Remember, every step you take to package your bike properly reduces the risk of damage during shipping. Just as you’d put effort into gearing up for a cross-country ride, give the same attention to your bike when it’s time for it to embark on a shipping adventure. It may seem tedious at times, but the peace of mind you’ll gain, knowing that your bike is wrapped up snug and safe, is worth every second.
Why does it seem like you can only find the motorcycle of your dreams on the internet, and not only that but the motorcycle is also on the other side of the country! This can often be the hurdle when deciding whether or not to buy online, how am I going to get the motorcycle? Do I take a week off work and drive across the country and back? Do I have it shipped? How do I have it shipped? Who ships motorcycles? So many decisions to make when it comes to transportation, it’s hard to know where to start. When it comes to shipping motorcycles you can trust the professionals at Freight Rate Central, Inc. to handle your shipping needs. We have an online instant quotation system, online tracking to follow your shipment every step of the way, and we also arrange all aspects of the shipment from pickup to delivery. Packaging is the only aspect we dont handle, but we are here to help with that too!
There’s an art to prepping and packaging a motorcycle for shipment, an art that’s been honed through countless hours in the garage, surrounded by tie-down straps, bubble wrap, and the gentle hum of a motorcycle waiting patiently to be moved.
Think of the packaging process as bundling up your motorcycle for a long winter journey. Would you head out into the snow without a jacket and gloves? Of course not! Your bike shouldn’t either. Before you start packing, grab a good motorcycle cover – one that’s heavy-duty and waterproof. It’s like a cozy blanket to keep your bike protected from dust and moisture during the trip.
Now, if you can get your hands on a motorcycle shipping crate, I highly recommend it. These sturdy containers are like protective fortresses for your bike. Most come with tie-down spots and offer maximum protection against any bumps or jostles during the journey.
After securely tying your bike down to a shipping pallet (remember our Goldilocks zone – not too tight, not too loose), consider using cardboard or foam panels to add an extra layer of protection to vulnerable parts like the mirrors and the headlight. Trust me, they’ll thank you for it. Bubble wrap works great too, especially for smaller, delicate parts that might shift or get knocked during transit.
Another thing I’ve learned is that it’s best to fold in the side mirrors, if possible, and remove any accessories or loose items that can detach or be damaged in transit. It’s just like when you’re asked to secure loose items on a roller coaster – we don’t want anything flying off mid-ride.
When it comes to loading a motorcycle for shipment, there are some steps needed in order to make sure your motorcycle is properly prepared for transportation, not having your motorcycle ready for shipment could lead to possible damage, and here are some steps to help you properly prepare your motorcycle. All fluids must be drained; this includes gas, oil, and coolant. Disconnect the battery terminals so there is no power to the motorcycle.
Make sure tires are inflated to the proper volume. If possible, fold the mirrors in so they are not out in the way. Take pictures of the motorcycle, note any dents, dings, or scratches before shipment. The best way to secure your motorcycle is to palletize it, or place it inside a crate, securing the motorcycle with tie down straps will keep it from shifting during shipment. Another thing to keep in mind is checking your motorcycles insurance coverage to see if transport is covered, you may need additional coverage as carrier insurance won’t always cover the full value of the motorcycle. Once the motorcycle is packaged properly Freight Rate Central, Inc. will make sure that the motorcycle is transported safely and in a timely matter! If you have any questions about properly securing your motorcycle, you can always call one of our customer service specialists and we can take you step by step through securing the motorcycle so you are ready for shipment!
