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!

Kasia jot
Kasia jot
1709831042
Great service, picked up and delivered my bike on time from Texas to New York, it arrived with no issues. Great up front pricing, great customer service. Will definietlybuse them in the future. I recommend thos company !!A+
Ronald Smith
Ronald Smith
1707945775
Excellent choice to ship a motorcycle!!Great communication.Shipped and Delivered with zero issues!Will use AA Motorcycle shipping in the future.
Wow! What a great company! They picked my motorcycle up Friday morning in Delaware and delivered in Milwaukee, WI Saturday evening! No damages either, driver was great too!
brian klym
brian klym
1707688040
I am not sure about how "Instant" the quote was supposed to be , as I am still waiting for it to appear ... thank you !
Stuart Rettie
Stuart Rettie
1706545625
Shipped my bike quickly and damage free. Highly recommended
Brian Thibodeau
Brian Thibodeau
1705676009
Very east to work with. Was estimate delivery on 26th and showed up two week earlier. Great job. There dispatcher she was great
Tim Russell
Tim Russell
1705672747
Your service was prompt and I was kept well informed. I ive your 5 stars. If there is one improvement that I would suggest, it would be an initial text upon pick up with an approximate delivery date.I will use you guys again.Thank-you,Tim R
skippyify
skippyify
1704656192
Website is easy to use with most forms of transport listed. If delivery is as good i will be delighted
Angelo Belmonte
Angelo Belmonte
1703117758
Very fast delivery! Picked up bike Wednesday in Los Angeles CA & arrived on Sunday in North Carolina. I'm pleased.
Dua Abudiab
Dua Abudiab
1702324794
Easy booking, super responsive to my questions as I was shipping a motorcycle for the first time at the end of a cross-country trip from their warehouse. The process was smooth with an easy moto drop-off (riding moto onto a pallet was exciting), clear instructions, and a tracker as I watched moto make its way back to my doorstep.It was unloaded off the pallet and rolled up to my driveway in the same condition I left it. Super appreciate this service and am using it again for my trip this year!
J P
J P
1701611335
Shipped motorcycle on-time and literally door-to-door - thanks!
Gary M
Gary M
1700256338
AA Motorcycle Shipping did a superb job of delivering my bike half-way across the US. The key takeaways are that my bike arrived without a scratch and absolutely on-time. Kudos to the teams.My only critique is that the collection truck and delivery truck both were a total mess and the bike had a fair layer of grime covering it upon arrival. Still, I must report I'm satisfied with the results.
Jay Behr
Jay Behr
1700243146
Instant quote feature was just as described, instantly provided, and was really helpful. Was nice to know how much it would cost to get a bike shipped from current location to end destination.
Dori VB
Dori VB
1700008256
I've used them twice now, to move my limited edition, perfect condition motorcycle. They were speedy, professional , affable and my motorcycle arrived in perfect condition. I highly recommend.
Shawn Rimmer
Shawn Rimmer
1699980903
I am very happy with the entire experience of shipping a custom painted Harley from Colorado to Florida! Communication from the start was excellent, transit time was minimal (7 days, door to door!) and the bike showed up in the same condition as it left! I'd happily use AA Motorcycle Shipping in the future!
David Young
David Young
1699028725
AA motorcycle shipping was a great choice. They coordinated the delivery of my motorcycle from WA state to Arizona on time and with no damge whatsoever to my motorcycle.
Mark Muir
Mark Muir
1697597318
Completely happy with service..delivery...communicating and planning. I had no idea what to do to get the motorcycle home from Florida or anybody who did this to I found your service...thx again for your job well done!
Loren Zawodny
Loren Zawodny
1697560322
This was my first experience shipping a motorcycle cross-country. I chose this company because they had transparent service pricing and company information on their website. I also appreciate that when I called, I got a real person, not a call center. Nearly all motorcycle shippers are brokers meaning other service contractors do the actual work. However the tracking of my shipment was very easy using their website. My motorcycle was picked up and delivered on time and in great condition. The pick up and delivery were both very professionally done. I appreciate that this was enclosed shipping on a pallet. I am happy with my experience, and I plan to use them again next time I ship a vehicle.
Moises Iavarone
Moises Iavarone
1697555887
Second time I use AA Motorcycles transport, my two bikes made it super safe, love the you can track where you bike if going. I will use them again for sure.
Virtually Rs
Virtually Rs
1696864594
great service 👍🏿 shipped my motorcycle and took a week 1/2 to get delivered from CA to NC
Sean Smith
Sean Smith
1696272159
Quality shipping, on time, and a great overall experience.
