Motorcycle Shipping

Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Suzuki and are all well-known motorcycle brands. If you own one of these brands, the name probably brings back fond memories of your first cross-country ride. For most, this is a bucket list item. Once completed, you can choose an alternative form of transportation for getting to your destination. Instead of driving, you may opt to fly and have your motorcycle shipped. This is where an auto transport company comes in.

You may be wondering why you would ship your motorcycle when you can drive. There are some instances in which shipping a motorcycle would be beneficial. Transporting a motorcycle with a professional auto transport company is easy, fast, and affordable. It gives you added peace of mind, knowing that the motorcycle will arrive in pristine condition.

Reasons To Invest In Motorcycle Transport

Regardless of the specific motorcycle brand or model you own, you have likely invested a lot of time and money into the upkeep of your ride. When you are undergoing a residential or business move, why wouldn’t you choose to go with the professionals? National Dispatch has a team of professionals trained to safely ship your motorcycle to its destination. Below, you will find some reasons why doing so is the best option for you and your bike.

Avoid Road Hazards.

Long trips add mileage, along with unnecessary wear and tear, to your motorcycle. Traveling long distances not only impacts the wheels, but the engine, too. These factors play a major part in the overall resale value of the motorcycle. This additional wear and tear can be avoided by using a professional auto shipping company with the proper equipment.

At National Dispatch, we offer an enclosed carrier option to safeguard your motorcycle from potentially hazardous weather conditions and road elements. Maybe, you are planning on entering your bike into a motorcycle show. Since you have invested a lot into your ride, you want to ensure that it reaches its destination, safely. You would not want something to happen to it during transport. Therefore, hiring a professional auto transport company is highly recommended.

Avoid Long Drives.

Motorcycles do not offer the same protection as cars. For this reason, some are not comfortable driving them across the country. In addition, traveling across the country may require one to travel across changes in climate, only to get to your intended destination. While it may be sunny in one part of the country, it could be snowing in another.

Auto shipping is the better solution when you are pressed for time. It can take several days to travel coast-to-coast. You must consider the effect this type of trip will have on the body. However, shipping your motorcycle is not just an option for cross-country moves. Many people choose to ship their motorcycle, even when moving just a few states away.

Avoid Pit Stops.

Time and money are two of the most important factors to many customers when considering auto transport services. Can I save time by shipping my motorcycle? Can I save money by shipping my motorcycle? The answer to both is yes. With driving, you must take into consideration frequent stops for food, gas, and lodging along the way.

Not only does this require time, but it costs money. After adding up the expenses associated with driving your motorcycle from one state to another, it may be more affordable to ship, instead. It is definitely easier to hop on a plane and have your motorcycle shipped to your destination

Avoid Moving-Day Stress.

Moving to a new home is a challenge, because of the numerous tasks that must be completed leading up to the big day. When you are faced with a long To-Do list of tasks, this can cause your stress level to rise. Many people believe that they must transport their motorcycle on their own. Truth is, you don’t. Hiring an auto transport company to handle these services makes the moving process much more enjoyable.

Moving-day tasks can drain you. The last thing you want to concern yourself with is how you are going to get your motorcycle to your destination. Take the stress out of moving, and ship, instead. It is better to invest a little extra money into hiring the professionals, than to pull your hair out doing it yourself.

Situations In Which You Should Ship Your Motorcycle

Red Chopper on brick wall

There are many reasons why a person may choose to use motorcycle shipping services. Here are just a few that may be of use to you in the future.

Moving To Another House

One of the most common reasons for shipping a motorcycle is a relocation. This may be as a result of a change in career. Whatever the reason may be, an auto shipping company can assist you with the move to your new home. Moving to a new city does not have to be difficult.

Taking An Extended Vacation

Going on a vacation is the perfect reason to ship your motorcycle. Retirees, snowbirds, and other seasonal travelers often ship their bikes during the fall and winter months to escape the cold weather. The motorcycle is shipped to their seasonal home. At the end of their stay, the motorcycle is shipped back. Everything is taken care of for you.

Making An Out Of State Purchase

Everyone has their different reasons for making a purchase out of state. Choosing to buy a motorcycle out of state broadens your choices. This allows you to get exactly what you want. However, once you buy the bike, you must consider how you will be getting it home. This is where auto transport would come in, saving you time, money, and energy.

Shipping Multiple Vehicles

Your motorcycle may not be your primary means of transportation. Many families own more than one vehicle. It is not ideal to drive your motorcycle separately from your family. Why not all travel together? When relocating to a new city, you can choose to ship multiple vehicles at one time. Many auto transport companies offer multiple car discounts, meaning you can receive a lower rate when you ship more than one vehicle.

