Motorcycle shipping costs between $300 and $1,300 in the United States, with the average shipment costing around $0.60 per mile by truck. A 1,300-mile cross-country motorcycle shipment costs approximately $800 using open truck transport. Enclosed trailers, train, ship, and air freight are also available at different price points. The total cost depends on distance, motorcycle weight, shipping method, and seasonal demand.
Average Motorcycle Shipping Costs and Factors Affecting Prices
On average, bike shipping costs around $940. However, prices may vary based on factors such as transport type and distance. Open transport (a truck without walls or a roof) is the most affordable choice, but it also comes with higher risks (some top motorcycle shipping companies don’t even offer this option). Bike shipping companies provide various price and risk levels to suit your preferences, whether you need open transport for a dirt bike or an enclosed carrier for a Harley.
Estimating Motorcycle Shipping Costs
Shipping a motorcycle typically ranges from $300 to $1,300, which is less expensive than the average car shipping cost. However, motorcycle transport costs are subject to change depending on various factors.
Open transport (trucks without walls or roofs) is the most economical option, but also the riskiest. Some top bike shipping companies don’t even offer it. These companies let you choose the price and risk level you’re comfortable with, allowing you to ship your dirt bike using open transport or your Harley in an enclosed carrier.
Distance, Location, and Bike Shipping Costs
The primary factor affecting shipping costs is the travel distance. Prices may vary slightly between companies, but on average, you’ll pay around $0.60 per mile for nationwide bike shipping, although this figure differs from state to state. Costs are likely to be higher for remote or hard-to-reach locations, and some companies may add a surcharge for interstate shipments.
Motorcycle Size, Weight, and Shipping Rates
Some companies charge higher rates for shipping large, heavy motorbikes. The average cost of $0.60 per mile can increase to $0.70-$0.80 per mile when transporting heavyweight models, such as Harley Davidsons, weighing around 500 pounds. Larger motorbikes are more challenging to handle, requiring oversized crates, specialized tie-downs, and unique packing accommodations to ensure safe transit. This price increase also affects insurance coverage, so take your time to collect price estimates when searching for a moving company.
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Freight Type and Bike Shipping Costs
Various motorcycle shipping methods exist, each with different price ranges. Companies typically offer only one or two of these methods, so inquire ahead of time if you need a specific transportation method.
Professional Shipping Truck: The average price to transport a motorcycle by 1,300 miles by truck is around $800. Truck transport is the most common method for shipping a motorcycle throughout the United States.
Train: Train transportation is very budget-friendly, offering significant savings compared to other transport types. You’ll pay around $250 to $450 for a 1,300-mile trip. However, drop-off and pick-up locations are at train stations, so this method works best when shipping from one large city to another. Additionally, train-based companies prioritize commercial clients, so shipping spots fill up quickly.
Ship: Shipping by boat is slow and expensive, averaging around $1,500. However, it’s the most affordable option for shipping a motorcycle overseas if you’re moving out of the country.
Plane: Shipping a motorcycle by plane is much faster than by boat. The overall cost varies based on weight, but you’ll pay at least $1,000 and as much as $3,000 or more, depending on the destination.
International Motorcycle Shipping Costs
Shipping a motorcycle overseas is significantly more expensive than domestic transport due to logistics, customs, and freight handling. On average, international motorcycle shipping costs range from $1,000 to $3,500+, depending on destination, shipping method, and bike size. The two most common options are container shipping (more secure, often shared to reduce cost) and air freight (fast but much more expensive).
Additional costs can include customs duties, import taxes, port fees, and insurance, which vary by country. You’ll also need proper documentation, such as the bike’s title, bill of sale, and sometimes an import permit. Transit times can range from 2–8 weeks by sea or just a few days by air.
Because international rules vary widely, it’s critical to research destination requirements ahead of time or work with an experienced shipping provider to avoid delays and unexpected fees.
Cheapest Way to Ship a Motorcycle
The cheapest way to ship a motorcycle is typically open transport on a shared carrier, where your bike is shipped alongside others going the same route. This method lowers costs because transporters can split expenses across multiple shipments.
Using a marketplace like CitizenShipper can help you save even more. Drivers compete for your listing, often resulting in lower bids than traditional shipping companies. Flexible scheduling and choosing high-traffic routes can also reduce your price.
