In the U.S., shipping a motorcycle typically costs between $300 for a short trip and $1,000 or more for a coast-to-coast move on an open trailer. Enclosed transport and crating will increase the price. The main factors are distance, trailer type, bike size, and how busy the route is. For many riders, shipping can actually be cheaper than riding the bike across the country when you add up fuel, hotels, food, and tire wear.
Key Takeaways
- Distance and trailer type set most of the price.
- A cross-country ride can use up a large part of a rear tire’s life.
- Booking a car and a bike together keeps the move in one schedule.
What You’re Actually Paying For
When a transport company gives you a quote, they are really considering three things: how far your motorcycle needs to travel, how much space it takes up compared to other vehicles, and how easy it is to pick up and drop off.
Distance is the most obvious factor. Shipping a bike 300 miles costs much less than shipping it 2,800 miles. However, the cost per mile is usually lower for longer trips because the driver is already traveling that route and your bike just fills an available spot.
Space matters more than people think. A standard sport bike or cruiser takes up a fraction of a car’s footprint, which is why moving a motorcycle often costs less than moving a sedan on the same route. A full-dress touring bike or a trike takes more room, and the quote reflects that.
Access is the hidden one. If your pickup is in a dense city block or at the end of a gravel road, the driver may need extra time or a smaller truck. Meeting the truck at a big parking lot near a highway can make the job easier and sometimes cheaper.
Open, Enclosed, or Crated
There are three main ways to ship a motorcycle, and each has a different price.
Open trailer. The bike rides on an open deck, strapped upright with wheel chocks and soft tie-downs. It’s the cheapest option and works fine for most everyday motorcycles.
Enclosed trailer. The bike rides inside a covered trailer, protected from rain, road salt, and debris. Expect to pay more. Owners of vintage, custom, or high-end bikes usually think it’s worth it.
Crated. The bike is bolted into a wooden or metal crate before it goes on the truck. This gives the most protection and is common for very long or international moves, but you’re paying for the crate and the labor to build it.
If you’re unsure which to pick, think about what a repair would cost. A $2,000 paint job on a custom tank makes the extra for enclosed transport look cheap.
Riding It There vs. Shipping It
Plenty of riders assume riding is the free option. It isn’t.
For example, if you are moving 2,500 miles, you will use about 55 gallons of fuel if your bike gets 45 miles per gallon. You also need to pay for four or five nights in motels, meals on the road, and possibly time off work. Plus, long trips wear out your bike. Rear tires on many motorcycles last between 5,000 and 10,000 miles, so one long ride can use up a lot of a new tire. You may also need to replace the chain, brakes, and get an oil change.
None of that shows up on a quote, but it all comes out of your pocket. Once you add it up, professional motorcycle shipping often costs about the same as riding, and you arrive rested, with the bike in the same condition it left in.
Riding still makes sense if the trip is the point. If you need the bike at the other end, shipping usually wins.
Costs People Forget to Ask About
Most quotes are straightforward, but it pays to ask a few questions before you book:
- Is the price binding? Some quotes are estimates that can rise once a driver is assigned.
- Is there a deposit? Many companies, including Monarch Transport Group, don’t take payment upfront. The balance is due on delivery.
- What does the hauler’s insurance cover? Open trailers typically carry around $100,000 per vehicle in cargo coverage, and enclosed haulers more. Ask about the deductible.
- Are there fees for a non-running bike? If it doesn’t start, you may need to winch or push it, which can cost extra.
- What about storage? If you can’t be there on delivery day, ask how much it costs to hold the bike for a few days.
Moving a Car and a Bike Together
If you are moving, you probably need to ship your car as well. Booking both at the same time does not always mean they will travel on the same truck, since motorcycles are often moved by specialized haulers. However, booking together keeps your paperwork, payments, and schedule organized.
For reference, open-trailer car shipping typically runs about $0.64 to $0.88 per mile. That works out to roughly $700 from New York to Chicago, $1,100 from Chicago to Miami, and $1,800 from Los Angeles to New York.
Transit times are similar for both:
| Distance | Typical transit time |
| Under 800 miles | 1–4 days |
| 800–1,499 miles | 4–7 days |
| 1,500–2,399 miles | 6–10 days |
| 2,400+ miles | 10–15 days |
How to Pay Less
You won’t find huge discounts in vehicle transport, but a few habits keep the price down.
Be flexible on dates. A pickup window of a few days lets the company fit your bike onto a truck already heading your way. Asking for an exact day usually costs more.
Avoid the busiest weeks. Late fall and spring are busy on north-south routes as seasonal residents move. If you can ship outside those weeks, do.
Book one to two weeks ahead. Last-minute bookings narrow your options.
If your home is hard to reach, use a terminal or an easy meeting spot for pickup or delivery.
Be careful with the lowest quote. If a price is much lower than the others, it often means no driver will accept the job at that rate. Your bike may end up waiting, and the price could go up later.
Getting the Bike Ready
A little prep avoids delays at pickup:
- Leave about a quarter tank of fuel.
- Check tire pressure and look for leaks.
- Remove saddlebags, GPS mounts, and anything loose.
- Turn off the alarm if there is one.
- Take dated photos of both sides, the tank, and the odometer.
The driver will record your bike’s condition on the Bill of Lading. Check it carefully, and do the same when your bike is delivered before you sign anything.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a motorcycle across the country?
Often $1,000 or more on an open trailer for a coast-to-coast trip. Enclosed transport and crating cost more.
Is it cheaper to ship a motorcycle or a car?
A motorcycle usually costs less on the same route because it takes up less space on the truck.
Is it cheaper to ride or ship a motorcycle?
On long trips, the costs are often close once you factor in fuel, lodging, food, and tire wear. Shipping saves time and miles.
Do I need to pay upfront?
Not always. Many companies take payment on delivery. Ask before you book.