Attending A Motorcycle Show

When you enter your motorcycle into a show, you must take special precautions to ensure that it arrives in pristine condition. The paint must be free of all dents, scratches, and scuffs. After all, you are showing your bike off to other enthusiasts. You want to be proud of what you own. One way to ensure that your bike arrives ready for the show is to to ship with a reputable auto shipping company.

Overview Of Motorcycle Transport

At National Dispatch, we have the best team of auto transporters that love what they do. Our team of staff provides the best customer service from start to finish. If this is your first-time shipping a motorcycle anywhere in the country, we want to ensure that you have an overview of the process, beforehand. This will set your mind at ease knowing that your motorcycle is receiving the best care, possible.

1. Request A Quote.

Use our online quote calculator to receive a free quote in seconds. Contact us via phone to schedule auto transport services.

2. Pick Up Motorcycle.

Upon pick up of your bike, the driver will conduct an inspection to review the condition prior to transport. You will also be asked to sign the Bill of Lading outlining your shipping agreement.

3. Prepare Motorcycle.

There are multiple preparation tasks that must be completed to ensure that transport goes smoothly. We will discuss the specifics, later.

4. Delivery Of Motorcycle.

Your bike will be delivered to your home or place of business, where another inspection will be completed to search for any signs of damage.

Determining How To Ship Your Motorcycle

Auto Transport Truck

When shipping a motorcycle, there are several auto transport services to consider based on what works best for you, your budget, and your schedule. Here are some of the motorcycle shipping options available to you:

Open Transport

This method is the standard method of shipping. It involves securing the motorcycle to an open-air transport truck. Due to the construction of the transport carrier, the motorcycle will be exposed to weather and road elements. If this concerns you, then other options are available.

Enclosed Transport

This method of transport ensures that your motorcycle will be protected from any potential road hazards, such as weather and road elements. It is more expensive than the standard method of shipping. However, it is well worth the price for the added peace of mind that it provides.

Door-To-Door Transport

Door-to-door shipping is exactly what it seems to be. Our drivers will come directly to your specific location, typically your home or place of business, for pick-up and delivery. If the location is difficult for the driver to maneuver the transport carrier, another meeting location will be decided. In either case, this option is convenient and easy, eliminating excessive driving.

Preparing For Shipping

Red motorcycle in Fall

A motorcycle is similar to shipping a car, in that proper preparation steps should be followed prior to transport to ensure that all goes as planned. Failing to perform these procedures before the driver arrives can result in added fees and delays in shipping.

Clean your motorcycle. Removing dirt, grime, and debris from your bike is important when completing an initial condition report. During the inspection, you should look for dents, scratches, paint chips, or any other cosmetic damages. This can be difficult if your bike is dirty.
Avoid filling up at the tank. Only 1/4 tank of gas is recommended for transport. More gas in the tank means more weight, which can affect your auto transport rate.
Perform proper maintenance. This includes ensuring that all necessary fluids are at the appropriate level. You should also be sure to check your tire pressure.
Remove all personal belongings. For insurance purposes, it is recommended that you remove all personal items from under the seats and in the saddlebags. Auto shipping companies are not responsible for damages of these items or as a result of these items.
Make a list of instructions. You know your bike better than anyone. If there are any special tips and tricks that the driver should be aware of, create a list to give at pick-up.

Learn more about How To Prepare Your Motorcycle For Transport.

Estimating The Cost To Ship Motorcycle

There are many factors involved in determining the cost of motorcycle shipping. Since rates vary depending on the circumstance, it is recommended that you contact the company directly. National Dispatch offers a free, instant quote on the website, which requires absolutely no personal information. Our quote calculator can provide you with an estimate cost for shipping. To lock in your quote, please call us at 800-321-2051.

Some of the factors that may affect your quote include:

Distance. If you are planning on shipping your motorcycle across the country, the rate will be higher than if you were to ship just a few states away. It is also important to keep in mind the location and route that will be taken, as more secluded locations may be more expensive.
Carrier Type. The type of carrier you choose is based on personal preference. You may opt to use open transport, as it is the most common shipping method. On the other hand, you may decide to go with enclosed transport because of the added protection it provides.
Shipping Method. At National Dispatch, we offer three main shipping options. These include economy, priority, and guaranteed. Guaranteed shipping is more expensive, because your motorcycle will arrive sooner.

Choosing National Dispatch

Why do our customers choose to ship with us? Here are a few reasons why National Dispatch is the best option for all your auto transport needs.

Safe, On-Time Shipping
Excellent Customer Service
Nationwide Shipping
Online Quote Form
Competitive Rates

When you need to ship your motorcycle, contact National Dispatch at 800-321-2051. We encourage you to use our online quote calculator to receive a free quote in seconds. No personal information is required, only four simple fields.