If you’re trying to cut costs further, consider terminal-to-terminal shipping instead of door-to-door, or even crated freight if you’re comfortable handling some logistics yourself. Overall, comparing multiple quotes and avoiding peak seasons will give you the best chance at securing the lowest rate.
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Dirt Bike Shipping: What’s Different?
Shipping a dirt bike is very similar to shipping a standard motorcycle, but there are a few key differences that can affect cost, preparation, and transport options. In most cases, dirt bikes are lighter and more compact, which can make them cheaper to ship—especially on shared carriers where space efficiency matters.
One of the biggest differences is condition and prep. Because dirt bikes are used off-road, transporters typically require them to be thoroughly cleaned before pickup. Excess mud, dirt, or debris can lead to additional cleaning fees or even delays. You should also drain most of the fuel, disconnect the battery if required, and check for leaks to meet transport safety standards.
Dirt bikes are often shipped using open transport or crated freight, depending on value and protection needs. For high-end or competition bikes, enclosed transport may be worth the extra cost.
Using a marketplace like pointer align-baseline”>CitizenShipper can help you find drivers experienced with powersports shipping, often at lower rates through competitive bidding. Overall, dirt bike shipping is straightforward—it just requires a bit more attention to cleaning and prep than standard motorcycles.
Step-by-Step Process for Shipping a Motorcycle
Step 1: Choose a Trailer Type. When shipping a motorcycle, decide between an enclosed or open trailer. Enclosed trailers offer better protection during transit, while open trailers are significantly cheaper.
Step 2: Obtain a motorcycle shipping quote and request multiple quotes. Consider shipping costs and desired service levels (door-to-door, open or enclosed trailer, crating, etc).
To compare various shipping companies’ prices, use websites like Compare the Carrier or uShip.
Step 3: Schedule Service After selecting a carrier, promptly schedule your service to secure a spot on their calendar. Cross-country shipping takes about five days, so plan for a three-day window for pick-up and delivery to accommodate potential delays.
Step 4: Document Motorcycle Condition Before shipping, document your motorcycle’s condition, as carriers may not be responsible for damages occurring under their care without proper documentation. Take detailed pictures of your motorcycle from different angles.
Step 5: Prepare the motorcycle for shipping. Usually, there’s no need to empty the gas tank or disconnect the battery. Ensure saddlebags or tour packs are securely closed and avoid leaving personal property, like helmets, attached to the motorcycle’s exterior.
Step 6: Consider Additional Insurance. Most shippers include insurance coverage, but it may not cover your motorcycle’s full value. Consider purchasing additional coverage for valuable bikes.
Step 7: Ship Your Motorcycle. The carrier will either pick up your motorcycle, or you can bring it to the shipper’s depot to expedite the process.
Step 8: Receive Your Motorcycle. Meet the carrier and accept motorcycle delivery. Inspect the motorcycle promptly for any damage. If necessary, file insurance claims immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a motorcycle?
What is the cheapest way to ship a motorcycle?
Does motorcycle size or weight affect shipping cost?
Yes, larger and heavier motorcycles cost more to ship because they require more space, specialized handling, and stronger tie-downs. For example, heavyweight bikes like cruisers may cost $0.70–$0.80 per mile instead of the standard $0.60. Additional insurance coverage for high-value bikes can also increase the price. Always factor in size when estimating your total cost.
How long does it take to ship a motorcycle?
Shipping time depends on distance and route. Short-distance shipments can take 1–3 days, while cross-country deliveries usually take around 5–10 days. Delays can happen due to weather, traffic, or scheduling logistics. Booking early and allowing a pickup/delivery window helps ensure smoother transit.
Is motorcycle shipping insured?
Bottom Line
Shipping your motorcycle is a convenient and secure way to transport your bike over long distances, whether you’re relocating or selling it to a distant buyer. By understanding the various factors affecting shipping costs, choosing the right shipping method, and taking the necessary precautions to prepare your motorcycle, you can ensure a hassle-free and successful delivery. Don’t forget to research and compare different shipping companies to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
Rochdi Rais is a senior editor and author at CitizenShipper. He has been a senior editor for ParadiseMedia, USA Herald, and more. He also loves writing about himself in 3rd person.
