How to Transport a Motorcycle: Complete Guide for New Transporters

Motorcycle transport involves moving bikes using open trailers, enclosed trailers, or hitch-mounted carriers. Professional motorcycle transporters on CitizenShipper earn an average of $0.85 per mile, with urgent shipments often paying $1.50+ per mile. Starting equipment costs range from $200 for a basic hitch mount to $3,500 for an enclosed trailer.

The idea of transporting a motorcycle may seem intimidating at first. However, motorcycles are among the easiest items to ship. This is because motorcycle shipping requires inexpensive equipment and no more than a single transporter. There are two main motorcycle shipping methods, Open Transport and Closed Transport. 

What Is Motorcycle Transport and Why Is It Profitable?

Motorcycle transport refers to the process of moving motorcycles from one location to another using trailers, vans, trucks, or specialized hauling equipment. Riders, dealerships, collectors, military families, auction buyers, and online marketplace customers all rely on motorcycle transport services when they need bikes shipped safely over long distances.

Unlike standard freight shipping, motorcycle transport requires specialized handling equipment and careful loading procedures to prevent scratches, tipping, or mechanical damage during transit. Many professional transporters use wheel chocks, soft straps, enclosed trailers, and lift gates to safely secure bikes during transport.

The motorcycle transport industry has grown steadily alongside online motorcycle sales, cross-country relocations, and seasonal travel demand. Riders frequently purchase motorcycles from dealerships or private sellers located hundreds or even thousands of miles away, creating strong demand for reliable independent transporters.

For drivers and owner-operators, motorcycle transport can be especially profitable because motorcycles take up relatively little trailer space compared to cars or large freight shipments. This allows transporters to move multiple bikes at once or combine motorcycle shipments with other cargo to maximize revenue per trip.

Many independent drivers on platforms like CitizenShipper use motorcycle hauling as either a side business or a full-time transportation niche. Experienced transporters who build strong customer reviews and optimize long-distance routes can generate significant monthly income while maintaining flexible schedules.

Because motorcycles are high-value recreational vehicles, customers are often willing to pay premium rates for careful handling, enclosed transport, and reliable communication throughout the shipping process.

Open Motorcycle Transport Methods & Equipment

Open motorcycle transport is exactly what it sounds like. This method involves transporting motorcycles without an enclosed trailer. Some examples include using open trailers, flatbeds, hitch mounts or simply loading the bike onto a truck bed using ramps and lifts.

When you’re transporting motorcycles in an open trailer or truck bed, avoid using tie-down hooks directly on the handlebars or forks. This will prevent any damage or scratching.

Plenty of motorcycle transporters, professionals and beginners alike, use small flatbed trailers and durable tank straps to secure the bike. To learn more about transporting bikes using just a flatbed trailer and a pair of straps, check out this video:

Motorcycle Hitch Mount

A hitch mount might also work for you. This is a feature that you can mount on a car, van, or motorhome . Think of it as a great big bicycle rack.

The mount fits into the receiver tube on the back of the vehicle or onto the hitch of a tow vehicle. Some hitch mounts, such as the Versa Haul Sport, have trailer hitches of their own that extend off the back of the motorcycle carrier. The hitch on the Versa Haul Sport can tow trailers of up to 3,000 pounds.

For those driving vans or RVs, there are plenty of options available. You could purchase a “fifth wheel” hitch, allowing you to easily mount a motorcycle.

Open Motorcycle Trailer Costs

The cost of these accessories varies depending on their size and weight capacity, but for an open trailer, you can expect to invest between $1,000 and $3,000. Uncovered doubles typically cost $2,000 to $3,000, while singles go for $1,000 to $2,000.

Hitch mounts are a much cheaper solution, starting off at $200, with most popular brands priced below $500 for a single bike rack. If you’re interested in a power lift for your truck bed, that could set you back as much as $1,500.

Think of these costs as investments that will be paid off with just a handful of motorcycle shipments once you start winning bids on CitizenShipper!

If you’re only interested in transporting motorcycles from time to time and have no place to keep the trailer, U-Haul rents trailers. The trailer rentals are affordable, easy to tow and come equipped with loading ramps, tie-down rings or built-in wheel lock systems.

When towing a U-Haul motorcycle trailer, it is recommended to keep the speed below 55 mph (or even lower depending on road conditions).

Enclosed Motorcycle Shipping: Costs & Benefits

As the name suggests, enclosed transport is performed using an enclosed trailer. This method allows you to protect the motorcycle from adverse weather conditions or debris on the road.

An enclosed cargo trailer that accommodates two bikes could cost you $3,500 or more. Although higher priced, enclosed trailers protect bikes from weather or grime and provide greater security. When negotiating rates with customers, telling them you have an enclosed trailer provides added confidence and may help you win the shipment.

