Advice on Transportation / Shipping of your Motorcycle
Bought a motorcycle? - Sold your motorcycle? - Moving to a different part of the country? - Moving abroad? .....motorcycle transport / shipping: how to get your motorcycle to its destination
Article sponsored by uShip.com “...the fastest way to receive quotes for motorcycle shipping”
UK owners see here - owners elsewhere worldwide see here
You may find yourself having to transport your motorcycle, and whether it’s across town or across Europe, you should ensure you’re doing it properly. Before having a transporter / shipping agent pick up your motorbike, consider the following advice.
To successfully ship your motorcycle, you need to start with a realistic timeline. Begin looking for a motorcycle transporter / shipping agent at least a month in advance where possible/practical. In addition to giving yourself enough time to set up motorcycle shipping, you need to remain flexible and patient. Unlike parcel shipping services, motorcycle shipping is done on an estimated timeline. Unforeseen delays can occur, and your pre planning and patience will help the process run much more smoothly.
Motorcycle Transport / Shipping – General Advice
Firstly, make sure to note any existing damage to your motorcycle. To ensure a proper inspection, giving your bike a thorough cleaning is recommended. Make sure you document the condition of your bike as much as possible. This will help you avoid any issues you may have in the case of an insurance claim. Make sure to note the following and keep detailed records:
- Any cosmetic damages, including chips, dents, and so on.
- Any mechanical issues the bike has or had.
- Take plenty of pictures, from every angle, to get as much detail as you can.
- Provide or at least show your transporter copies of maintenance/repair records.
More detailed advice here: Preparing your motorcycle for transport
Keep in mind, that the motorbike Transporter is usually not responsible for any accessories that may be lost or damaged, so to ensure a smooth ride, make sure to remove any loose items from your bike. You might also have a hard time having the insurance company cover those items.
Check with the insurer of your motorcycle what cover you will have under your exiting insurance policy. Ask the transporter / shipping agent for exact details of the insurance cover (what's covered, what's not!) offered with the transportation / shipping contract. See here for more advice / information: Motorcycle transport guide - Insurance
Unless you’re transporting your motorcycle via freight, you will not need to drain the petrol, remove the battery, or package the bike prior to transport.
If the bike is completely non-functioning, make that very clear to the transporter, otherwise make sure the motorcycle is in good, working condition.
Although it’s not common, at times a transport company many need turn on a bike to transfer it out of a trailer or location. If the bike is in working condition, make sure that you at least inflate the tyres, charge the battery, and have some petrol in the tank. This will also ensure that your recipient has no problem upon delivery.
Motorcycle Transport can be a stressful and frustrating experience. However, with proper preparation and the right experienced transporter, things could go a lot smoother. Uship UK is an online marketplace that helps people find the lowest price for transporting their motorcycle from hundreds of user-reviewed, trusted couriers across the UK and Europe.
Choosing a Motorcycle Hauler
You should choose your motorcycle hauler based on their authority, insurance, and experience. Only once you verify carriers’ credentials should you start to compare motorcycle hauling quotes and service levels. There are enough legal, experienced motorcycle hauling companies available that you should have no problem finding one that fits your needs.
Verify motorcycle hauling authority
All legal motorcycle haulers are required to be registered with the Department of Transportation. A carrier’s authority can be verified by checking their DOT or MC numbers at http://www.safersys.org/. In addition to checking your motorcycle transporter’s registration, verify that they are legally allowed to ship motor vehicles.
Check your hauler's insurance coverage
All motorcycle transporters should carry a minimum amount of insurance coverage. You should ask your hauler for a copy of their certificate of insurance. On this document, you will find the details of their insurance policy along with contact information for the insurance company. Check the information provided on the certificate with the insurance company listed or through the Department of Transportation at www.safersys.org.
Research your motorcycle hauler's references and experience. Ask your motorcycle hauler lots of questions – see here for more information / advice: Choosing a motorcycle transporter
Motorcycle Transport by Trailer
When you are choosing a motorcycle carrier, you will want to have a good idea of what type of trailer you want: open or enclosed. More information on motorcycle trailer types and choice of trailer type here: Motorcycle trailer types choosing open or enclosed transport
Also, make sure you understand what door-to-door motorcycle shipping really means see here. Finally, gather quotes and assess your insurance coverage before choosing a carrier.
Before your carrier arrives, prepare your motorcycle for transport. A few steps will protect your motorcycle during the shipping process.
At pickup, be early and be prepared. The driver will look over your motorcycle for pre-existing damage and note this on a report. At delivery, be ready with your carrier’s preferred method of payment and carefully inspect your motorcycle for damage. More than likely, your motorcycle will arrive in perfect condition. If there is a dispute or claim, follow your carrier’s instructions on filing a complaint. Any insurance claims should be reviewed and settled in a few weeks.
Get quotes or find a transporter / shipping agent on uShip now:
http://www.uship.com
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