How Much Does It Cost to Crate a Motorcycle for Shipping?

Crating a motorcycle for shipping costs between $200 and $400, whether you buy a pre-built crate from a shipping company or build one yourself from plywood and two-by-four studs. Steel motorcycle shipping crates cost $300–$600 and are more common for international transport. A motorcycle pallet — a simpler open-bottom alternative — runs $50–$150. Below, we break down each option, compare costs, and explain when crating is worth the extra expense.

Pros and Cons of Crated Motorcycle Shipping

When shipping a motorcycle, the common approach is to just load it into a trailer, strap it down, and drive. But that’s not satisfactory for every bike owner, of course. The alternative is crated shipping, which involves fully enclosing the motorcycle in a wooden or metal container.

Crating a motorcycle in transport has its advantages and disadvantages. Obviously, the main upside is the extra protection that the crate provides. The bike is safe from wear-and-tear, and the risk of theft is vastly reduced.

As an added benefit, crating usually allows you to store any additional equipment that needs transporting. (While you might be able to load your extra gear onto an open trailer too, that’s not an option we would recommend.)

A minor disadvantage of crating a motorcycle is the convenience reduction. Crated bikes can be more challenging to load and unload than uncrated ones. They require forklifts or other additional equipment, possibly limiting your choice of pick-up/drop-off locations. Likewise, requesting crated transport on an online marketplace might end up reducing the overall number of bids you receive.

That said, there is only one major downside to crated motorcycle shipping, and that’s the higher price point. In most cases, you’ll need to fork out a couple of hundred more to move a crated bike. But let’s look into that issue a little closer.

How Much Does a Motorcycle Shipping Crate Cost?

Most motorcycle shipping companies that provide crated transport also offer their own crates. These robust containers of plywood or steel can add between $200 and $400 to the shipping cost. Incidentally, that’s about the same amount they cost to build! So when you hire a bike hauler, he might quote you an extra couple of hundred for the crate. But if you decide to build your own, the expense incurred will also be in a similar price range. It’s a “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” kind of situation.

Of course, building your own crate does save money if you’re moving the bike more than once. This might take some elbow grease, but if you’re up for a challenge, there are online tutorials out there. Here’s a good example:

And here’s a quick summary of the materials you’ll need for the project:

• Sheets of plywood, either half-inch or quarter-inch 
• Two-by-four wood studs
• Steel eyelets for the tie-down
• Styrofoam padding (optional)

If you’re not into DIY and still need a way of bringing down the cost, consider the palleted shipping alternative. It’s sort of midway between a full crate and plain old no-container shipping. This should go without saying, but the cost of purchasing or building a pallet is significantly lower as well.

Motorcycle Shipping Pallet: A Lower-Cost Alternative

For riders who want some protection without paying for a full wooden crate, a motorcycle pallet — sometimes called a skid — can be a practical middle ground. A pallet setup typically consists of a reinforced wooden base that supports the motorcycle while allowing it to be secured with straps during transport.

Motorcycle pallets usually cost between $50 and $150 depending on size, materials, and whether you build one yourself or purchase a pre-made shipping skid. Compared to full motorcycle crating, pallets are cheaper, lighter, and faster to prepare.

This option often makes sense for domestic freight shipping, shorter-distance transport, auction purchases, or situations where the transporter already provides enclosed trailer protection. Many motorcycle owners use pallets when shipping standard sport bikes or cruisers that do not require maximum enclosure.

However, pallets provide less protection than fully enclosed crates. The motorcycle remains partially exposed during handling and loading, which increases the risk of scratches, weather exposure, or accidental contact during transit. Proper strapping is still essential, and the bike must be secured carefully at multiple anchor points to prevent movement.

For high-value, vintage, or international motorcycle shipments, full crating is usually the safer option.

DIY Motorcycle Crate: Materials, Steps, and Cost

Building your own motorcycle shipping crate can significantly reduce transport preparation costs while giving you more control over how the bike is protected. Many riders choose the DIY approach when shipping motorcycles internationally, using freight carriers, or transporting valuable bikes long distances.

A basic DIY motorcycle crate typically costs between $150 and $400 in materials depending on size, lumber prices, and whether you already own tools. Most builds require intermediate-level woodworking skills and can usually be completed in four to eight hours.

Common materials include:

• Pressure-treated lumber or 2×4 framing
• Plywood panels
• Wood screws and brackets
• Heavy-duty ratchet straps
• Wheel chock
• Drill and saw
• Foam padding or protective blankets

The process usually starts by measuring the motorcycle carefully, including handlebar width and overall height. Next, build a sturdy wooden base slightly larger than the bike’s footprint and install a front wheel chock to stabilize the motorcycle during loading.

Once the bike is rolled onto the base, secure it using ratchet straps attached to reinforced anchor points. After confirming the motorcycle is stable and upright, construct the outer wooden frame around the bike using vertical supports and plywood side panels. Many riders leave removable sections or hinged access points to simplify loading and inspection.

Before shipping, double-check all fasteners, strap tension, and crate dimensions required by the carrier. Some freight companies also require partial fuel drainage or battery disconnection before transport.

While building your own crate takes time, it can save money compared to purchasing a custom-built commercial motorcycle crate.