To learn more on how to properly secure a bike in an enclosed trailer using straps, check this video:

Motorcycles can also be blocked and braced inside the container for multiple bike transportation.

Additional Transport Equipment

Depending on which method of motorcycle shipping you choose, there are accessories that ensure proper cargo safety:

Loading Equipment

If you will transport motorcycles in your truck bed, you need a lift or loading ramp. You can buy an aluminum ramp for $70 to $400. The cost depends on size, quality and durability.

Power lifts are an advanced option that require no manual loading effort. They’re more expensive, rarely available for less than $1,500.

 

Wheel Chocks and Straps

Once you get the motorcycle onto the truck bed, you’ll use wheel chocks and straps to ensure its stability. These are also recommended for transporters using open trailers and hitches. There are several types of chocks and straps; your choice largely depends on the type of motorcycles you’re planning on hauling. This is because dirt bikes and race bikes have different wheel sizes. As for straps, be aware of their length because hanging flaps can cause damage to the bike’s paint.

Trailer Restraint

For wooden floor trailers, we recommend installing a trailer restraint on the bike’s back wheels. These are also known as rear stands, and your purchase options will largely depend on the type of motorcycle you’re hauling.

Locking System

If you’re primarily interested in transporting dirt bikes, consider a locking system that’s secured to the motorcycle frame. The major upside of this setup is that it eliminates the use of tie-down straps, floor anchors or wheel chocks. It takes an enormous amount of pressure off the motorcycle fork seals during transit. It also frees up valuable space, allowing for the transport of more motorcycles or gear.

Pros and Cons of Open vs Enclosed Motorcycle Transport

The main benefits of choosing an enclosed trailer over an open trailer:

• Enclosed trailers usually fit multiple motorcycles at the same time, allowing you to stack more shipments.
• Enclosed trailers also prevent loss or theft, keeping you anxiety-free during multi-day trips.
• With four secure walls, an enclosed motorcycle trailer provides a stable base for the bike to be attached to.
• No weather conditions or road debris can cause damage to a bike enclosed inside a trailer.

On the other hand, there are benefits for open motorcycle shipping:

• For short-distance trips, open transport greatly cuts down on your preparation time.
• When the customer is in urgent need of transport, it’s far easier to rent an open trailer.
• If shipping motorcycles is just your side-hustle, the initial investment of a hitch mount or a single-bike open trailer is lower.

Things To Do Before Loading the Bike

Prior to transporting a customer’s motorcycle, make sure you know how to be prepared. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Thoroughly wipe down the bike. Take note of any chips or scratches and document them before loading the bike.
• If the motorcycle is in running condition, check its fluids, battery and tire pressure. Remove all accessories and loose items.
• The bike should have no more than  ¼ tank of gas during shipping.
• If you don’t have experience loading the bike in gear, shift it to neutral and have someone assist you.

Finally, make sure to take photos of the motorcycle before it’s picked up, also at the drop-off location upon delivery. By documenting the condition of the bike, you can avoid unwarranted insurance claims and other problems.

Motorcycle Transport Rates: How Much Do Transporters Earn?

According to our internal data, the average winning rate on motorcycle shipments is around $.85 per mile. However, depending on the pick-up location, distance, and customer’s urgency, you can often quote and win at rates well above $1.50 per mile! Your quote for shipping a motorcycle varies, based on a number of factors. These factors include the make and model of the bike and any additional coverage.

Here’s just a few recent examples of motorcycle shipments won and delivered by drivers using the CitizenShipper platform:

We hope that this article has provided you with insight into the basics of motorcycle transportation. If you’re already a transporter using our platform, head to your account settings and add motorcycles to your list of categories. To add motorcycles just click on the Motorcycles tick box.

And if you’re new to CitizenShipper, click here to sign up – it takes just a couple of minutes! If you run into any trouble along the way, contact our support team and we’ll do what you can to help you along. Happy shipping!

Frequently Asked Questions

How to transport a motorcycle without a truck?

Use a hitch-mounted carrier on your car, van, or SUV. Models like the VersaHaul Sport attach to any vehicle with a Class III hitch and carry bikes up to 600 pounds.

How much does motorcycle transport equipment cost?

Basic equipment costs: Hitch mount ($200-$500), Open single trailer ($1,000-$2,000), Open double trailer ($2,000-$3,000), Enclosed trailer ($3,500+), Ramps ($70-$400), Straps ($30-$100).

How to start a motorcycle transport business?

1) Register on CitizenShipper (free), 2) Purchase transport equipment, 3) Get commercial auto insurance, 4) Set competitive rates, 5) Build your reputation with excellent service.