4 Motorcycle Transport Recommendations You Need to Keep in Mind!

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.

A Comprehensive Guide to Choose a Reliable Vehicle Transportation Company

If you are relocating to another state or overseas and want to ship your vehicles, hire a vehicle transportation company to make sure your vehicle is safely delivered. Although choosing a reliable shipping company can be daunting, by keeping certain things in mind you can choose wallet-friendly services that meet your requirements. Continuing the discussion, this blog covers a comprehensive guide to choose a reliable vehicle transport company. 

Ask about Shipping Techniques

The safety of a vehicle is a major concern, especially if you own a high value classic, vintage or luxury vehicle. Different vehicle transportation companies offer different car shipping services or techniques at different prices. It is, therefore, important to ask about the shipping techniques they offer along with the cost of each method. Ask for the mode of transportation they are offering to ship your vehicle. Choose fully enclosed trailers to ensure safe delivery of your vehicle. Although the cost of fully enclosed trailers is more, they are safer than open trailers. Compare on the basis of techniques they offer and shortlist a few, keeping in mind your budget and requirements to make an informed decision. 

Compare Vehicle Shipping Quotes

With any vehicle transport company, you generally get what you pay for. If you are looking for wallet-friendly options, browse for reputable shipping companies and ask for quotes. A vehicle shipping quote may vary depending upon the mode of shipment, insurance, delivery distance, weight, and type of vehicle. Clear all your doubts and remember to ask about extra charges to avoid hidden costs. Compare vehicle shipping quotes with different transport service providers on the basis of their services to grab a great deal. 

Check Customer Reviews

Customers feedback give a clear idea about the reliability and quality of services offered by a shipping company. Search and compare customer feedbacks of different shipping companies to check their reliability. Shortlist a few on the basis of their experience, authority, licensing, and insurance. Legal haulers are usually registered with the Department of Transportation and have valid Motor transport authority. Ask whether they have required licenses and permits and check past customers reviews online to make an informed decision. 

Final Word

When shipping a vehicle to other state or overseas, consider the guidelines mentioned in this blog to make an informed decision. Make sure you document the current condition of your vehicle via taking photos before handing it over a transportation company. If you are relocating to another state or overseas and want to ship your vehicle, Browse for a reliable vehicle transportation company, specialized in transporting all types of vehicles within the US and all across the globe. Before parting with your money, check website ratings and customer feedbacks to make an informed decision. 

8 Steps to Prepare Your Motorcycle for Shipping

Gone are the days when you had to drive your vehicle when relocating to a new place. Shipping your vehicle or motorcycle is easier than ever with affordable vehicle/ motorcycle transport services that are easily accessible online. If you are looking to ship your motorcycle, there are various motorcycle transport services and shipment options available including RoRo and container shipping. Whether you are relocating to a new state or planning a long stay overseas, it's easy, affordable, and convenient to bring your bike along. This post gives you eight steps to follow before you handover your motorcycle to a shipping company. Read on.

Steps to Follow

1. Establish if a shipping company under your consideration provides insurance cover in case of any damage to the motorcycle during transit. Insurance cover is very important as you don't want to end up losing your bike or paying for expensive repairs in the event of an accident.  

2. Consider shipping your motorcycle in an enclosed container. Enclosed containers ensure protection from the elements and any flying debris on the road. Enclosed containers also minimize the risk of a theft and vandalism.

3. Remove any loose parts from the motorcycle, as they can damage your bike or other vehicles during shipping. You may end up being liable for the damage caused by any such loose parts.

4. Take note and document the condition of your bike including any scratches or dents on before shipping. This will help you compare the before and after shipping condition of your bike, including claiming compensation from the shipping company.

5. Do not forget to check the tyre pressure. Make sure the tyres are properly inflated, as the motorcycle will be rolling on and off platforms during shipment. If the tyres are not sufficiently inflated, it can cause damage to the motorcycle.

6. Check for any fluid leaks before shipping. You could also drain fluids to half capacity to make sure the motorcycle is not at risk of leaking and causing damage to other vehicles in the shipping container.

7. Fold back the sideview mirrors to make sure they do not get damaged. You should also charge the battery. Shipping might take days and a drained battery may cause damage to your motorcycle.

8. Ask for a motorcycle shipping quote and the shipping schedule before finalizing a shipping company. You can also negotiate the cost or choose a more affordable shipping container type to suit your budget.

Time to Ship Your Motorcycle?

