Thank you Jason Mueller for this guest post!
Moving overseas, whether temporarily or permanently, is an enormous task. You will likely sell or donate some or most of your belongings, but some you’ll take with you. Many people are attached to their motorcycles and choose to ship them overseas.
If you decide not to leave your ride behind, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with transporting motorcycles across the ocean.
Fortunately, many excellent shippers specialize in this type of cargo transport, including this trusted motorcycle shipping company, There’s a lot to consider, so let’s review all the details and help you prepare for this adventure.
Shipping a Motorcycle Overseas: What Are Your Options?
One of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to ship the motorcycle using sea or air freight shippers. At first, this seems like an easy choice, and some will immediately declare air freight the better option because it’s faster and typically more reliable.
However, air freight is also much more expensive, and there are limitations regarding the types of crating available. Still, air freight is the best option if you can’t risk delays and can afford to pay for the service.
Sea freight is considered the standard for overseas auto transport, whether cars or motorcycles, and it’s much more affordable and supports nearly all crating solutions.
Plus, there are more seaports than airports, as most international shipping moves via oceans. But even if you choose sea freight, you’ll need to consider the following options.
Roll-On, Roll-Off (RORO) Service
This incredibly popular option involves putting your motorcycle onto a boat using specialized tie-downs and shipping it to the seaport nearest your destination. Once it arrives, a standard carrier moves it to a prearranged location.
Crating Service
Many motorcycle owners opt to place their rides in a dedicated crate. These crates come in different shapes and sizes, so discussing available solutions with the shipping provider is vital. Your motorcycle is fastened using specialized tools and enclosed in a crate.
Container Shipping
The container is the best option if you want the most affordable motorcycle shipping solution. Essentially, your motorcycle goes directly into a container without a crate and shares the space with other types of cargo.
Door-to-Door Shipping
Some people want their motorcycle picked up directly from their home and delivered to their new home overseas, and only some shipping companies offer this service. Of course, this is the priciest option and is usually reserved for vintage motorcycles with specialized shipping requirements.
Factors That Impact Motorcycle Shipping Cost
The preferred shipping method is only one factor that impacts the overall shipment price. Reputable shippers can often tell you the price based on their experience shipping motorcycles to specific destinations.
For example, sending your motorcycle from Los Angeles to the UK in a shared 20-foot container costs around $700. But as transportation distances increase, the price does as well. Naturally, the type and size of the motorcycle affect the price. Exotic motorcycles will likely need the services of shippers specializing in these types of transport.
The value-added tax (VAT) and import duties impact the final price of overseas motorcycle shipping. South America, Asia, and Europe have different import duty regulations than North America.
The good news is that experienced shipping companies can calculate these expenses in advance, as they stay on top of any changes in regulations.
Documents You Need for Shipping a Motorcycle Overseas
Unsurprisingly, you need extensive paperwork to ship your motorcycle overseas. A reliable shipping company can tell you precisely which documents to prepare and will keep you posted about any changes. Still, you will definitely need the following:
- Motorcycle title or manufacturer’s certificate
- Photo ID
- Proof of ownership or bill of sale
- Social Security number or Employer Identification Number (EIN) if a company
- Certificate of release if a loan is involved
- Power of attorney (if necessary)
- Keys
Do You Need Shipping Insurance?
Most motorcycle owners will want excellent protection for their ride when preparing for the overseas move. Shipping is risky, even for short distances, so it’s essential to do what you can to cover the cost of damage.
When shipping your motorcycle across the ocean, insurance coverage is a must. The problem is that only some shipping companies include coverage by default. You may enter a contract thinking that insurance is a part of the deal, only to learn that’s not the case when a motorcycle suffers damage.
It’s crucial to ask about what type of insurance coverage the shipping company offers. If it’s not enough, you can always purchase supplemental insurance for your own peace of mind. Or find a better shipping company that offers more comprehensive coverage.
Common Pitfalls of Shipping a Motorcycle Overseas
The key to successful international motorcycle shipping is careful planning. When you’re in a rush, checking every detail is difficult. Motorcycle owners can avoid these three common pitfalls for stress-free overseas shipping for their rides.
Don’t Choose the Cheapest Shipping Company
Working with a limited budget is tough, but choosing the cheapest shipper may cost more in the long run. If the price seems unrealistic, that probably means they’re saving on vital services like high-quality fasteners and insufficient insurance coverage.
Don’t Transport the Motorcycle on Your Own
You may choose to transport your motorcycle independently and avoid the hassle of finding the right provider. That’s an understandable sentiment but generally a bad idea. It would be best if you had the right experience and equipment to ensure the safe transport of your motorcycle overseas.
Interview the Shipping Providers
Interviewing shipping providers can spare you some headaches down the line. Listen to your instinct, and don’t hesitate to ask any questions. A reliable shipping company will have all the answers and can tell you in great detail what to expect from their services.
Choosing the Best Shipping Company Is Crucial
When shipping your motorcycle overseas, you want to ensure it arrives the same as it left, which requires spending time finding the best shipping solution.
Remember that shipping costs depend on distance, motorcycle size, and shipping method. A trustworthy provider can help you prepare the paperwork and offer excellent insurance coverage. So, choose wisely, and don’t forget that custom shipping solutions are possible.