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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT MOTORCYCLE SHIPPING
UNCRATED SHIPPING FAQ
CONTAINER/CRATED SHIPPING FAQ
Questions and Answers from above
UNCRATED SHIPPING FAQ
CONTAINER/CRATED SHIPPING FAQ
UNCRATED SHIPPING FAQ
Why should I use Shippingmasters instead of booking my shipment directly with the actual shipping company?
At Shippingmasters, we negotiate with a network of companies that provide
motorcycle shipping services. In a sense, we handle the marketing and front office
duties for many of these companies so they can concentrate on delivering your bike.
We refer numerous customers to the shippers we negotiate with and as such, have
considerable leverage over rates and terms. We offer you one stop shopping for
motorcycle shipping rates. We gather quotes from numerous shipping companies and
send you the most competitive rates and terms, saving you time and money in the
process. Occasionally, unanticipated issues arise with a shipment. We are your
advocate, we get involved, and we do our best to resolve any concerns you might have
with a shipment. Since we send many customers to these shippers, the leverage we have
over their customer base enables us to resolve most concerns in favor of our customers.
As an individual, booking a shipment directly with a shipper, you might not have
the same level of influence over a given shipper. We want to emphasize that the
vast majority of shipments go very smoothly.
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Why doesn't Shippingmasters list a phone number on the Home page?
In the past, Shippingmasters did list our phone number on the Home page, and we
do note our phone number on every quote we provide and on our Contact Us page. We have found that it is much more efficient and effective to provide
customers detailed quotes by email, which include our phone number. We usually
provide more than one shipping option for customers to consider and most customers
prefer having detailed quotes in writing. Written email quotes provide a record of
our quoted rates and terms that our customers and Shippingmasters can use for future
reference.
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Is Shippingmasters licensed and bonded?
Yes, Shippingmasters is a US Department of Transportation licensed and bonded motor
carrier broker MC# 461199.
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What is the amount of the down payment that Shippingmasters collects?
The down payment amount varies from shipper to shipper. Usually, the down payment
is between $40 - $150 depending on the total cost of the shipment and/or the shipper
you select.
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Is the down payment amount included in the quoted rate?
Yes, every quote we provide includes the down payment amount. Once we collect the
down payment, the remaining balance is paid directly to the uncrated shipper who
will be transporting your bike. The uncrated shippers are fairly flexible regarding
payment options, most collect an additional deposit up front beyond the down payment
Shippingmasters collects, and then the remaining balance upon delivery.
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Why does Shippingmasters collect a down payment?
The shippers we negotiate with know that once a customer has been referred to them
by Shippingmasters, the customer has made a commitment to ship and has been
informed of their rate and terms. This allows the shipper to spend the majority of
their time booking, tracking, and delivering shipments.
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Why doesn’t Shippingmasters track shipments once a shipment has been booked?
Since Shippingmasters negotiates with numerous shippers who have fairly dynamic
schedules, it’s best to consult the actual shipper of your bike regarding pick
up and delivery schedules.
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Is the Shippingmasters down payment refundable?
A refund of the Shippingmasters down payment will be considered if a
request for refund is made within 48 hours of booking a shipment with
Shippingmasters. Whenever Shippingmasters issues a down payment
refund, $25 is withheld from ANY and ALL refunds to cover
processing fees. If you are not satisfied with a shipper we have
referred you to or have other reasons to switch shippers or cancel a
shipment, upon your request we will provide other quotes for you to
consider. Your original Shippingmasters down payment will apply toward
other shippers for a period of one month. The rates, terms, and down payment amount of other
shippers will likely vary from those of the original shipper we
referred you to.
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Is the Shippingmasters Payment and/or Title Transfer fee refundable?
A refund of the Shippingmasters Payment and/or Title Transfer fee will
be considered if a request for refund is made within 48 hours of
booking transfer services with Shippingmasters. Whenever
Shippingmasters issues a transfer service refund, $25 is withheld from
ANY and ALL refunds to cover processing fees.
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Where do the uncrated shippers ship from/to?
We can help you arrange shipping for your bike from almost anywhere to
almost anywhere in the USA. Here's the minimum information we need in order to
provide a quote: From/To Cities/States and the Make/Model of the bike.
International shipping is also available.
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Do the uncrated shippers make residential deliveries?
Yes, residential uncrated pick up and delivery is available at no extra charge with
most shippers. Some uncrated shippers do charge extra for residential deliveries,
it will be noted in your quote if so. Most of the uncrated shippers use enclosed
trailers equipped with either a lift gate or ramp system. Loading docks or fork
lifts aren't required.
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Is my bike secure when using the uncrated shippers?