When shipping your motorcycle or any other vehicle, do not leave anything to chance. Even if you have a reliable motorcycle transport services company, you need to do some preparatory work to make sure your vehicle is ready for shipping. Follow the eight steps mentioned in this blog to do your part in preparing your motorcycle for shipping.

A 5-Step Guide to Help Prepare Your Motorcycle For Shipping

Transporting your motorcycle to an overseas destination or even within the U.S. can be a hassle, especially if you are doing this for the first time. Apart from finding an expert motorcycle transport company and completing necessary paperwork, you also have to prepare the vehicle for shipping to avoid damage and resultant losses. To help avoid confusions and mistakes, the post breaks the process of preparing your motorcycle to be shipped in four easy to follow steps. Take a look.

1. Remove all Personal Items 

Personal items in your motorcycle apart from causing damage can result in the motorcycle transport company rejecting the shipment. To avoid inconvenience, remove all personal items such as riding gear, and panniers. Further, remove accessories, alarms, and loose items. Store these items safely in a separate bag.

2. Document Existing Damages, if any  

Documenting existing damage will help with insurance claim, if any damages occur due to the motorcycle shipping company’s negligence. Write down mechanical issues. Note chips, dings, scratches, and other cosmetic damages. Take photographs of the motorcycle and detailed shots of damaged parts  from different angles.

3. Drain Fluids 

Your motorcycle uses various fluids that are flammable. To avoid safety risks, most motorcycle transport companies require that the owner drain the fluids before transporting the vehicle. To empty the fuel tank, first locate the hose. Next loosen the securing clamp with the help of a screwdriver and redirect the fuel to an empty can. Drain the gas and oil tanks completely and remove the battery. Look for leak points and fix them.

4. Wash the Motorcycle Thoroughly 

To avoid any cleaning charges, clean the bike thoroughly. Pressure wash the underbody, fairings, wheels, and mud guards. Focus especially on areas that are difficult to reach. After you have washed the motorcycle, use a soft cloth to wipe-off accumulated water and leave it to dry for some time.

5. Check the Tires and put the Motorcycle in Neutral 

Maintaining proper air pressure in the tires helps the motorcycle remain stable and cushion it from any sudden impact during the shipping process, which is important to avoid damage due to vibrations. To avoid any internal damages that may result from the vibrations , put the bike in neutral.

Conclusion 

Preparing your bike before shipping can help avoid damages. You can achieve this objective by following the above tips. Further, if you have any doubts about motorcycle shipping or want more detailed info on how you can avoid motorcycle damages, talk to your mechanic. Request them to evaluate the vehicle’s condition before shipping it and suggest any additional steps that can help avoid damages and resultant losses.

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Answering Common FAQs About Car Shipping Services

Car shipping could be an uphill task, if you are doing it for the first time. Whether you are shipping your vehicle overseas or looking to relocate within the country, it is imperative that a basic understanding of the procedure before you hire an auto transportation company. There are a plenty of questions that usually come to the mind of first-time shippers. The blog post covers five common questions and their answers related to car shipping quote, accidental cover and shipping duration. Read on.

Does an Auto Shipping Company Offer Free Quotes?

Most of the auto shipping companies offer free quotes to those seeking for transportation services. Try to ask for quotes from at least four to five auto transport companies by filling out the form on their website. All that you need to do is share the details of the move and the company will  provide free quotes.

How are Car Shipping Quotes Determined?

A car shipping quote contains provisions for mileage and distance, insurance coverage, carrier type, vehicle value, and taxes. So, the cost of vehicle shipping varies depends on the location and auto shipping company. 

Are there Any Auto Transport Discounts Available?

Most of the car carriers offer discounts such as multiple vehicle discounts, military discounts, and terminal-to-terminal delivery. For additional details, you can contact your car transport company. 

What If My Vehicle Get Damaged During Transport? 

The incidents of a vehicle getting damaged during transport are rare, and if any damage happens to the vehicle during shipping, ask the auto transport company to process your claim promptly. The company will refer to the initial inspection report to verify and compare the condition of automobile before and after. All in all, the auto shipping company would be responsible for verifiable damage of your vehicle. 

How Much Time Will it Take to Ship my Vehicle?

The typical transit time for the vehicles being transported over 1000 miles is between 7 to 14 days. There are two- three business day windows to schedule the pickup of the vehicle, however, same day delivery is only available with the prior notice. 

Final Words 

When you are aware of the basics of the procedure, it helps you in selecting a reputable car transporter company. You can choose from a myriad car shipping companies that provide on-time auto transport service at a pocket-friendly price. When requesting a car shipping quote, make sure to provide details about your car or follow up with the vehicle transport company, so that they can easily handle your move. 

