How To Ship A Motorcycle in 5 Simple Steps

Planning to ship your motorcycle overseas? Be prepared for some additional set of challenges. In United States, people steal motorcycles and ship them to different countries. Therefore, customs officials have become very cautious when processing motorcycle cargo. Before processing any cargo, they will need to see the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and match it with the manifest.

Whether you want to sell your motorcycle, you're relocating to another country or you're going on vacation, not knowing how to ship a motorcycle can be a costly attempt. Try some these useful tips on how to ship your motorcycle overseas.

Choosing a Shipping Company

You want to go with a reliable shipping company considering the cost effectiveness. Therefore, you should spend enough time looking for a shipping company that best suit your needs and will handle your bike carefully. In order to get the best deal, request quotes from different companies.

Documentation

Gather all the necessary shipping documents. You need to verify that you are the legal owner of your motorcycle and that it can be legally shipped overseas. For that, you will need your proof of ownership for your bike. In addition, you will also need the documentation that shows the operational condition of your motorcycle and valid identification. You may need to produce other documents, so always check with your shipping company.

Preparing

    Drain all the fuel from the tank.
    Unplug or remove the battery to avoid any electrical issues during transit.
    Make sure to release a bit of air from the tires to help your bike move from terminal to terminal.
    To protect the mirrors, fold them in against the body.
    Attach anything loose to the bike to avoid any movement.
    Inspect your bike and make a note of any scrapes and dents if any.

Crating

You will have to put your motorcycle into a crate for international shipping. You will find different shipping crates, especially-designed for motorcycles. Your bike will be secured with the help of the straps within the crate to minimize the damage chances.

Shipping

Make a list of current mechanical problems in your motorcycle. Some companies require this document. Hand it over to the shipping company, when you hand over the bike to them.

Make sure you keep the bike keys and the certificate of title with you. After you handover your bike to the shipping company, don't forget to get a signed receipt from them. When shipping your motorcycle, you should always leave it in neutral gear.

Upon reaching the destination country, when the company hands over your motorcycle, always check for any missing parts or any damage. Do not sign the receipt of delivery without checking your bike. You should have insurance coverage for your motorcycle and shipping.

Remember, you need to thoroughly read each and every clause in your shipping contract and understand them before you sign it. Your shipper might change policies or charge a cancellation fee after you sign the contract.

Once you know the basics, you can resolve your motorcycle shipping needs in a relaxed and happy manner.