Yes! The shippers trailers are locked enclosed trailers so your bike is not
subjected to the weather or public display. A few shippers do use open flatbed
style trailers, if so it will be noted in the quote we send you.
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Is my bike insured when using the uncrated shippers?
Shippingmasters does not provide any insurance coverage for your shipment, the
shippers we refer you to carry various levels of insurance coverage and are
responsible for your bike once you book your shipment with them. Some shippers have
no deductible others do have a deductible. Shippingmasters lists basic insurance
information in each quote we provide, please discuss insurance details with the
shipper we refer you to when booking your shipment with them.
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How is my bike transported when using uncrated shipping?
The uncrated shippers that we negotiate have experience with motorcycle shipping.
Their trailers are set up to transport motorcycles. The bike is secured using soft
tiedown straps on both the front and rear of the bike. No pallet is used or required
with most ot the uncrated shippers. Certain uncrated shippers load your bike onto
a pallet and tie down the bike front and rear. If an uncrated shipper does use a
pallet process, it will be noted in your qoute. The shipper loads and unloads the
bike for you. Certain uncrated shippers do require the gas to be drained and/or
the battery to be disconnected, if so it will be noted in your quote.
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Can I send along some extra parts when using the uncrated shippers?
As a general rule the shippers we negotiate with do not want to transport extra parts. Some will
allow a small box of extra parts, there might be an extra charge for transporting
extra parts though and those items are not covered by
the shippers insurance and the shipper does not take
responsibility for those items. Shippingmasters does not guaranty a shipper will transport
extra parts and does not quote any additional fee amounts for extra parts. You will
need to discuss the handling of extra parts directly with the shipper after booking.
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How is uncrated pick up and delivery scheduled?
We usually only quote an estimated pick up and delivery timeframe. Once you book
your shipment, the shipper will provide an approximate pick up and delivery date
range. As the actual pick up and delivery dates approach, the shipper will generally
call you within 24 hours of pick up and delivery to let you know when they plan to
arrive and get final directions to your location.
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Why does it take 1-4 weeks for an uncrated delivery?
The large shippers we negotiate with usually pick up and deliver within 2 weeks.
The smaller shippers we negotiate with pool as many motorcycles as they can
during cross country runs. The shippers are not driving across the country to
pick up or drop off your motorcycle only. Pooling bikes together for shipping is
the key to making motorcycle transportation affordable for you. Traffic, road
construction, mechanical failures, prior and en-route bookings, or weather
conditions can also affect the amount of time it takes to deliver your bike.
Many of the companies we work with are small, motorcycle specific haulers that
have an average of 2-6 trucks. They are very familiar with handling bikes because
it is what they specialize in hauling.
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Do I have to do anything to the bike to get it ready for uncrated shipping?
Most shippers do not require any preparation to the bike prior to pick up. Some shippers do require you to drain the gas and/or disconnect the battery, if so it
will be noted in your quote. Your main responsibility is to have someone
available to meet the uncrated shipper for pick up and delivery. The uncrated
shippers will load and unload the bike for you.
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Does Shippingmasters guaranty the rates and delivery timeframes of each shipment?
Shippingmasters quotes one price and guaranties that the rate quoted includes all
fees for shipping your bike, there are no hidden charges. The shipper we refer
you to that provides the actual transport of your bike is responsible for
determining the delivery schedule and providing you with the schedule information
relative to your shipment. Shippers do their best to meet the timeframes listed in
our quotes, and in the vast majority of shipments they do, but the delivery timeframes
listed in our quotes are not guaranteed. Traffic, road construction, mechanical
failures, and weather conditions, etc. can all have an affect on the amount of time it
takes to deliver your bike.
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CONTAINER/CRATED SHIPPING FAQ
Will I be guaranteed a container when I want it?
Until the container shipping company completely fills the system with containers,
to balance supply with demand, it is possible they might be unable to meet your
request with a container on the day you request it. The lead time for a container
to be positioned at the origin terminal is a minimum of 2 weeks. They will serve
you on a “first-paid, first-served” basis. The earlier you book and
pay for your shipment, the better your likelihood of getting a container when
you want it.
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How long does it take to ship my motorcycle?
The container shipping company express shipping service generally takes 2-3 weeks
delivery (depending on container availability), crated shipping generally takes
1-5 business days for delivery.
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How do I prepare my motorcycle for shipment in a the container shipping company container?
All fluids must be drained from the motorcycle, the battery disconnected and the
battery terminal cables secured to prevent electrical contact to comply with U.S.
DOT regulations. If you have a small bike, this may be your only preparation; however,
with larger bikes, the windshield and mirrors should be lowered or removed, and in
come cases, the handlebars must be lowered as well.
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Does the container shipping company provide tie-down straps and locks for the container shipping company container?
