Motorcycle Shipping Services Across the USA

Whether you ride a touring Harley, a sport bike, a vintage cafe racer, or a dirt bike, ABC Auto Shipping moves your motorcycle safely from door to door. We coordinate crated, palletized, and open motorcycle transport with vetted carriers in all 50 states. Licensed, bonded, and fully insured from pickup to delivery.

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4.9★

Average customer rating

50,000+

vehicles shipped nationwide

50

states covered, door-to-door

100%

licensed, bonded & insured

24/7

Proactive communication

What Is Motorcycle Shipping?

Motorcycle shipping is the professional service of moving a motorcycle from one location to another using a specialized carrier or enclosed trailer instead of riding it yourself. It is used for cross-country relocations, online motorcycle purchases, snowbird seasonal moves, race weekends, and bike auctions. Motorcycles are secured upright with wheel chocks and soft tie-downs, then transported either loose, palletized, or fully crated.

At ABC Auto Shipping, we match your bike to the right truck. Cruisers and touring bikes ride well on standard motorcycle transport. High-value, vintage, or freshly restored bikes go in enclosed or fully crated transport for premium protection. You get transparent pricing, full cargo and liability coverage, and a dedicated coordinator from quote to delivery.

Crated vs Uncrated Motorcycle Shipping

Most bikes ship uncrated: strapped upright on a motorcycle-equipped carrier. Crating and palletizing add protection for bikes that are rare, valuable or headed into storage.

	Uncrated (standard)	Palletized	Crated
How it ships	Upright with a front wheel chock and soft tie-downs on a motorcycle-equipped carrier	Strapped to a shipping pallet, often inside an enclosed trailer	Bolted into a custom wooden crate and shipped as freight
Protection	Right for everyday bikes	More than standard	The highest level
Cost	The most affordable	Between standard and crated	The highest, because of the crate
Best for	Cruisers, touring bikes and standard sport bikes	Extra protection without full crating	Vintage, exotic or one-of-a-kind bikes, long storage or a later overseas move

Not sure which to pick? Ask for a motorcycle shipping quote and we will price the options for your bike, with no deposit to book.

How to Prepare Your Motorcycle

Run the fuel down to a quarter tank or less.
Charge the battery and turn off or disconnect any alarm.
Remove saddlebags, GPS units and anything that is not bolted on.
Check tire pressure and look for fluid leaks; tell the driver about any you find.
Wash the bike and photograph it from every side before pickup.
Hand over one set of keys and keep the spare.

Our Motorcycle Shipping Options

Every shipment is different. That’s why we offer a full range of Motorcycle shipping options to fit your vehicle, budget, and timeline.

Standard Motorcycle Transport

Your bike is secured upright with a front wheel chock and soft tie-downs, then transported on a motorcycle-equipped open or partially enclosed carrier. The most affordable option for everyday cruisers, touring bikes, and standard sport bikes.

Enclosed Motorcycle Shipping

Fully covered trailer protects your bike from rain, road salt, dust, and debris. Recommended for high-value, freshly painted, or restored motorcycles, and for any long-haul shipment during extreme weather seasons.

Crated Motorcycle Shipping

Your motorcycle is bolted into a custom wooden crate and shipped as freight. The highest level of protection for vintage, exotic, or one-of-a-kind bikes. Ideal when the bike will sit in transit longer or move overseas later.

Palletized Motorcycle Transport

Your bike is strapped to a sturdy shipping pallet, often inside an enclosed trailer. A middle-ground option between standard and crated, offering more protection without the cost of full crating.

Cross-Country & State-to-State Auto Transport Image

Sport Bike and Race Bike Transport

Soft tie-downs, padded straps, and lift-gate loading protect race-prepped sport bikes with delicate fairings, exhausts, and aftermarket bodywork. Available open or enclosed, with single-bike loads available for high-value race builds.

Cruiser and Touring Bike Shipping

Heavy cruisers, baggers, and full touring rigs are loaded with proper rear-tire stabilization and reinforced tie-downs. We handle Harley-Davidson, Indian, Honda Gold Wing, BMW touring, and similar bikes regularly across all routes.

Vintage and Classic Motorcycle Transport

Crated or enclosed transport for pre-1990 motorcycles, restored cafe racers, British twins, and barn finds. We coordinate careful handling for kickstart-only bikes, non-running classics, and concours-prepped vintage motorcycles, with photo documentation at every pickup.

