Whether you’re transporting your motorcycle for an upcoming move or want to ship it cross country for a trip, the quickest way to find out how much you’ll pay is by getting a quote online. However, not every transport company provides instant motorcycle shipping quotes.
It’s good to reach out to multiple providers when getting quotes so you can ensure you’re getting the best deal on your motorcycle shipment. We’ve researched and ranked the best motorcycle shipping companies of 2022, and we’ll recommend our leading providers below.
In this article:
What Is A Motorcycle Shipping Quote?
A motorcycle shipping quote is the estimated cost of a shipment from a motorcycle transport company. Some motorcycle shipping companies factor all charges into their quotes, such as the following:
- Transport costs
- Service fees
- Surcharges
- Additional insurance coverage costs
However, most companies don’t include all costs in their estimates. This means the price you pay for motorcycle shipping services will be higher than the initial quote you receive.
How To Get Motorcycle Shipping Quotes Online
Most motorcycle shippers offer instant quotes online, but you’ll have to provide information about your shipment before receiving one. You’ll typically need the following shipment details in hand when requesting quotes online:
- Motorcycle’s year, make, model, and operability
- Pickup and drop-off locations
- Preferred shipment time frame
- Shipping method (open transport or enclosed transport)
- Delivery method (door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal)
- Name, email address, and phone number
After entering your information in the online form, you’ll receive an instant quote, an email, or a call with your shipping estimate. Not all motorcycle shipping companies offer online pricing, so you may have to call directly to receive a quote for your shipment instead.
How Much Does Motorcycle Shipping Cost?
Based on our research and the estimates we received from some of the industry’s top motorcycle shipping companies, the average cost to ship a motorcycle 1,500 miles in an enclosed trailer is about $1,140. The quotes you receive will vary depending on a number of factors.
To help you know what to expect in terms of motorcycle shipping costs, our team requested quotes for a variety of shipping distances and services. The estimates we received are for an operable 2018 Yamaha V Star.
- Open trailer motorcycle transport: Between $535 and $1,295
- Enclosed motorcycle transport: Between $385 and $1,895
- 520-mile shipment: Between $385 and $1,295
- 1,660-mile shipment: Between $605 and $1,895
The cost ranges above are based on initial quotes for various transport services. The motorcycle shipping quote you receive may not be the final price you pay. Depending on the company, charges such as service fees and insurance coverage costs may be added to your final bill, increasing the price to ship your bike.
What Affects Motorcycle Transport Costs?
Several factors affect motorcycle shipping costs. Leveraging the factors that are in your control can help you reduce the cost of shipping.
Here’s an overview of what impacts motorcycle transport costs and why:
- Miles traveled: Cross-country shipments have lower motorcycle shipping rates per mile than shorter-distance shipments, but they cost more in total.
- Open vs. enclosed transport: Enclosed trailer transport is more expensive than open carrier transport. However, it allows for greater peace of mind since your motorcycle is protected from the elements and road debris.
- Door-to-door vs. terminal-to-terminal delivery: Door-to-door shipping is more costly than terminal-to-terminal shipping because your motorcycle is delivered as close to your home as possible, eliminating the hassle of picking it up at a remote location.
- Time of year: Demand is higher in January and the summer, so your motorcycle transport will be more expensive.
- Carrier competition: When you use marketplace-style motorcycle transport services, higher competition between carrier bids means lower motorcycle shipping costs.
- Price of fuel: Motorcycle shippers may charge more to compensate for carriers’ fuel costs.
- Vehicle operability: Inoperable vehicles are more expensive to ship because they require more effort and resources to move.
- Vehicle size: Larger vehicles, like ATVs, cost more to ship than standard motorcycles.
Our Recommendations For Motorcycle Shipping Quotes
If you’re looking for peace of mind when shipping your motorcycle, we recommend reaching out to Montway Auto Transport and AmeriFreight to learn more about their shipping processes. Both scored well in our 2022 review of the best motorcycle shipping companies.
Montway Auto Transport: Best Overall
Established in 2006, Montway Auto Transport is a motorcycle and auto shipping broker that provides services including door-to-door delivery and enclosed trailer shipping. The company works with over 15,000 carriers to transport vehicles nationwide and internationally.
Montway offers instant quotes online for most vehicles, though you may have to call a customer service representative to get a quote if you own a Harley-Davidson or vintage bike.
Montway Auto Transport holds an A+ rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Positive customer reviews highlight the company’s low-cost shipping options, timeliness, and hassle-free service.
| Montway Auto Transport Pros | Montway Auto Transport Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable pricing | No real-time tracking or mobile app |
| Positive customer reviews and ratings | |
| 24/7 online chat feature | |
| Guaranteed pickup date for a fee |
Read more about the company in our Montway Auto Transport review .
AmeriFreight: Best Discounts
AmeriFreight is a popular motorcycle and car shipping broker that works with 10,000 carriers nationwide. The broker offers open and enclosed trailer options, along with door-to-door delivery. AmeriFreight provides discounts to military personnel, students, and first responders. Discounts are also available for returning customers and those shipping multiple vehicles.
AmeriFreight quotes are only available by phone, but you can get a price estimate using the car shipping rate calculator available on the company’s website.
| AmeriFreight Pros | AmeriFreight Cons |
|---|---|
| Positive customer reviews | Quotes are only available by phone |
| Available in all 50 states | No real-time tracking or mobile app |
| Wide variety of discounts |
Learn more about the broker in our AmeriFreight review.
Frequently Asked Questions: Motorcycle Shipping Quote
How much does it cost to ship my motorcycle?
Based on estimates we received, the average cost to ship a motorcycle is $700 for a 1,000-mile trip.
What is the best motorcycle shipping company?
We named Montway Auto Transport, AmeriFreight, Motorcycle Shippers, HaulBikes, and uShip the best motorcycle shipping companies based on reputation, cost, services, and customer experience.
How can I ship a motorcycle cheaply?
The cheapest way to ship your motorcycle is open transport, terminal-to-terminal delivery.
What companies ship motorcycles?
There are many transport companies that ship motorcycles. We recommend reaching out to Montway Auto Transport, AmeriFreight, and Motorcycle Shippers for motorcycle shipping rates.
Methodology
In an effort to provide accurate and unbiased information to consumers, our expert review team collects data from dozens of car shipping companies to formulate rankings of the best transporters. Providers receive a score in each of the following categories, as well as an overall weighted score out of 5.0 stars.
- Reputation: Shippers with a history of strong business practices and endorsements from experts receive the highest scores in this category.
- Cost: Our research team reviews sample quotes for a variety of shipping routes, distances, and vehicles. Companies with lower prices and many discount opportunities receive the best scores.
- Services: This rating is based on types of auto transport services available, insurance coverage, and the ability to guarantee pickup and drop-off dates.
- Customer Experience: We comb through customer reviews and perform our own shopper analysis to get a sense of the responsiveness and helpfulness of each car transporter.
