This article discusses what to look for in motorcycle transport companies.
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The first thing to decide is when to transport the motorcycle or motorcycles and how you want to have them shipped. Some motorcycle transport companies use open trailers such as a flatbed, while others use enclosed trailers. There is a big difference in safety relative to an open trailer versus an enclosed trailer. Most motorcycle transport companies use enclosed trailers because the probability of a damage or theft claim using an enclosed trailer is much less than it is when shipping motorcycles on an open trailer.
After you determine what type of transport trailer you are interested in using, you will need to research the licenses and insurance of each transporter you are considering. You will want to verify that the shipper has an active and current US Department of Transportation license number along with an active and current Motor Carrier license number. Additionally, you will want to verify their cargo insurance coverage along with any deductibles they might have on damage or theft claims. If the shipper is US Department of Transportation compliant they should be able to provide you with a copy of their cargo insurance certificate along with their insurers name, address and phone number and with the amount of insurance coverage they carry.Some additional questions you will want to ask the motorcycle transport companies are as follows, how long will it take to pick up the motorcycle and how long will it take to deliver after pick up? What is the method you use to secure the motorcycle on the trailer? Will you have a lift gate or ramp gate for loading and unloading? Will someone need to be at the pick up and delivery locations to help the driver with loading and unloading? Does the motorcycle need to be in operational, running condition? What level of cargo insurance comes standard and is there a deductible? How much does additional insurance cost if required? What is the process if there is a damage claim and who is providing the insurance coverage while the bike is in transit? Are there any prep requirements that need to be done to the bike prior to shipping such as draining fuel, disconnecting batteries, draining other fluids, etc.?
After receiving answers to these questions it will help you to determine which motorcycle transporter to utilize for your motorcycle shipment. You might want to take a look at previous customers testimonials and or reviews to get a feel for the transporters track record for safety and timeliness. We always recommend keeping in mind that human nature dictates that customers are much more likely to post a review about a negative experience than they are a positive experience. As a motorcycle specific shipping broker, we have long track records with the motorcycle transport companies we work with. In most cases we have booked hundreds if not thousands of bike shipments with the shippers we refer our customers to. We can provide an honest assessment of their safety records and timeliness if needed.We have been arranging motorcycle shipments for decades and have very competitive rates, please give us a call to book your shipment.