Non-Running & Inoperable Vehicle Transport Image

Multi-Bike and Dealer Shipping

Volume motorcycle shipping for dealers, auctions, and collectors moving 2 or more bikes on the same route. Save on per-bike pricing and consolidate pickup and delivery windows on a single Bill of Lading.

Military, Student & Snowbird Discounts Image

Snowbird and Track-Day Motorcycle Transport

Seasonal motorcycle shipping for riders who keep bikes in two states, plus track-day and rally-event transport to and from venues. Florida, Arizona, and California are our most popular winter lanes.

Why Choose ABC Auto Shipping?

Choosing the right auto transport company protects your vehicle, your wallet, and your peace of mind. Here’s what sets ABC Auto Shipping apart from other motorcycle shipping companies.

Fully Licensed, Bonded and Insured

USDOT-registered and MC-authorized. Every motorcycle carrier in our network carries cargo and liability insurance scaled to motorcycles, including high-value bikes, with documentation provided on request before pickup is scheduled.

Transparent Motorcycle Shipping Pricing

No hidden fees, no surprise fuel surcharges. The motorcycle shipping quote you accept is the price you pay, with crating and enclosed options priced clearly upfront.

Vetted Carrier Network for Bikes

We work only with pre-screened carriers experienced in motorcycle loading, tie-down, and unloading. Your bike rides with someone who knows how to chock and strap it correctly.

Proactive Updates and Dedicated Dispatch

Your dedicated coordinator schedules your motorcycle pickup, narrows your window to 1 to 2 days, and stays reachable. Your driver also calls 24 hours ahead of pickup and again before delivery.

On-Time Motorcycle Delivery

Our dispatching system optimizes routes so your bike stays on schedule, even on long cross-country motorcycle shipments and tight pre-event deadlines for rallies, races, and bike weeks across the country.

5-Star Customer Service

Real people, real phones, 7 days a week. A 4.9-star rating built on more than 50,000 vehicles, motorcycles, and boats shipped nationwide, with dedicated coordinators answering questions before and during your shipment.

How Motorcycle Shipping Works

Step 01

Get Your Free Motorcycle Shipping Quote

Enter your pickup and delivery zip codes, motorcycle make, model, year, and any modifications (sidecar, lowered, custom bodywork). You will receive a detailed quote with crated and enclosed options priced clearly.

Step 02

Book Your Motorcycle Shipment

No deposit is required to secure your booking. Payment is collected once your carrier is secured. Once you confirm, your dedicated coordinator begins matching your bike to a vetted motorcycle carrier the very next business day.

Step 03

Pickup and Inspection

We require a 4 to 5 day pickup window (minimum 3 to 4 days), narrowed to 1 to 2 days once dispatched. The driver inspects the motorcycle, completes a Bill of Lading with photos, and secures it for transit.

Step 04

Door to Door Motorcycle Delivery

Your driver calls with a 4-hour delivery window. The bike is unloaded, re-inspected against the Bill of Lading, and signed off. Stress-free motorcycle delivery to your door.

Who We Serve

Cross-Country Riders Relocating

Moving for work, school, or retirement and not riding the bike across country? We ship cruisers, touring bikes, and sport bikes door to door in all 50 states.

Online Motorcycle Buyers

Bought a bike on Cycle Trader, eBay Motors, Bring a Trailer, or from a private seller? We pick up directly from the seller, no need for you to fly out.

Snowbird Riders

Seasonal motorcycle shipping between northern and southern homes. Florida, Arizona, Texas, and the Carolinas are our busiest snowbird bike lanes every fall and spring, with carriers booking up early on these routes.

Race Teams and Track-Day Riders

Race bike transport to and from tracks, paddocks, and rally events. Soft tie-downs, lift-gate loading, and tight delivery windows on event weekends, with priority scheduling for race teams and team transporters.

Military Riders

Active duty and retired military qualify for an 8% discount on motorcycle shipping. Disabled veterans qualify for 10%. We coordinate base pickup access and PCS-friendly scheduling around your orders.

Motorcycle Dealers and Collectors

Volume pricing for dealers and collectors moving multiple bikes. Auction pickups from Mecum, Bonhams, Bring a Trailer, and others, with consolidated invoicing and a dedicated coordinator on every multi-bike load.