Finding A Car Transport Company You Can Trust: Overview

Are you in need of car transport services but are having a difficult time finding the perfect company? Maybe, you have had a bad experience in the past, making you skeptical of the industry. At National Dispatch, we pride ourselves in providing a wide range of auto transport services to meet your unique needs.

We understand what is important to you, as a consumer. When searching for an auto transport company, the major concerns are over service, timing, and pricing. National Dispatch offers reliable service, fast shipping, and affordable car transport rates. We aim to make the auto shipping process as simple as possible.

Reliable Service

Some research is required on your part to find a transport company that you can count on. The first thing to look at in a company is their reputation. Have they established themselves as a reputable brand? This can be accomplished by reading online reviews and talking to people who may have used the company in the past. You can also look at the company’s presence on various social media outlets. It is also recommended that you speak with a representative with the company to get your questions answered and voice any concerns that you may have.

National Dispatch is a top provider of auto transport services for multiple reasons. We often receive business from repeat customers, which speaks to the type and level of service that we provide. How do we provide a five-star level of customer service that you can rely on?

Good communication with our customers.

Our professional, friendly staff is happy to answer any questions that you may have regarding the auto shipping process. Before the shipment of your vehicle, we make it our goal to ensure that you fully understand what is involved. Auto transport can be complex and confusing, especially if you have not shipped your car before. While your car is in transit, we are always available by phone. Our driver will also communicate with you before his arrival for pickup and delivery. If any special circumstances arise, such as a change in delivery time or location, you will be notified immediately. We want you to be well informed every step of the way. This provides you with peace of mind.
On-time pickup and delivery.

At National Dispatch, we provide auto shipping services in a timely manner. We seek to meet our deadlines and stay on schedule. This requires some work on your part. The car should be transport-ready before the arrival of the driver. This means that the following should be completed prior to transport:
- Remove all personal items from the car’s interior.
- Drain the tank to ¼ full.
- Perform any necessary car maintenance tasks.
- Secure removable parts on the car’s exterior.
- Conduct a visual inspection.
Learn more about Preparing A Car For Shipping.
Incident-free.

We are a preferred carrier, because of our experience, dedication, and clean track record. We hire the best drivers suited for the job. These individuals go through extensive training and stay up to date on certification. They also remain updated on all the industry standards. Our drivers are trained to handle a number of situations. National Dispatch is a licensed, bonded, and insured auto shipping carrier. We make it our top priority to transport your car without incident, ensuring that it gets to its destination in the same condition it was given to us. In the unlikely event that something does occur on the road, we will go above and beyond to fix the problem.

Light Trails

Fast Shipping

Timing is crucial when you need your car to arrive within a matter of days. At National Dispatch, we work with you to find a shipping option that suits your busy schedule. We offer three shipping options, including a guaranteed shipping option for those individuals that are pressed for time. To ensure a smooth and fast transport, we have provided a few tips. Check them out, below.

1. Book In Advance.
  
  It is nearly impossible to reserve a spot on a transport truck for your vehicle at the very last minute, so give us a heads up. Like any industry, demand fluctuates with the seasons. In general, the busiest time of year tends to be during the summer months. This is when people are moving and going out of town for vacations. However, you must also take into consideration the seasonal travelers, or snowbirds, relocating during the fall and spring seasons. We recommend booking auto transport services a couple weeks out. We will work with you the best we can to get you scheduled, if working on a shorter time schedule. Contact a National Dispatch representative at 800-321-2051 for further questions.
2. Be Flexible With Dates.
  
  When considering your shipping options, the more flexible you are with shipping dates, the easier and cheaper scheduling will be. Upon placing your order, you will be given a window of time. This varies depending on which shipping option you choose. It may vary from a couple of days to a week or more. Keep in mind the unpredictable nature of the business. Although we will do everything in our power to ensure your delivery arrives on time, some things are out of our control. Weather and other delays are unpredictable. Overall, your car’s safety, as well as every other vehicle that we may be transporting, comes first. We treat your car as if it were our own. Therefore, we know that you would want nothing the best for your vehicle. Learn more about how the weather impacts auto shipping.
3. Tell All.
  
  Provide all pertinent information at the time of booking. Do not leave out any necessary information concerning the vehicle when booking services. When relaying information about your car to the auto transport company, you should give out the vehicle make, vehicle model, and condition. Is the car modified? Does the vehicle run? This information provides us with the needed materials to ensure that transport is successful. For example, a non-running car requires special equipment for loading and unloading purposes. If the auto transport company is not made aware of the car’s condition ahead of time, then this could cost you time and money.
4. Consider The Location.
  
