What is motorcycle shipping?

Motorcycle shipping is the safe, hands-off way to move your bike anywhere in the United States. Instead of riding it cross-country or trusting a generic freight carrier, your motorcycle is loaded onto a specialized motorcycle trailer or a dedicated slot on an enclosed carrier, secured with soft-strap tie-downs that protect the paint, fairings, and fork seals.

At TS Fast Auto Logistics, we match you with vetted motorcycle carriers who move bikes every day. From cruisers and sportbikes to touring bikes, dirt bikes, and trikes, we handle every step from pickup to delivery.

How motorcycle shipping works

Get a free instant quote: enter your pickup and delivery ZIP codes, bike type, and preferred date.
Book your shipment: we dispatch a specialized motorcycle carrier on your route.
Pickup at your address: the driver calls 24 hours in advance and loads your bike with soft-strap tie-downs.
Track your bike: you receive the driver's contact info and status updates throughout transit.
Delivery to your destination: inspect the bike, sign the Bill of Lading, and pay the carrier.

Why choose motorcycle-specific shipping?

Generic auto carriers use wheel straps designed for cars: they can crush fairings, damage fork seals, and scratch chrome. A dedicated motorcycle carrier uses:

Soft-strap tie-downs on the triple tree or handlebars (never on the fork tubes)
Wheel chocks and front-wheel locks to keep the bike upright
Padded blankets and covers to protect fairings and paint
Low-angle ramps or lift-gates to prevent scraping the belly pan

We also ship inoperable bikes, project bikes, and bikes with custom paint or one-off builds.

Pricing for motorcycle shipping

Motorcycle shipping typically costs less than shipping a car because the bike is lighter and takes less space. Typical estimates:

Over 1,500 miles: about $1.00 per mile, for standard vehicles under 7,000 lbs
1,500 miles or less: an estimated range online, then your confirmed price by email within 2 business hours
Commercial or over 7,000 lbs: a custom quote from an advisor

These are estimates only. The final price is confirmed after your quote is reviewed. Our 30-day TruePrice Guarantee locks your quoted price so it won't increase after booking.

Why Motorcycle Shipping

Benefits of shipping your motorcycle

Save wear, miles, and stress. Let a specialized carrier deliver your bike safely.

Motorcycle-specific equipment

Soft-strap tie-downs, wheel chocks, and padded protection designed for bikes, not cars.

Full insurance coverage

Every motorcycle carrier we dispatch is vetted, licensed, and fully insured against damage.

Door-to-door service

Pickup at your address, delivery to your destination. No terminals, no drop-off hassle.

Save wear and miles

Skip the cross-country ride. Preserve your bike's value by shipping instead of riding.

Motorcycle Shipping FAQ

Motorcycle shipping questions

Do I need to drain the gas before shipping?

Most carriers ask that the tank be no more than 1/4 full to reduce weight and fire risk. Fully draining isn't usually required. Your driver will confirm the specifics before pickup.

Can you ship a motorcycle that doesn't run?

Yes. Inoperable motorcycles can be loaded using a winch and a wheel chock. Expect an additional fee of $150-$300 depending on the bike's size, weight, and pickup conditions.

Should I ship my motorcycle in an enclosed trailer?

For show bikes, vintage motorcycles, or custom builds with expensive paint, enclosed transport is worth the extra cost. For daily riders and standard bikes, open motorcycle trailers are safe and much more affordable.

Can I ship personal items with my motorcycle?

Small items like a helmet, gloves, and a cover can usually be shipped strapped to the bike or in the carrier's cab. Larger items, luggage, gear bags, tools, should be shipped separately. Ask your advisor before adding items.

Motorcycle Shipping