Popular Auto Transport Routes

We move vehicles on every major U.S. corridor. Some of our most popular routes for this service include:

California to Florida

Florida to California

Texas

California (Sturgis and back)

New York

Daytona (bike week)

Illinois

Arizona (snowbird)

Washington

Texas

Michigan

Florida

Ohio

California

Georgia

Pennsylvania

+ all 50-state combinations

Reviews

What Our Clients Say

See how our services have made a difference through honest reviews from those who trust us. Your feedback drives us to keep improving.

FAQs

How does motorcycle shipping work?

You request a free quote with your pickup zip, delivery zip, and bike details. Once booked, a vetted carrier picks up your motorcycle from your chosen address, secures it with wheel chocks and soft tie-downs (or in a crate or pallet), and transports it to your delivery address. You inspect, sign the Bill of Lading, and ride.

How much does it cost to ship a motorcycle?

Most motorcycle shipping falls between $500 and $1,800, depending on distance, transport type (open, enclosed, crated), bike size, and route popularity. Crated and enclosed options cost more than standard open motorcycle transport. Request a free quote for an exact rate on your route.

Should I crate my motorcycle for shipping?

Crating is recommended for vintage, custom, or high-value motorcycles, and for any shipment that may sit in transit longer than usual. Standard cruisers, touring bikes, and modern sport bikes ship safely uncrated when properly chocked and tied down. Your coordinator will recommend the right option.

How much fuel should be in my motorcycle for shipping?

Leave roughly a quarter tank of fuel, just enough to load and unload the bike. Carriers typically prefer not to ship motorcycles with full tanks. Disable any alarms, lock the steering, and remove loose items from saddlebags or tank bags before pickup.

How long does motorcycle shipping take?

Cross-country motorcycle shipments typically take 7 to 10 days from pickup. Regional moves can be completed in 1 to 4 days. Pickup usually occurs within 1 to 5 days of booking, depending on carrier availability. Crated motorcycle shipping may add 2 to 4 days for crating and uncrating.

Is my motorcycle insured during transport?

Yes. Every motorcycle carrier in our network is required to carry cargo and liability insurance, and your bike is covered from the moment it is loaded until safely delivered. We provide insurance documentation on request, with limits scaled to your motorcycle’s value.

Can you ship a non-running motorcycle?

Yes, in most cases. If the motorcycle rolls and steers, we can coordinate pickup with a winch- or ramp-equipped carrier. Non-running motorcycles often ship better in a crate or on a pallet. Tell your coordinator the bike’s condition when requesting a quote so we dispatch the right truck.

Do I need to remove mirrors, windshield, or saddlebags?

Hard saddlebags can stay on if locked. Soft bags should come off. Tall windshields and large fairings can usually stay on for standard transport, but for tight enclosed or crated loads we may ask you to remove or fold them. Your coordinator will confirm before pickup.

Can someone else release the motorcycle at pickup?

Yes. You can authorize a friend, family member, neighbor, or seller to release the motorcycle on your behalf. They must be 18 or older and present a photo ID at pickup to sign the Bill of Lading. Just let your coordinator know in advance who will be on site.

Why should I choose ABC Auto Shipping for motorcycle shipping?

We are licensed, bonded, and insured, with a 4.9-star rating and over 50,000 vehicles and bikes shipped nationwide. You get transparent flat-rate pricing, vetted motorcycle-experienced carriers, crated and enclosed options, and a dedicated coordinator from quote to delivery. Call 877-686-5611 today.

Ready to ship your motorcycle the easy way?

Get your free, no-obligation motorcycle shipping quote today, or speak with a shipping advisor at 877-686-5611 right now. Open, enclosed, palletized, and crated motorcycle transport in all 50 states, with full insurance and door-to-door pickup and delivery.

Phone: 877-686-5611 | Email: info@abcautoshipping.com | Address: 102 Turnstone, Irvine, CA 92618

Ready to ship your car  the easy way image

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Shipping Details Step 1 of 3

Ship From *

Ship To *

Ship Date

Truck availability is on 1st come 1st serve basis. From the 1st available date, we give 4-5 days of window (minimum 3-4 days) & narrow it down to 1-2 days once a carrier is secured.

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