Shipping a motorcycle: how to do it and how much it costs

The do-it-yourself option is certainly viable and sometimes allows you to save some money. However, there are many aspects that must be taken into consideration, both regarding operations relating to the safety and protection of the vehicle, and with regard to the necessary documentation, especially in the case of shipping abroad: regulatory and linguistic barriers can undermine the effort and transform the prospect of savings into additional costs and delays in delivery. So let us examine what to do to ship a motorcycle and what the costs are.

The main factors that influence the cost of shipping a motorcycle

Traveling by scooter and motorcycle is an increasingly popular means of transport: according to a study by Oxford Economics entitled “The economic importance of motorcycles to Europe”, over 39 million motorcycles are in circulation in Europe, 11% of the total vehicle fleet, while over 5 million European citizens use their two-wheelers every day to go to work. This growing popularity has meant that the need for shipping motorcycles and other mopeds has increased, stimulating specialized players and companies that operate in logistics to structure fast, safe and convenient solutions. Let us look at the main factors that can influence the costs and management of transport.

Packaging. One of the first things to consider is how to protect the motorcycle for shipping. This is an aspect that can significantly impact costs. The most common options are:

- transport on pallet, a method that involves fixing on a pallet and represents one of the most common solutions in both national and international logistics.

- closed containers or wooden crates, for greater protection, especially when travelling on vintage, racing or particularly delicate vehicles.

Means of Transport. The means chosen for shipping the motorcycle has a significant impact on the cost and delivery times. The most common methods are:

- By road. Ideal for short and medium-range deliveries and for national destinations. It is carried out by truck, van or car transporter and represents the cheapest choice.

- By sea. for extra-continental shipments and to islands, especially when it comes to transporting vehicles over long distances (for example, from Europe to the United States). The costs are generally cheaper than air freight, but delivery times are longer.

- By air. This is the fastest method, but also the most expensive. It is often used for urgent shipments or when the destination is far away, and the customer needs the motorcycle quickly.

- Destination. The destination greatly affects the overall cost. Domestic motorcycle and scooter shipments are generally cheaper, while international shipments may incur additional charges.

- Timings. Delivery times are another crucial factor. Shipments that guarantee fast delivery and entail a significant increase in costs.

Of course, a system that integrates multiple types of transport may be necessary. For this reason, it is necessary to carefully research the services offered by different couriers and choose based on your needs. In general, shipping a motorcycle can cost from a few hundred euros for standard national transport, up to over a thousand euros for longer distances that include integrated multi-transport systems and specific documentation.

How to prepare to ship a motorcycle

Preparing the vehicle is one of the most critical steps when shipping a motorcycle. Here are the main steps that should be taken to avoid inconveniences and delays:

Empty the fuel. In many cases, transportation regulations require that the fuel tank of the vehicle be empty. This is essential for safety reasons, especially if transported by air.

Protect the most delicate parts. Tank, seat, chrome: these are just some of the parts that should be adequately protected using specific packaging materials and techniques.

Remove non-essential accessories. To avoid damage or loss, it is important to remove accessories such as panniers, top boxes or any other parts that are not securely attached. This also reduces costs, as some carriers consider the volume and weight of accessories in the final calculation.

Check the condition of the vehicle. Before shipping the motorcycle, especially if you have organized it yourself, it can be useful to do a thorough check of the condition of the vehicle and take photos. In case of damage during transport, it will be important to have clear documentation. Professional services offer packages that, in addition to protecting against unpleasant surprises, include insurance that can cover any damage caused during the journey.

The documents which are needed to ship a motorcycle

The necessary documentation depends on the type of shipment (national or international) and the ultimate destination. In general, within national borders the consignment note is sufficient, which includes the parties involved in the transport and any damage detected when the vehicle is received. It may be useful, although not necessary, to provide a copy of the vehicle registration document at the time of collection.

If you need to ship abroad, the operations become more complex, especially if you are shipping a motorcycle to non-European countries. In general, the documents that may be required are:

• Ownership papers;
• Original purchase receipt;
• Export license;
• Proof of compliance with emission and safety standards;
• Certificate of conformity with the regulations of the destination country;
• Customs documents, such as commercial invoice and packing list detailing the value and contents of the shipment;
• Removal from the relevant automobile registers, in the event of a permanent transfer.

Shipping a motorcycle is therefore not an operation to be taken lightly. The key is to plan ahead, know the transport methods, choose the right courier and make sure you have all the necessary certifications.

MBE Centers offer tailor-made solutions for the shipping of motorcycles and scooters, guaranteeing assistance and support at every stage of transport, from home collection to final delivery on the pre-established day and to the indicated address. The use of professional packaging materials and techniques and the support of specialized couriers allows us to ship vehicles of all sizes and types, from scooters to vintage and racing motorcycles. The Mail Boxes Etc. staff will follow you, step by step, even in the bureaucratic aspects, helping you to fill out the documents and navigate the procedures necessary to have your motorcycle when and where you want!