If you are relocating or going away for an extended stay, it may be advantageous to take your personal vehicle with you as opposed to renting one. No rented vehicle can match the sense of familiarity your own vehicle provides. The problem is you may not be able to drive it to your destination, especially when its a motorcycle. With all the luggage and other possessions, it is not practical to ride your motorcycle to your destination. This is where motorcycle transport services come in - to take the burden of motorcycle shipping off your shoulders. Before handing over your motorcycle to a motorcycle transport services company, here are four tasks you need to perform to ensure a safe delivery.
1. Choose a Reputable Motorcycle Transport Service
The first order of business is to search for a reliable motorcycle transport services company. Surf the web to find a company that has years of experience in vehicle shipping, and generally has positive reviews from customers. Make sure the company has all necessary permissions and equipment to safely transport your motorcycle.
2. Negotiate the Motorcycle Shipping Cost Beforehand
It’s always safe to get a motorcycle transportation quote from the shipping company, based on the general information you provide, so that you can further negotiate the final motorcycle shipping cost. The final cost will depend on various factors such as distance to be covered, weight of the motorcycle, and the prefered shipping method.
3. Gather Necessary Documents
You usually do not need many documents to ship your vehicle, but it is better to learn if there’s any special requirements in the state to which you are getting your motorcycle shipped. The only document you will otherwise need to transport your motorcycle is the title, or an NOC, if a lien holder is involved.
4. Prepare Your Motorcycle for Transport
Check and document any existing damage to your motorcycle, so that you do not face any problems in case of an insurance claim. Drain at least a ¾ th of the fuel tank, and remove any loose and valuable items from the motorcycle. Check and fix all fluid leaks, inflate the tires, and charge the battery.
Time to Ship Your Motorcycle!
Now that you have a fair idea of what all factors are involved in making sure your motorcycle is safe during shipping, you can start looking for reliable motorcycle transport services. No matter the shipping method you opt for, make sure keep in mind the recommendations mentioned in this blog. A due diligence and preparation at your end will ensure your motorcycle’s safety and avoid any delays in delivery.