As the shipper, you are required to provide tie-down straps to secure your shipment.
There are two doors on the container, you are required to provide a lock for each
door. A minimum of 6 tie-down rings and, in most cases, 8 tie-down rings are
installed in the floor of the container shipping company container. It is your
responsibility to load and secure your motorcycle; therefore, you must provide
tie-down straps and locks.
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How do I prepare my bike for shipment if I supply my own crate?
The maximum allowable crate dimensions are 98"L x 47"W x 50"H. All
fluids must be drained from the motorcycle, the battery disconnected and the
battery terminal cable secured to prevent electrical contact to comply with U.S.
DOT regulations. The motorcycle must be completely enclosed in a wooden crate
constructed of not less than ¼ inch plywood with a frame using metal or a
minimum of 2 X 4 inch boards. The base of the container must be pallet style or a
metal base. Slots must be provided in the base so fork lifts can move the crate.
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What are the maximum dimensions of a motorcycle that can be shipped?
The inside dimensions of the container shipping company containers are 98"
long by 44.6" wide by 47.6" high. Also, if you provide your own crate it
may not exceed the following dimensions 98"L x 47"W x 50"H.
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Can I send other belongings in the container with my motorcycle?
Since it is your responsibility to crate and secure your motorcycle, you certainly
may use any available space in the container to ship motorcycle related,
non-hazardous, accessories.
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Will the container shipping company ship my motorcycle if it is inoperable?
Yes
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Are motorcycles inspected at time of tender?
Motorcycles are inspected for safety compliance only.
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Is there assistance available to load or unload the motorcycle from a truck or trailer?
Assistance is available during non-peak hours, typically 10AM-5PM.
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Can I use the container to transport my motorcycle from the container shipping company terminal to the final destination and then bring the empty container back to the terminal?
The container shipping company container must remain on the container shipping
company property, therefore you must arrange to pick-up and deliver the motorcycle
at the container shipping company location.
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Can the container shipping company unpack the motorcycle and dispose of my shipping crate?
Yes, however, some terminals may charge a disposal fee. The container shipping
company will only help with uncrating a bike when you provide the crate, if you use
a container provided by the container shipping company you are responsible for
unloading all items from the container. You will need to check with the container
shipping company destination terminal to see if fees apply for uncrating services.
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What if I am unavailable to pick up my motorcycle at the destination terminal on the day specified?
If you are using a the container shipping company container, additional charges will
accrue after 24 hours of arrival at destination because the container shipping
company containers are in high demand. If you are using your own crate, your
shipment will be held for 3 days before storage charges begin.
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How long does the receiver have to pick up the motorcycle at destination?
Your shipment in a crate you provide will be held for 3 days before storage charges
begin at the rate of $0.02 per pound or $15.00 per day.
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Can I pick up the motorcycle on weekends or after work?
Each the container shipping company location has hours of operations that are
particular to that terminal. Most terminals are not open on weekends but most are
open late into the evening on weekdays.
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What does it cost to ship my motorcycle?
The cost depends on the distance of the transport and container type (the container
shipping company’s or crate provided by you).
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What payment options do I have?
Shippingmasters collects a down payment via a credit card over the phone on each
shipment. The remaining balance is paid directly to the container shipping company.
You may pay the balance to the container shipping company on-line, using a secure
credit card transaction or you may pay with certified funds or money order at
origin terminal.
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Can I ship a motorcycle C.O.D.?
No. The container shipping company only accepts certified funds or credit card,
C.O.D. shipments are not accepted.
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Can a 3rd party (other than the shipper or receiver) pay for the shipping?
Yes, however the payment must be paid to the container shipping company on-line with
a credit card.
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What credit cards do you take?
Shippingmasters accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. The
container shipping company accepts Visa and MasterCard.
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Why can’t I pay cash to the container shipping company to ship my motorcycle?
The container shipping company is a business-to-business company and they do not
maintain cash on their premises.
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Is my motorcycle insured during transit?
The maximum liability of the container shipping company and its subcontracting
carriers for loss, damage, or delay of your shipment will be $0.50 per pound per
article. Their pricing is predicated on this release valuation. This means that
you assume the risk of loss to the extent the items you ship are worth more than
this amount. You may wish to obtain cargo insurance for your protection, but in
any event, neither you nor your insurance company will have any right of recovery
against the container shipping company or its subcontractors for more than $0.50 per
pound. Additional insurance is available through the container shipping company on
certain routes, there is a minimum charge of $100 for $10,000 of insurance coverage
if so.
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Is there a phone number to call if I have questions about how to book the shipment on-line once I have paid Shippingmasters the down payment?
Yes, the container shipping company has a toll free customer service number listed
on their website. Shippingmasters will provide this phone number at the time of
booking your shipment.
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