We work with many motorcycle transport companies. Each motorcycle shipping company has their own rate structures. There are many factors that can go into developing motorcycle shipper rates. Some of the factors involved in determining transport rates are variables such as the distance of the shipment, the origin and destination locations, the type of vehicle being shipped, the time frame requirements of the shipment, the insurance coverage, the shipping method used to transport the motorcycle along with many other related factors.
The rate structures of bike shipping companies can be vary from very simple to very complex. Some motorcycle transit companies use a single or double rate structure. A single rate means the company will ship a motorcycle for a set amount anywhere within a specified service area regardless of the distance or locations. A double rate structure usually has two rates where a shipment within a specified area is one rate and if the shipment goes outside of the specified area the transport company charges a higher rate.
Another rate structure is based on the distance of the shipment. These motorcycle moving companies have graduated rates based on how far their truck has to travel. A zone rates structure is utilized by some shippers. They divide the country into a number of zones and their rates increase incrementally the more zones the shipment crosses over.
Larger motorcycles generally cost more to ship than standard or small size motorcycles. Most transportation companies offer some level of insurance coverage. If you want more insurance than the standard amount it’s usually available for an additional fee. If you need expedited shipping there can be significant extra fees for quicker service if it’s available. Enclosed trailer motorcycle transit will cost more than open trailer service.
Most motorcycle movers transport motorcycle door to door from or to a business or residence if they are able to get their truck to the location. If if a shipper cannot get to a location they will meet you somewhere nearby. Shipping from a residence to a residence is usually the most expensive way to ship a motorcycle. Shipping from a business to a business is sometimes less expensive than shipping residence to residence. Some shippers have terminals or warehouses situated around the country and in some cases you can save a significant amount of money dropping off or picking up your bike (or both) at their terminals.
Additionally, many motorcycle transport companies use the price of fuel as a factor in determining their shipping rates. As the price of fuel varies up and down some cycle shippers adjust their rate structure up and down to match the prevailing price of a gallon of fuel. The U.S. Government issues a report on the average price for a gallon of fuel on a regular basis and many transport companies regularly adjust prices up and down in tandem with the average price of fuel. This method of pricing allows motorcycle transporters to account for variances in fuel cost which have an impact on their financial bottom line.
As you can see from the comments above, there are many facets in determining rates for shipping motorcycles. Hopefully this information about motorcycle shipping rates helps you understand all the variables that go into determining rates.