, saddlebags, or GPS devices. These items could fall off during transit and cause damage to your motorcycle or someone else’s.

Another important step is to drain the gas tank and disconnect the battery. Failure to do so could cause damage or even an explosion during transit. Finally, take detailed photos of your motorcycle before shipping it, so you have evidence of its condition in case of any disputes with the shipping company.

You can read more in detail about preparing your motorcycle for shipping here.

Choosing the Wrong Shipping Company

Choosing the wrong shipping company is another common mistake to avoid. Many people choose a shipping company based solely on price, but this can lead to subpar service and potential damage to your motorcycle. Look for a reputable motorcycle shipping company with a proven track record of delivering bikes safely and on time. Read reviews, ask for recommendations from fellow riders, and research the company’s history and credentials. Additionally, make sure the company offers insurance coverage for your motorcycle during transit, so you’re protected in case of damage or loss.

Read about What To Look For In A Reliable Motorcycle Shipping Company.

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While researching how to ship my motorcycle cross country I saw a lot of low ball offers with horror story reviews, which turned me away from them despite the low price. AA cost more than I was anticipating, but if you don’t want to worry, ITS WORTH IT. Bike arrived ahead of schedule and in the same condition it left and they were able to transport the rear wheel stand with it. The tracking information was useful as well. The tram was also available to answer questions throughout the process. Would recommend!
Response from the owner: Thanks for the business Ron
This is the second time I have used AA Motorcycle Shipping to get my motorcycle across the country(CA->RI->CA). They've done a fantastic job both times, getting bike prepped, shipped, and delivered without any issues. I wouldn't use anybody else!
Response from the owner: Thanks for the continued support Michael.
Easy communication and promptly delivery, got my bike delivered overnight, highly recommended!
Response from the owner: Thanks for the business Di
This is my second time using this company for shipping a vintage dirt bike. Both experiences were positive. They took great care of the bikes and each arrived in the exact condition it was shipped in.
Response from the owner: Thanks for the business Paul
Really easy! They worked around my schedule and everything worked out great. My motorcycle actually showed up sooner than expected.
Response from the owner: Thanks for the business
I had a great experience setting up the transport of my bike. It was picked up in a timely manner and actually delivered the same day. Zack, the transport specialist, was professional and a nice guy.Thanks!
Response from the owner: Thanks for the business Mike
I decided last minute to have my bike shipped from TX to CA and was able to easily book and communicate with them. Bike got delivered in perfect condition and earlier than expected which was amazing. Definitely recommend, Great service.
Response from the owner: Thanks for the business Emily
Easy and quick for a general idea of cost to ship a motorcycle.
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Not Providing Accurate Information

When shipping your motorcycle, you need to provide accurate information to the shipping company. Failure to do so can lead to delays, additional fees, or even the cancellation of the shipment. Make sure you provide the correct pickup and delivery addresses, along with any special instructions or requirements. Additionally, provide accurate information about your motorcycle. This information will help the shipping company determine the appropriate shipping method and ensure your motorcycle is transported safely.

Improperly Securing the Motorcycle for Transit

The truck driver will do this, but this is another thing to keep in mind in shipping a motorcycle is ensuring that it’s tightly fastened for transit. Failing to properly secure your bike can result in it shifting or falling during transit, leading to significant damage or even a total loss. To avoid this, use high-quality straps or tie-downs to secure the motorcycle to the pallet or crate securely. Additionally, make sure the bike’s center of gravity is balanced, and all loose parts are removed or secured.

Ignoring Delivery Requirements and Conditions

It’s also essential to pay attention to delivery requirements and conditions. Failure to do so could result in your motorcycle being returned to the shipping company or even being abandoned at the delivery location. Make sure you are available to receive the shipment or provide someone trustworthy who can receive it on your behalf. Additionally, ensure that the delivery address can accommodate the size of the shipment and that any necessary permits or special instructions are obtained in advance.

Here’s Our Motorcycle Shipping Calculator


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Using a motorcycle shipping calculator is an excellent way to get an accurate shipping cost for your motorcycle. Our calculator takes into account some required fields such as the type of your vehicle, as well as the origin and the destination zip codes. By using our shipping calculator, you can get the exact amount of how much it will cost to ship your motorcycle and budget it accordingly.

At our motorcycle shipping company, we understand how important your motorcycle is to you, and we’re committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable shipping services. If you’re in need of motorcycle shipping services, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We’ll be happy to provide you with a free quote and answer any questions you may have about our services.

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