Specialty Transport
How to Ship a Motorcycle: Prep, Pickup and What to Expect
How motorcycle shipping works: how bikes are secured, how to prep yours, what to tell the carrier, open vs. enclosed, and how long it takes.
Whether you found the perfect bike three states away, you're moving, or you want your ride waiting for you in Florida this winter, shipping a motorcycle is simpler than most riders expect. Here's how it works.
How motorcycles ride on a trailer
For door-to-door shipping in the lower 48, a motorcycle isn't crated. It's rolled onto the trailer, held upright, and strapped down at solid points on the frame or triple clamps so the suspension holds it steady without stress on bodywork. Soft straps protect the finish.
Bikes ride on open or enclosed trailers. Open is the standard for most bikes. Enclosed keeps the bike out of weather and road grime, which owners of show bikes, vintage bikes and fresh paint often prefer. More in enclosed vs. open auto transport.
Who hauls your bike
Velocity Logistics is a licensed motor carrier based in Indianapolis. Most bikes we book go with vetted partner carriers through our licensed broker partner, and some ride on our own trucks. Either way, Velocity is your one point of contact from quote to delivery, and we tell you who is hauling before pickup.
What to tell us when you book
- Year, make and model. A sportbike and a full-dress touring bike load differently.
- Does it run? A non-runner needs a plan for loading.
- Aftermarket parts: lowered suspension, extended forks, fairings, bags, crash bars, oversized tires.
- Trike or sidecar? Tell us. These need more room.
- Pickup and delivery addresses, plus whether a dealer, seller or storage facility is involved.
How to prep your motorcycle
- Wash it. A clean bike makes the inspection photos useful.
- Photograph it from every side, with close-ups of existing scratches.
- Remove loose items: tank bags, GPS units, phone mounts, helmets, jackets, covers.
- Empty hard bags and lock them, or remove them if they detach easily.
- Leave about a quarter tank. Enough to load and unload.
- Check the battery and tires. A charged battery and proper tire pressure make loading easier.
- Turn off alarms, or tell the driver how to disable them.
- Leave a key with the bike for loading.
Pickup and delivery
At pickup, the driver inspects the bike with you and records its condition on a digital bill of lading. At delivery, check the bike against those notes and photos before you sign, and write down anything new right then. Our pre-shipment checklist walks through the inspection.
What it costs
Price depends on distance, the bike, open or enclosed transport, and the season. Trikes, sidecars and large touring bikes take more room. Your written, all-in quote is the number that counts.
Timing and season
Motorcycle shipping peaks in spring, when riders buy bikes and get them home for the season, and again in fall, when snowbirds send bikes south. Booking a week or two ahead gives you the most pickup dates. Once loaded, most trips take one to ten days depending on distance. See how long it takes to ship a vehicle.
ATVs, side-by-sides and more
We move powersports too: ATVs, side-by-sides, dirt bikes and personal watercraft. See powersports transport or our motorcycle shipping page.
The bottom line
Shipping a motorcycle is door to door, strapped upright, no crate needed. Describe the bike honestly, prep it the night before, and inspect it at both ends. Request a quote with your ZIP codes and bike details.
Frequently asked questions
Do you ship motorcycles on your own trucks?
Sometimes. Most bikes go with vetted partner carriers through our licensed broker partner, and some ride on our own trucks. Either way, Velocity is your point of contact from quote to delivery, and we tell you who is hauling before pickup.
Does my motorcycle need to be crated?
No. For door-to-door transport in the lower 48, bikes are usually strapped upright on the trailer, not crated. Crating is mostly for overseas or freight shipping.
Can I leave my saddlebags and gear with the bike?
Hard bags that are bolted on can stay on, but empty them. Remove helmets, jackets, tank bags, GPS units and anything else that can come loose.
Can you ship a non-running motorcycle?
Yes. Tell us when you book if it doesn't run, so the driver can plan how to load it.
How long does motorcycle shipping take?
About the same as a car on the same route: once loaded, usually one to ten days depending on distance. Pickup timing depends on the route and season.