Sheldon Russell
Sheldon Russell
1695745601
I want to thank everyone involved in having my motorcycle picked up and delivered. I will definitely recommend your company to anyone who wants the great service!
Rob Judd
Rob Judd
1695738132
I used AA shipping to move my Africa Twin from the Nashville terminal to the Boise Idaho terminal. The process was simple and straight forward. The bike arrived one day before their estimated date and the bike was in exactly the same condition as when it was shipped. I could not be happier with the whole experience. I will use them for all my future shipping needs.
Thomas Harris
Thomas Harris
1695155900
Deb was awesome and made sure the delivery went smooth. The driver was professional and friendly as well. Overall a great experience!
Jenny Merino
Jenny Merino
1694572160
This is who we use everytime we need a bike shipped and have been happy every time. When you call you get an actual person, and you can easily track the bike, set it up and pay online. Pick up is quick and easy, and delivery is on time and efficient. Price is similar when we shop around and its so much better than getting those random quotes and calls from shipping companies online. I would recomend aa to anyone needing a bike shipped and we will continue to use them in the future.
Ryan Lomasney
Ryan Lomasney
1694544742
Ship my bike from Cali to Georgia bike showed up when It was supposed to no damage to motorcycle would Recommend this company all day and will be doing business with them again for sure
Mark Meyerhoff
Mark Meyerhoff
1693608117
All of our bikes arrived on time in the same shape as they were when we rolled them on the pallets. AA did a GREAT job! Specifically, Eileen from the Beltmann group in Anaheim went above and beyond to offer us refreshments and food while we waited for our ride, that she helped organize for us. Frankly, she is an exceptional employee in our opinion!!!
Joshua Bachman
Joshua Bachman
1693273308
Shipped my motorcycle from SWFL to Seattle. They picked it up on time and it showed up in perfect shape when I picked it up in Seattle to ride PCH. Great way to start an amazing trip.
Fair prices, Good service. It arrived on time and in good shape. Excellent, considering it came out of New York City. Nobody else wanted to go in there.
Ray Burnett
Ray Burnett
1692370284
I shipped my motorcycle with AA and was delivered in a covered truck and was cover inside the truck. Good service and safe transport!
TODD HENTSCH
TODD HENTSCH
1692206503
Shipping from Hawaii to Colorado Easy as can be from start to finish fast and communicated well entire trip I recommend
Erick Snyder
Erick Snyder
1691437482
Getting a quote was very fast and very easy. They responded quickly and efficiently.
Scott Snyder
Scott Snyder
1690907986
AA did a great job again. I got set up for the shipment and dropped it at their freight center in Chicago the same day! They shipped it to the freight center in San Diego in about a week, which I think is quick. This is my 3rd time using them and they’ve always been good. Definitely recommend them.
Antonelli Vida
Antonelli Vida
1689195352
Easy to follow online transport quote. The pick up was quick. I got my motorcycle in a week, From North Carolina to California. Only motorcycle transport I use.
Frank Gillen
Frank Gillen
1687810028
Everything went great it happened pretty fast also , I’m very happy
j z
j z
1686314301
Third time using AA Motorcycle Shipping. Always great service and always met all commitments. The warehouse staff in Milpitas CA was awesome when we went to pick up the bikes.
Leeza Pilon
Leeza Pilon
1683040032
Fantastic service every thing was very easy, efficient and professional with great communication
John Hollywood
John Hollywood
1682362220
Been using this company for 2-3 yrs now (I am a motorcycle dealer/seller) and they have always been great. No issues and tracking on shipments is great. I will continue to ship my motorcycles with them.Definitely recommend them A+
delmar wilson
delmar wilson
1682123997
Thank you 😊
Blake Cotlar
Blake Cotlar
1681498632
I got my motorcycle in 7 days even during the holiday. Motorcycle came exactly how they picked it up, no damages. They were very good at communication I would Call for an estimated time on arrival and they would give it to me. I recommend. Venmo: BlakeCotlar
Matthew Kearney
Matthew Kearney
1681404045
AA were extremely efficient and handled the transportation of my bike really well, including honoring time windows for pick up and delivery.
Steve Haskins
Steve Haskins
1680903823
Perfect not one scratch
Thomas Baxter
Thomas Baxter
1680884201
AA picked up a motorcycle for me in Ohio and delivered it to Montana, on time and with fine communication. A small plastic part was damaged, and the follow up claims process is being handled well. The bike was secured via attachment to a movable pallatte which assured less risk to the forks and removed need to move bike aroound manually. The specialization shown to long distance motorcycle shipping was appreciated.Tom BaxterAbsorakee, Montana
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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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