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.

Here are our Google Reviews!

Quick and easy pickup, very friendly staff. All happened very smoothly and without issues. They even accommodated the last minute change in delivery address.
Pickup and delivery happened more than on time. Definitely recommend this!
Response from the owner:Thanks for the business Arjen
Wonderful service and lightening-fast shipping. Cross-country in only a few days, with incident-free delivery.
Response from the owner:Thanks for the business Christopher
Wonderful experience with AA Shipping, shipping my motorcycle from Florida to Montana. Pickup with my contact was smooth and quick. Driver was communicative during transit and delivered on time. I would recommend AA shipping to anyone looking to ship their vehicle cross country!
Response from the owner:Thanks for the business Jake
AA motorcycle shipping did a great job. They picked up my bike on time. They securely strapped it down on a pallet so it would not bounce around into other shipments and delivered it on time without a mark on it. Would definitely recommend these guys to anyone.
Response from the owner:Thanks for the business Keith
My Scrambler was eficiently picked up and equally nicely delivered. Good communication and respect of estimated calendar dates. Will use them again. Based on this experience I recommend them.
Response from the owner:Thanks for the business Mark
From start to finish AA motorcycle transportation was top notch. They handled everything from start to finish in a professional manner and treated my bike as it was their own. 10/10 recommend them and in the event I need to ship my bike again they are the only ones I will call
Response from the owner:Thanks for the business Justin
Shipped my motorcycle across the country using AA Motorcycle Shipping and very happy with their service. All questions were answered quickly and the drivers at pickup and delivery were very professional. Definitely recommend AA Motorcycle Shipping if you want great service for your ride.
Response from the owner:Thanks for the business Tony
I recently used AA Motorcycle Shipping to transport my bike from California to Virginia, and I couldn't be happier with the service. They took extreme care with my motorcycle—everything was securely handled and protected. It arrived in excellent condition and much faster than I expected, making the cross-country trip in about a week. Highly recommend them for anyone looking for reliable and professional motorcycle shipping.
Response from the owner:Thanks for the business Nahom

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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