Motorcycle Shipping Crate Dimensions

Motorcycle crate dimensions vary based on the type and size of the bike being shipped. As a general guideline, sport bike crates are commonly around 84″ × 30″ × 48″, while cruisers often require approximately 96″ × 36″ × 54″ due to longer wheelbases and wider handlebars. Large touring motorcycles may need crates closer to 100″ × 40″ × 58″ to accommodate saddlebags, fairings, and taller windshields.

These measurements are only general estimates and should always be verified before building or purchasing a crate. Actual crate size depends on the motorcycle’s exact dimensions, suspension setup, accessories, and carrier requirements.

When measuring, include:

• Overall length
• Handlebar width
• Total height
• Ground clearance
• Any mounted accessories or luggage

Leaving several inches of clearance inside the crate helps prevent accidental contact during transport and allows room for padding and secure strapping.

Crated vs. Uncrated Motorcycle Shipping

Many riders researching “uncrated motorcycle transport” want to know whether a crate is truly necessary for safe shipping. In most domestic motorcycle transport situations, the answer is no — many motorcycles are shipped successfully without full crating every day.

Uncrated shipping is generally less expensive because it eliminates crate construction, additional materials, and freight handling fees. Most domestic motorcycle transporters use enclosed or open trailers equipped with wheel chocks and soft-tie strapping systems specifically designed for motorcycles.

However, crated shipping offers a higher level of protection. A fully enclosed crate shields the motorcycle from weather, road debris, accidental scratches, and handling damage during freight transfers. Crating is especially valuable for vintage motorcycles, exotic bikes, show bikes, or international shipments involving multiple loading stages.

Uncrated transport can be perfectly acceptable for standard motorcycles transported by experienced carriers using proper tie-down procedures. Many riders choose uncrated shipping for shorter routes or routine relocations because it is simpler and more affordable.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to budget, motorcycle value, shipping distance, and risk tolerance.

Do Motorcycle Shippers Require Crating?

Most domestic motorcycle shipping companies do not require motorcycles to be crated before transport. In fact, many professional motorcycle transporters prefer handling bikes uncrated because they already use specialized trailers, wheel chocks, and secure tie-down systems.

Crating is more commonly required for international motorcycle shipping, freight terminal shipping, or transport through LTL freight carriers where the bike may be moved multiple times during transit.

On CitizenShipper, motorcycle owners can discuss crating preferences directly with their transporter before booking a shipment. Some drivers may recommend crating for high-value bikes, while others specialize in enclosed uncrated motorcycle transport.

Before shipping, always confirm:

• Whether crating is required
• What tie-down methods will be used
• Whether enclosed transport is available
• Insurance coverage details

Clear communication with your transporter helps ensure the motorcycle arrives safely regardless of the shipping method selected.

How to Save on Motorcycle Crating Costs

Motorcycle crating can become expensive, especially for long-distance or international shipments, but there are several ways to reduce costs without sacrificing safety. One of the simplest ways to save money is by building your own crate instead of purchasing a professionally manufactured one. DIY crates often cost substantially less if you already have access to tools and basic woodworking skills.

Using a pallet or skid instead of a fully enclosed crate can also reduce expenses for domestic shipments where maximum protection is not necessary. Some riders additionally search for used motorcycle crates from dealerships, freight companies, or previous motorcycle import/export customers.

Comparing transporter quotes is another important cost-saving strategy. On CitizenShipper, motorcycle owners can list their shipment details and receive bids from multiple transporters, making it easier to compare pricing, transport methods, and crating recommendations before booking.

Carefully matching the level of protection to the motorcycle’s value and shipping route can help avoid paying for unnecessary services.

Bottom Line

No matter what you end up going with, it’s vitally important to discuss your plans with your motorcycle transporter! You’ll want them fully informed and prepared to meet your shipping requirements. And who knows, they might also provide useful advice on the particulars of your bike’s transport.

If you have more questions about prepping your motorcycle or booking a transporter, follow these links or email us at support@citizenshipper.com.

Stay safe, and happy shipping!

Featured Image Credit: www.bennetts.co.uk

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How much does it cost to crate a motorcycle for shipping?

Crating a motorcycle for shipping costs between $200 and $400 for a professional wooden or steel crate. If you build the crate yourself, materials cost $150–$300. A motorcycle pallet, which provides less protection than a full crate, costs $50–$150.

Q2: Do motorcycle shippers require crating?

Most domestic motorcycle transporters do not require crating. Crating is typically required for international shipping or freight carrier services. On CitizenShipper, you can discuss crating preferences with your transporter before booking.

Q3: Is it cheaper to build your own motorcycle crate or buy one?

Building a DIY motorcycle crate costs $150–$300 in materials (plywood, two-by-four studs, steel eyelets, and padding). Buying a pre-built crate costs $200–$400. Building your own saves money mainly if you plan to reuse the crate for multiple shipments.

Q4: What is the difference between a motorcycle crate and a motorcycle pallet?

A motorcycle crate fully encloses the bike in a wooden or steel box, providing maximum protection from weather, debris, and theft. A motorcycle pallet is an open platform that the bike is strapped to — it provides stability during transport but no enclosure. Crates cost $200–$400; pallets cost $50–$150.

Q5: Can you ship a motorcycle without a crate?

Yes. Most motorcycle shipments within the United States are transported uncrated. The motorcycle is loaded onto a trailer, secured with straps and wheel chocks, and driven to its destination. Uncrated shipping is the most common and least expensive method.