Motorcycle shippers?

[Joe Nardy]

Does anyone have any experience with motorcycle transport companies? I need to ship a bike and am doing research on companies. There seems to be a wide range of price and 'hidden' fees.

The company I'm looking at is EZ Motorcycle Transport, formerly Smartco Express. Their prices are the best and they are motorcycle specialists.

Any info on EZ or any other shippers is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
joe

[marvinsc]

I have heard positive comments on these people on this and other forums Joe. No personal experience with them.

http://www.forwardair.com/

[jeff.saunders]

http://www.haulbikes.com/

http://www.shippingmasters.com/

http://www.allianceairfreight.com/

http://www.motorcycleshippers.com/

http://www.expresstowing.net/

[isleoman]

If your willing to build a good strong complete coverage crate you can use any trucking company. If your shipping it from somewhere else back to you then the forward air crates may be a better deal.

I've gone the first route several times without incident.

[jeff.saunders]

If your willing to build a good strong complete coverage crate you can use any trucking company. If your shipping it from somewhere else back to you then the forward air crates may be a better deal.

I've gone the first route several times without incident.

Within the USA, building a wood crate isn't tough to do. Once you start shipping motorcycles internationally, you run into problems using wood crates. Many countries have issues receiving untreated wood, so they insist on fumigating the wood (at a very expensive cost).

Metal crates are a better idea. Visit a Ducati dealer, receive their bikes in a metal crate - once opened, you just usually need to replace one panel with more metal - they can be pop-riveted or welded shut. Most dealers will either give them away, or sell them for a nominal charge.

[Joe Nardy]

Guys,

Thanks for the info. My need is for a one-time, one-way deal where I'm the receiver. I wouldn't feel comfortable asking the sender to build or find a crate. I've found several places that specialize in motorcycles and have quite a few testimonials. I'm going to be out of town for a week then I'll be looking into this more seriously.

Thanks again,
Joe

[Jethro]

C'mon Joe... you know you really want to fly and buy. That's how all the cool kids roll!

[Planecrazy]

Hmmm... what have we acquired now, Joe??

[bwringer]

Hmmm... what have we acquired now, Joe??

No idea what he's up to, but here's my vote:



At last, the truth can be told.



Joe is bringing home the beautiful Tohatsu Run-Pet he's had his heart set on since childhood.



With 50CC churning out a significant fraction of a horsepower, this amazing machine was years ahead of its time, foreshadowing the mid-'90s crackdown on drunk driving and the corresponding sharp increase in 50CC scooter sales and milk crate thefts.

[Joe Nardy]

C'mon Joe... you know you really want to fly and buy. That's how all the cool kids roll!

I'd love to do that but this one is too nice to ride as far as I'd have to.

Hmmm... what have we acquired now, Joe??

See tease above. I don't want to jinx anything until the deal is done. You'll all be the first to know once I have it in my possession.

Thanks,
Joe

[bwringer]

Oh wait... NOW I'm sure I've found Joe's dream bike:

Really. This is The One.

73 Hodaka 125 combat-Wombat - $1500 (Columbia City, IN)

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/mcy/643842051.html

[Florida Guy]

Joe,

I don't have any experience shipping (yet), but see that a lot of the companies have a system where they use a wood or steel pallet and tie your bike down on it.
They then place it in the truck. It looks like a good system to me, but again, no experience with it.
Let us know what you decide, as I may buy a bike out of state and want to have it shipped.

Alan

[jeff.saunders]

Joe,

I don't have any experience shipping (yet), but see that a lot of the companies have a system where they use a wood or steel pallet and tie your bike down on it.
They then place it in the truck. It looks like a good system to me, but again, no experience with it.
Let us know what you decide, as I may buy a bike out of state and want to have it shipped.

Alan

The large Van Lines - these tend to use the motorcycle pallet - to ship - they tie the bike down and can even put a soft or hard cover over the bike. The problem with these shippers is the bike will be in a hauler with other commercial items. Provided all the other products are secured effectively, there's really no issues - but the last thing you need is large cartons or bales falling on the bike.

There are specialist motorcycle shippers - many of these have regular north-south or east west routes - they use enclosed trailers and may handle 6-8 bikes on a trip.

Forward Air provides a steel crate - you are responsible for securing your bike in the crate - they deliver the bike to the other end and the recipient just rolls the bike out of the crate. The only issue is it's hub to hub - not door-to-door - if you live near a big city and are shipping to a big city, this is a good way to ship a bike.

[Florida Guy]

The large Van Lines - these tend to use the motorcycle pallet - to ship - they tie the bike down and can even put a soft or hard cover over the bike. The problem with these shippers is the bike will be in a hauler with other commercial items. Provided all the other products are secured effectively, there's really no issues - but the last thing you need is large cartons or bales falling on the bike.

Many of these shippers carry ONLY bikes, therefore they are not subject to anything damaging them whle enroute.