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Haul Bikes vs. Motorcycle Shipping

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Haul Bikes vs. Motorcycle Shipping

Are you looking to transport your beloved motorcycle to a new location? If so, you may be considering the two most popular options: hauling it yourself using a pickup truck and trailer or hiring a motorcycle shipping company to transport it in an enclosed truck. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to weigh your options carefully. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the differences between these two transportation methods and help you determine which one is the best fit for your unique situation.

Using a Pickup Truck to Haul Bikes on a Trailer: Pros and Cons to Consider

If you’re looking to haul your own motorcycle, the most popular option is to use a pickup truck to haul a bike on a trailer. This approach involves securing your bike onto a trailer that is attached to the back of a pickup truck, and then transporting it to your desired location. While this method has some advantages, it also comes with its fair share of drawbacks.

Here are some pros and cons to keep in mind:

Pros:

  • This is a great option for short distances, such as moving your bike across town.
  • You have the option to rent a trailer and perform the transportation yourself, which can be more cost-effective than hiring a professional.
  • You have complete control over the entire transportation process, ensuring that your bike is loaded and secured correctly.

Cons:

  • Loading and securing your motorcycle can be challenging, particularly if you’re doing it alone.
  • This method is not ideal for long distances, as you’ll need to stop frequently to check on your bike and ensure it remains secured.
  • Additional expenses such as fuel, insurance, and rental fees for the trailer will need to be considered.
  • If you decide to use a pickup truck to haul a bike on a trailer, it’s important to research where you can rent trailers and ensure that you have the appropriate equipment and tie-down straps to secure your motorcycle.

Motorcycle Shipping in an Enclosed Truck: Pros and Cons to Consider

If you’re moving your motorcycle a long distance, transporting it in an enclosed truck may be a better option for you. Here’s how it works: a motorcycle shipping company will pick up your bike and transport it in an enclosed truck, where it will be securely fastened with straps and protected from the elements during transit. While this method has some distinct advantages, it also comes with its own set of potential drawbacks.

Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros:

  • It’s a good option for long distances, as you don’t need to worry about stopping frequently to check on your bike.
  • Your bike is protected from the elements and potential damage during transport.
  • You don’t need to worry about fuel, insurance, and other additional costs associated with hauling a bike on a trailer.
  • Your motorcycle is insured up to a maximum of $7000

Cons:

  • It can be more expensive than hauling a bike on a trailer yourself.
  • You’ll need to do some research to find a reputable motorcycle shipping company.
  • When choosing a motorcycle shipping company, be sure to do your research and read reviews. Look for a company that specializes in motorcycle shipping and has a good track record of safe and timely deliveries.

Use our motorcycle shipping calculator to estimate the cost of shipping your bike in an enclosed truck and compare it to the cost of hauling your bike on a trailer yourself.

Short Distance vs Long Distance

When deciding how to transport your motorcycle, the distance you need to travel is a crucial factor to consider. If you’re moving your bike across town, hauling it on a trailer attached to a pickup truck may be the most practical and cost-effective option. On the other hand, if you’re transporting your bike over a long distance, shipping it in an enclosed truck may be the better choice. When traveling a short distance, using a trailer can be a great option. You can rent a trailer and do it yourself, which may be less expensive than hiring a professional. Additionally, you have more control over the process and can ensure that your bike is loaded and secured properly. However, loading and securing the bike can be challenging, especially if you’re doing it alone. You’ll also need to factor in additional costs such as fuel, insurance, and rental fees for the trailer.

For long-distance transport, using an enclosed truck is often the best option. By having your motorcycle shipped in an enclosed truck, you won’t need to worry about stopping frequently to check on your bike or making sure it remains secure during the journey. Furthermore, your motorcycle will be protected from the elements and potential damage during transit. However, this method may be more expensive than hauling your bike on a trailer yourself, and finding a reputable motorcycle shipping company will require some research and due diligence. FYI, we ship motorcycles! Use our motorcycle shipping calculator!

Cost

Cost is an important consideration when deciding between hauling your motorcycle on a trailer or shipping it in an enclosed truck. Hauling your bike on a trailer can be more cost-effective, but it also comes with additional expenses like fuel, rental fees, and insurance. On the other hand, shipping your motorcycle in an enclosed truck may be more expensive, but it eliminates the need for these additional costs and provides added protection for your bike. When making your decision, consider your budget and the value of your motorcycle to determine which option is the best fit for you.

Where to rent trailers to haul your own bike

If you’ve decided to haul your own bike on a trailer, you’ll need to know where to rent a trailer. Here are some tips for finding the right trailer rental for your needs:

  • Check with your local motorcycle dealer: Many motorcycle dealerships offer trailer rentals for their customers.
  • Search online: There are many online rental companies that offer motorcycle trailers for rent. Be sure to research the company and read reviews before making your reservation.
  • Ask fellow riders: Ask other motorcycle enthusiasts in your area where they rent their trailers.
  • Check with U-Haul: U-Haul is a popular rental company that offers a variety of trailers for rent, including motorcycle trailers.
    https://www.uhaul.com/Trailers/
  • When renting a trailer, be sure to choose the right size for your bike and make sure the trailer is equipped with proper tie-down straps and safety equipment. Take the time to properly load and secure your bike on the trailer to ensure a safe and successful transport.

Top 6 motorcycle shipping companies

AA Motorcycle Shipping

AA Motorcycle Shipping

Physical Address:
6215 Ferris Square Ste 250
San Diego, CA 92121

Motorcycle Shippers

Motorcycle Shippers

Physical Address:
11243 Slater Ave
Fountain Valley, CA 92708

Haul Bikes

Haul Bikes

Physical Address:
4600 N 124TH ST
MILWAUKEE WI 53225

Montway Auto Transport

Montway Auto Transport

Physical Address:
425 N Martingale Rd, Suite 550
Schaumburg, IL 60173

Federal Motorcycle Shipping

Federal Motorcycle Transport

Physical Address:
200 National St
East Peoria, IL 61611

Road Runner Auto Transport

Road Runner Auto Transport

Physical Address:
15 Grumman Road W.
Bethpage, NY 11714

Conclusion

Transporting your motorcycle can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you choose to haul bikes on a trailer or ship it in an enclosed truck using a motorcycle shipping company, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of each method and weigh them against your budget and needs.

If you’re moving your bike across town or for short distances, using a pickup truck to haul a bike on a trailer may be the most practical and cost-effective option. You can rent a trailer and do it yourself, which may be cheaper than hiring a professional, and you have more control over the process.

However, if you’re transporting your bike over a long distance, shipping it in an enclosed truck may be the better option. This method provides added protection for your motorcycle, eliminates the need to stop frequently to check on your bike, and avoids additional costs associated with hauling a bike on a trailer. Also, it comes with insurance.

Regardless of which option you choose, it’s important to do your research and choose a reputable company or rental service. Look for reviews and ask for recommendations from fellow riders to ensure your motorcycle is in good hands. Overall, the decision to haul your bike on a trailer or ship it in an enclosed truck ultimately depends on your personal preferences, budget, and transportation needs.