5 Factors that Influence Automobile Shipping Quotes

Driving a vehicle yourself to a new destination is less expensive than hiring an automobile transportation company. There are, however, a few advantages such as comfort and convenience that make domestic or international car shipping services popular among most car owners. Almost all the reputable shipping companies provide a quote to clients at the initial stage to give an approximate idea of the cost involved in transporting the vehicle to the new destination. There are several factors that influence the quote, and this is why it is rare that two shipping companies would provide you same price for the service. Let us look at the five main factors that determine the price of shipping your vehicle to another city, state or country. 

1. Destination 

The location where the vehicle is to be shipped is the biggest factor that influences its shipping cost. International car shipping, for instance, would incur duties and taxes. If the vehicle is to be shipped to a remote location, the automobile transportation company might have to reroute your asset to the nearest city, which means additional fees.

2. Vehicle Size

Automobile transport companies function on the basis of economies of scale. That said, if you are transporting a pickup truck, minivan, or any other large vehicle, there would be additional oversize or overweight charges. Most cars, on the other hand are not subject to overweight or oversize fees.

3. Vehicle Condition

If your car is operable, the automobile shipping company would usually drive it onto the ship or truck. Inoperable cars, on the other hand, might require the shipping company to use other equipment for loading the vehicle to the shipping vehicle, which means more fees. Don’t forget that not every automobile transportation company ships inoperable vehicles. 

4. Carrier Type

Whether you are shipping a vehicle within or outside the US, there are two types of carrier options you can choose. The first is an open trailer, which is the most popular choice because of its low cost. The second is an enclosed trailer that offers more protection to your cargo, but is more expensive than open shipping trailers. 

5. Timeframe

The stipulated duration within which you want your vehicle to reach its destination is another factor that influences shipping quotes. If you need fast delivery, the automobile transportation company would use an expedited shipment method and charge you accordingly. If time is not a concern, opt for standby shipping and save some money. 

There’s More!

Several other factors including the type of delivery also influence automobile shipping quotes. Door-to-door delivery, for instance, costs more than terminal-to-terminal delivery. Similarly, if it is an international car shipping, the country you are transporting your vehicle to will influence the shipping fees. The reason is not just the distance, but customs and tax regulations that vary from one country to another. Other factors including congestion charges and fluctuation also impact the shipping quote.

4 Steps To Prepare Your Boat for International Shipping

Overseas boat shipping could be an uphill task, especially for a first-timer. To ensure safe and on-time delivery, you need to compare boat shipping quotes from multiple auto transportation companies to choose the one that fits into your budget and specific requirements. Besides, there are many other factors that you need to consider before preparing your boat for shipping. The blog post discusses four such steps that you need to follow ensure hassle free shipping of the vessel. Take a look.

Step 1- Take Measurements
You need to take accurate length, width, height and weight measurements of the boat before asking the auto shipping company for a price quote. The measurements would help the shipping company in determining the type of carrier that is appropriate to transport the boat. The auto transportation company will also apply for moving permits based on the boat specifications shared by the owner.

Step 2 - Winterize The Boat
The step is similar to how you winterize the boat. You need to remove electronics, propellers, lights, anchor, and other valuable items and store them safely before preparing the boat for shipping. In addition, it is also important to remove fuel, lock all covers and cabinets, tape cabin windows, and disconnect the batteries. Use canvas or plastic wrap to cover and protect the boat from any damage.

Step 3 - Speak to Your Auto Transportation Company
Another important step is to discuss the procedure and other details with the boat shipping company. There are numerous ways to transport the boat overseas such as lift on/lift off, roll-on/roll-off, and semi-submersible. The boat is loaded in containers, cradles, or trailers. Each boat shipping method is different, depending on its size and type. However, discussing transportation and confirming the pick-up destination is important.

Step 4 - Prepare Documents
You need to prepare a certain set of documents before shipping your boat. The list of the documents includes port fees, taxes, and custom clearance. Besides, it is also important to contact the concerned government personnel destination to find out what documents and custom regulations need to be followed. Usually, the list includes showing bill of lading, copy of the boat title, bill of sale, and shipping documents from the shipping company.

The Bottom Line
Apart from the above-mentioned factors, it is important to hire a trustworthy vehicle shipping company. The reputable company will make sure that all the documents for boat shipping are prepared on time to prevent any obstacle in-transit or when the vessel reaches the destination. So wait no more, visit five to six shipping companies websites, check the authenticity by reading the testimonials, compare their boat shipping quotes, and make a decision.