Motorcycle Shipping - Your Bike Delivered Safe & Sound
We've been shipping motorcycles across the country since 2015, handling everything from daily riders to rare vintage bikes. Our USDOT-licensed team knows exactly how to secure, transport, and deliver your motorcycle without a scratch.
Get Your Free Quote
Fast, free, no obligation
How Does Motorcycle Shipping Work?
Motorcycle shipping involves loading your bike onto a specialized transport trailer and delivering it to your destination using professional tie-down systems and protective equipment. We handle everything from pickup scheduling to final delivery, with most shipments taking 3-10 days depending on distance.
Here's what makes us different: we don't just throw your bike on any old trailer. Our carriers use soft tie-downs, wheel chocks, and protective coverings to prevent scratches and damage during transport. We've shipped over 8,500 motorcycles since 2015, from Harleys heading to Sturgis to sport bikes moving cross-country for new jobs.
The process is straightforward - you get a quote, schedule pickup, and we handle the rest. No BS, no hidden fees, no surprises. Your bike gets picked up from your driveway and delivered to wherever you need it, whether that's auto transport in Los Angeles or anywhere else in our service network.
Why Choose Liberty Car Shipping for Your Motorcycle?
Look, not all transport companies understand motorcycles. We do. We've been moving bikes for nearly a decade and we know the difference between securing a Goldwing and a Ducati - they're not the same animal.
Our carriers are specifically trained in motorcycle handling and use specialized equipment like fork supports, tie-down straps designed for bikes, and protective covers. We're fully licensed (USDOT & FMCSA) and insured up to $250,000 per vehicle, which covers even the most expensive custom builds.
Here's something most brokers won't tell you: motorcycle damage usually happens during loading and unloading, not during transport. That's why we only work with carriers who have proven motorcycle experience and provide photo documentation at pickup and delivery. Plus, our Military Auto Shipping experience means we understand the urgency and care that serious riders expect.
What Does Motorcycle Shipping Cost?
Motorcycle shipping typically costs $400-$1,100 depending on distance, with most shipments falling in the $500-$800 range for cross-country moves. Local moves under 500 miles usually run $400-$600, while coast-to-coast shipments range from $700-$1,100.
Here's the real breakdown: you'll pay about $0.75-$1.25 per mile for most routes, with longer distances getting better per-mile rates. A bike from Chicago to Los Angeles (about 2,000 miles) typically costs $750-$950, while a shorter haul like Atlanta to Miami (650 miles) runs $475-$625.
Season matters too. Summer months (May-September) see higher demand and prices, especially for routes to motorcycle rallies and events. Winter shipping can save you 10-20% if you're flexible with timing. And here's a pro tip: Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping can save you $75-$150 compared to door-to-door if you don't mind meeting the truck at a nearby terminal.
How Long Does Motorcycle Shipping Take?
Most motorcycle shipments take 3-10 days door-to-door, with coast-to-coast moves averaging 7-10 days and regional shipments completing in 3-5 days. The timeline depends on your specific route, carrier availability, and whether you choose standard or expedited service.
Get this: your bike usually spends most of that time waiting for the truck to fill up with other vehicles, not actually driving. A typical carrier can drive from New York to California in 4-5 days, but it might take 2-3 days to collect a full load before departure.
Weather and seasonal demand affect timing too. Winter storms can add 1-2 days to routes through snow country, while spring moving season (March-May) sees higher demand and potentially longer wait times. If you need guaranteed timing, our expedited service can get your bike moving within 24-48 hours, though you'll pay a premium of $200-$400 for that speed. For longer moves, consider our Cross Country Car Shipping timeline guidance.
Who Needs Motorcycle Shipping Services?
Military families top our list - we ship hundreds of bikes annually for service members getting PCS orders or deploying overseas. College students heading back to school, retirees doing the snowbird migration, and riders who bought bikes online from distant sellers also keep us busy.
Rally season brings a different crowd: Harley riders heading to Sturgis, sport bike enthusiasts going to track days, or vintage bike collectors attending shows nationwide. We've shipped everything from $80,000 custom baggers to barn-find classics worth more than most people's houses.
Real talk: if you're moving more than 800 miles, shipping beats riding. You'll save on hotels, meals, wear and tear, and risk exposure. Plus, your bike arrives clean and ready to ride instead of road-weary and bug-splattered. Corporate relocations, divorce situations, estate sales, and auction purchases round out our typical customer base.
Insurance Coverage and Safety Guarantees
Every motorcycle we ship is covered by our carrier's insurance up to $250,000, which handles everything from basic cruisers to exotic superbikes and custom builds. This isn't your typical liability coverage - it's comprehensive protection that covers theft, damage, and total loss during transport.
Here's what's wild: most motorcycle damage happens because carriers don't understand how to properly secure different bike types. Cruisers need different tie-down points than sport bikes, and touring bikes with fairings require extra care during loading. Our carriers are pre-screened for motorcycle experience and must maintain perfect safety records.
We provide photo documentation at pickup and delivery, plus GPS tracking throughout transport so you know exactly where your bike is. No surprises, no finger-pointing if something goes wrong. And here's our guarantee: if we can't deliver your bike on time and in perfect condition, we'll make it right. Period. That confidence comes from nearly a decade of experience and partnerships with only the most reliable carriers in the business.
How It Works
Get Your Quote
Call (310) 906-4841 or use our online form. We'll ask about your bike, pickup/delivery locations, and timeline to provide an accurate estimate within minutes.
Schedule Pickup
Once you book, we'll assign a carrier and contact you 24-48 hours before pickup with exact timing and driver contact info.
Bike Inspection & Loading
Driver performs pre-transport inspection, documents condition with photos, then secures your bike using proper tie-downs and protective equipment.
Delivery & Final Inspection
Your bike arrives at the destination where you'll inspect it together with the driver and sign off on successful delivery.
Open vs Enclosed Motorcycle Transport
| Feature | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $400-$800 | $600-$1,200 |
| Protection | Weather exposed | Fully protected |
| Availability | Daily departures | 2-3 day wait |
| Delivery time | 3-7 days | 5-10 days |
| Best for | Standard bikes | Luxury/vintage bikes |
Drain your fuel tank to 1/4 full or less - carriers won't transport bikes with full tanks due to weight and safety regulations. Remove all personal items, loose accessories, and aftermarket parts that aren't bolted down. Take detailed photos of your bike from all angles before pickup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about Liberty Car Shipping services.