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!

John Brady
5 days ago
I've used AA motorcycle transport 3 times. Excellent service and communication
Response from the owner:Thanks for the business John
Michael Meyers
1 week ago
The handlers on both ends were friendly and took great care of our vintage Cushman scooter. I'd recommend the company.
Response from the owner:Thanks for the business Michael
Chris Chavez
2 weeks ago
They did an amazing job picking up and dropping off,took very good care of my motorcycle while in transportation
Response from the owner:Thanks for the business Chris.
Erik Freeman
2 weeks ago
AA was the third motorcycle shipping company I’ve used. While they all got the job done… eventually, AA was the only company that gave me a timeframe for pickup and met it. They gave me a timeframe for delivery and met that too. My bike arrived when I expected it, in perfect shape. What else can you ask for? How about tracking? Yup, pretty cool. It was nice to be able to see my bike making its way home. I don’t typically leave reviews, but I was pleasantly surprised with the way AA operated. They’re not the cheapest outfit, but peace of mind is worth a little extra cash. Highly recommend.
Response from the owner:Thanks for the continued business Erik
Cristina Morgan
4 weeks ago
Terrific service. Took slightly longer than expected but was clearly communicated along the way. Everyone I spoke with during the process was competent and informative. Fair price. Highly recommended.
Response from the owner:Thanks for the business Christina
Michelle Romak
4 weeks ago
5-stars, excellent service, highly recommend
Response from the owner:Thanks for the business Michelle
Ryan Miller
4 weeks ago
Excellent company, fast shipping, good communication, Highly recommend. Thanks again!!
Response from the owner:Thanks for the business Ryan
Wilson Lee
1 month ago
Motorcycle arrived from TN to CA safely and on a pallet. I paid extra ($1300) for their "fastest" service but it still took an entire month to arrive. My order was placed August 5 and my bike arrived Sept 3. Be prepared to exercise great patience.
Response from the owner:Thanks for the business Wilson

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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