  Consider where you are shipping to and from. This will have a great impact on how long it will take to ship your vehicle. Coast-to-coast auto shipping will typically require more time than shipping a few states away. In addition to distance, location is important. Are the pickup and delivery locations in an urban or rural setting? Auto transport companies utilize main highway routes. Therefore, shipping between large cities or locations near cities is easily accessible. However, this does not mean that rural locations are out of the question. Please use our online quote calculator to enter your exact pickup and delivery zipcodes. Learn more about Scheduling Auto Transport Services.

Black and blue cars near bills

Affordable Rates

You are undergoing a job relocation or decided that a move is in your best interest. Maybe, you recently purchased a vehicle out of state. You have several options to get the car to its destination.

In the case of a move, you could drive the car. However, this adds unnecessary wear and tear, decreasing the car’s value and contributing to depreciation, especially with classic cars. After making an out-of-state purchase, you could get a friend to drive the car to you. However, you probably will want to pay them for their time. It can also be hard to trust anyone but a professional with your vehicle. The best option is to hire a professional auto shipping company, one that you can count on to get the job done right.

One main concern people have involves pricing, but as we have already pointed out, car shipping may not be the most expensive option. After taking into consideration the drive, frequent pit stops, and vehicle upkeep, car shipping is the best solution for transporting short and long distances.

What Is The Most Affordable Transport Carrier?

The cheapest method of transport depends on what kind of transport carrier you will need. This will vary depending on your specific vehicle. Are you looking to ship a 2010 Toyota Camry or a 1968 Ford Mustang?

If you are looking to transport your Camry, then open auto transport would be the best way to ship. Open auto transport is typically what people think about when they hear “transport carrier”. You have likely seen these carriers on the road transporting multiple cars, possibly to a dealership. It is utilized by most customers and suited for most vehicles. It is also the cheapest option available.

When you are looking to ship your classic Ford Mustang, enclosed transport is the way to go. Although this may not be the cheapest option, it is the best option for this type of car. Shipping via an enclosed carrier will save you money in the long-run, as it will protect your rare model from elements of the road and weather conditions. Enclosed auto transport is the recommended shipping method for high-value vehicles.

Which Transport Method Should I Use?

There are two primary shipping methods for the transport of your vehicle. The industry standard tends to be door-to-door shipping via an open-air carrier. However, terminal-to-terminal shipping is also utilized in the auto transport industry. Let us explain the difference between these two methods.

Terminal-to-terminal auto transport utilizes a terminal, typically located in a major city. It requires that you pick up your vehicle from this location within a certain number of days after drop-off. It is less convenient than the alternative of door-to-door shipping, as it requires more drive-time on your part.

Door-to-door auto shipping is recommended for those customers looking for a more convenient auto shipping option. The driver will come directly to your home or place of business for pickup and delivery of the car. If you are located in an area that is not easily accessible for the carrier, then a meeting place will be decided. This is usually a large parking lot or other destination, where the transport carrier can get in and out easily.

Request A Quote

Your clothing, furniture, and appliances are not the only items that must be transported when moving houses. Most people own at least one car, which must also find its way to your new home. This can be accomplished with the help of a reliable auto transport company. If you are unable to drive during your move or prefer not to, use National Dispatch to take care of all your auto transport needs.

It does not matter what shipping option or service you prefer. We offer an extensive list of auto shipping options to meet your specific needs, budget, and timeline. It all starts by filling out our free, instant quote form on our website. It will only take you a matter of seconds to complete the form. The following information is all that is needed:

Vehicle Make
Vehicle Model
Pickup Location (Zipcode or City/State)
Delivery Location (Zipcode or City/State)

As you can see, we do not require any personal information for you to receive a free, instant car shipping quote. Upon filling out the required information, you will be instantly redirected to your quote. You will be able to choose from the following:

Non-Running Versus Running Vehicle Shipment
Open Versus Enclosed Car Transport
Economy, Priority, or Guaranteed Shipping

These options are all available without having to change screens. This allows you to see the pricing options of our various services at a click of a button. We aim to make the process fast and simple.

National Dispatch ships all types of vehicles, including your typical cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and motorcycles nationwide. We also transport classic, exotic, sport, and luxury vehicles. Our customer base is extensive, shipping for large corporations, vacationers, dealerships, military personnel, and more. It does not matter who you are or where you need to go in the U.S., we can assist you. You can be rest assured that you car will be taken care of. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us at 800-321-2051.

Posts Tagged ‘Enclosed Transport’

Shipping A Motorcycle Anywhere In The U.S.