Shipping a motorcycle may seem like an easy task but short of riding it to the new destination which we know is not possible (especially across long distances and state lines), there are myriads of issues that one has to face. Maybe you need to take delivery of new motorcycle you bought, or you are selling yours or sending it for repairs and you need to find the cheapest means of transportation; stay with us as we explore different ways of shipping your bike. We believe that at the end of this piece, you will be able to make an informed decision on which is the cheapest option for you .
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Different Ways of Shipping a Motorcycle
There are different ways by which you can ship your motorbike and we will discuss them below, and also highlight their pros and cons.
DIY
If you have the right equipment and the right type of vehicle, you can ship your motorcycle yourself. The only thing that makes this Cheapest Way to Ship a Motorcycle is that you already have the right pieces of equipment; if you don’t; you stand the risk of damaging your bike and at the same time spending more money and energy. The pros and cons therefore are summarized as follows:-
Pros
- Potentially the cheapest option
- You have complete control over the entire process
Cons
- You need to have the right equipment and expertise
- Physically demanding and time consuming
Open Transport
This is the most popular and affordable means of auto transport. With this option, the bike is transported with an open trailer just like the ones that are used to ship cars. Although the bike is exposed the weather and other elements, this method is typically safe and by far cheaper than the enclosed method of shipping.
The pros and cons are summarized as follows:-
Pros
- It is widely and readily available
- It is cost effective
Cons
- Risk of damage due to exposure to road debris and the elements.
Enclosed Transport
This option provides more protection for your motorcycle because it is shipped in an enclosed carrier. It is the recommended option if the motorcycle you are shipping is a high end or vintage piece. This is because you are double sure of the absence of potential damage due to road debris or inclement weather conditions.
Click here for tips on how to protect your motorbike from inclement weather.
The pros and cons are summarized as follows:-
Pros
- You are assured of maximum protection for your bike
- It is the best option for vintage or high end bikes
Cons
- It is expensive
Combined Shipment
This involves sharing enclosed shipment with one or more persons to reduce the cost of shipping.
The pros and cons are summarized as follows:-
Pros
- You enjoy the maximum protection of an enclosed transport while enjoying the reduced cost of shared shipment.
- Cost effective
Cons
- Your shipment cannot move at your pace, you have to work with the available schedule.
Tips for Reducing Shipping Costs
Find below some tips to help you save money on shipping your motorcycle:-
- Plan Ahead – Book your shipping ahead of time; that way you will be able to scout for and get good deals.
- Comparison Shopping– Following from booking ahead, when you plan ahead, you are able to check out many shippers and compare their quotes. This will enable you to get the option that gives you best value for money.
- Consider Terminal to Terminal Shipping – This means that you will drop off your bike at the pickup terminal and go pick it at the delivery terminal. Although this might be inconvenient compared to door to door delivery, you’ll get to save some significant cost.
- Negotiate – Sometimes, negotiation will help you get a better deal so do not hesitate to negotiate with shippers.
- Look out for Deals and Promos
- Avoid Peak Periods – The cost of shipping fluctuates based on demand. The peak periods are usually summer and holidays so you might have to work your shipping to avoid these periods.
Visit this site: https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2013/08/how-to-bargain/index.htm for tips on how to get good bargains.
Conclusion
Shipping your motorcycle does not have to be a stressful or expensive experience. All you need to do is explore and understand the options available to you. When you understand these options, you can plan ahead and also follow the tips that we have shared in this article. Bear in mind that oftentimes, ‘cheap’ does not equate to good quality so do not be fixated on