Shipping a motorcycle within the US typically costs $300 to $1,200 in 2026. Most short and regional moves land between $300 and $700, and a coast-to-coast shipment on an open trailer runs about $800 to $1,300. Distance matters most, but transport type, bike size, season, and pickup timing all change the price. Enclosed transport usually adds 30% to 50%. Enter your details below for an instant estimate, then compare real quotes.
Motorcycle Shipping Cost Calculator
2026 rates for shipping a motorcycle within the continental US
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Estimate based on 2026 national carrier averages. Actual quotes depend on your exact route, fuel prices, and carrier availability.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Motorcycle in 2026?
Most motorcycle shipments within the continental US cost between $300 and $1,200. Distance is the biggest factor, but the price per mile drops as the trip gets longer. Short hauls under 500 miles often work out to $1 to $2 per mile, while coast-to-coast shipments fall to roughly $0.30 to $0.50 per mile because carriers spread their fixed costs over more miles.
| Distance | Open trailer | Enclosed trailer |
|---|---|---|
| Under 500 miles | $250 – $450 | $350 – $600 |
| 500 – 1,000 miles | $450 – $700 | $600 – $950 |
| 1,000 – 1,500 miles | $600 – $850 | $800 – $1,150 |
| 1,500 – 2,000 miles | $750 – $1,000 | $1,000 – $1,350 |
| Coast to coast (2,500+ miles) | $850 – $1,350 | $1,150 – $1,800 |
What Affects Motorcycle Shipping Costs
- Distance and route. Longer trips cost more in total but less per mile. Routes between major cities are cheaper than routes to small towns, and rural pickups or deliveries can add $100 to $300.
- Transport type. Enclosed shipping typically costs 30% to 50% more than open. Crating adds another $150 to $300.
- Bike size and weight. Touring bikes and baggers usually run 10% to 20% more than a sport bike. Trikes, sidecars, and three-wheelers can cost 50% more because they take up more space.
- Season. Spring and summer are peak season, and snowbird routes between the north and the Sun Belt fill up in fall and spring. Shipping in winter can save 10% to 25%.
- Pickup timing. A flexible one- to two-week pickup window gets the best price. Guaranteed pickup within 24 to 48 hours usually adds $100 to $250.
- Condition. A bike that does not run needs extra handling to load and unload, which usually adds about $100.
Open vs. enclosed vs. crated shipping
| Open trailer | Enclosed trailer | Crated / palletized | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lowest | +30% to 50% | Highest |
| Protection | Exposed to weather and road debris | Fully covered | Covered and bolted to a crate or skid |
| Best for | Everyday riders and short trips | Newer, custom, and high-value bikes | Vintage, show, and collector bikes |
| Availability | Most carriers and routes | Fewer carriers, longer waits | Specialty shippers |
For a daily rider that already lives outside, open transport is usually fine. If your bike is under warranty, has custom paint, or is worth more than $15,000 or so, the extra cost of enclosed shipping is cheap insurance.
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Motorcycle?
Carriers cover roughly 300 to 500 miles per day once your bike is loaded. Before that, allow 1 to 5 days for the shipper to assign a carrier and schedule pickup.
| Distance | Typical transit time |
|---|---|
| Under 500 miles | 1 – 3 days |
| 500 – 1,500 miles | 2 – 5 days |
| 1,500 – 2,000 miles | 4 – 7 days |
| Coast to coast | 7 – 10 days |
Enclosed carriers carry fewer vehicles and make more stops, so they often take a day or two longer. Peak season and snowbird routes can add several days. If you need the bike by a specific date, ask for a guaranteed delivery window in writing.
How to Choose a Motorcycle Shipping Company
Most online quotes come from brokers, who match your shipment with an independent carrier, rather than from the carrier itself. Brokers give you access to more trucks and routes, but the quality of the carrier they assign matters. Before you book:
- Check the USDOT or MC number. Look up the company on the FMCSA company snapshot to confirm it is registered and authorized.
- Ask about insurance. Find out the carrier’s cargo coverage limit and deductible, and whether it covers the full value of your bike.
- Confirm the price is locked. Some brokers quote low to win the booking, then raise the price at dispatch. Ask whether the quote is guaranteed.
- Ask about motorcycle equipment. Proper wheel chocks, soft straps, and a lift or ramp matter more for a bike than for a car.
- Read recent reviews. Check Google, the BBB, and Trustpilot for how the company handles delays and damage claims.
Montway is one of the larger auto transport brokers that also ships motorcycles, with open and enclosed options and instant online quotes. Read our Montway review for a first-hand look. Shipping a car too? Try our car shipping cost calculator.
How to Prepare Your Motorcycle for Shipping
- Wash the bike so existing scratches and dings are easy to see.
- Photograph every side with date stamps, and note any damage on the bill of lading at pickup.
- Remove loose items such as saddlebag contents, GPS units, and detachable accessories.
- Leave about a quarter tank of fuel, or less if your shipper asks. Crated shipments usually require an empty tank.
- Check the battery and tires. Make sure the battery is charged and the tires are properly inflated. Disable any alarm, and tell the driver about any quirks.
- Inspect the bike at delivery before signing, and note any new damage on the paperwork before the driver leaves.
Shipping vs. Riding or Trailering It Yourself
For trips under about 300 miles, riding the bike or renting a motorcycle trailer is often cheaper than paying for a carrier. For long distances, shipping usually wins once you add up fuel, hotels, meals, tire wear, and time off work. It also keeps the miles off your bike. If there’s a gap between moving out and moving in, a self storage unit with drive-up access is an easy place to keep your motorcycle until you’re ready for delivery.
Shipping a Motorcycle Overseas
International shipping costs more and takes longer than domestic transport. Bikes typically travel by ocean in a crate or shared container, and you pay port fees, customs duties, and taxes on top of the freight cost. Air freight is faster but much more expensive. Work with a licensed international freight forwarder or NVOCC that handles motorcycles regularly, and get quotes that list every fee.
Documents you will usually need to export a motorcycle from the US:
- Original title, clear of liens (or a lienholder authorization letter)
- Bill of sale if the bike was bought recently
- Passport or other government ID
- Power of attorney for your forwarder, if required
The destination country may also have emissions, lighting, or registration requirements, so check the import rules before you ship.
Motorcycle Shipping FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a motorcycle across the country?
A coast-to-coast shipment usually costs $850 to $1,350 on an open trailer and $1,150 to $1,800 enclosed, depending on the route, season, and bike size.
What is the cheapest way to ship a motorcycle?
Open-trailer shipping with a flexible pickup window, booked outside peak season, is the lowest-cost option. Terminal-to-terminal service can save a little more if there is a terminal near you.
Is enclosed motorcycle shipping worth it?
For new, custom, vintage, or high-value bikes, usually yes. Enclosed shipping costs 30% to 50% more but protects against weather, road debris, and grime.
How long does motorcycle shipping take?
Short trips take 1 to 3 days in transit and coast-to-coast trips take about 7 to 10 days. Allow another 1 to 5 days for the carrier to schedule pickup.
Can I ship a motorcycle that does not run?
Yes. Most carriers will ship a non-running bike, but tell them when you book. Expect to pay around $100 extra for the added loading work.
Easy Storage Search may earn a commission when you use links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Prices are 2026 national averages and vary by route, season, and carrier.