Go to the Uship website (see Resources). Create a free account and list your motorcycle with the origin and destination zip code. Listing your add is free.
Wait to receive bids via email from various motorcycle transporters. The Uship website provides reviews of the transporters.
Select the lowest bid that you get to ship your motorcycle the cheapest possible way. Ask the transporter for their Department of Transportation (DOT) number. Verify that they are authorized to transport motorcycles on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's website (see Resources).
Ask for a list of references and to see their certificate of insurance. Asking for a list of references is a good way to check the reputation of the shipping company. The certificate of insurance has the details of the shipper's insurance policy and the contact information for the insurance company. Write down this information so that you can verify current coverage. The shipping company should have insurance that covers your motorcycle from theft or damage while it is in their possession.
Schedule a pickup with your motorcycle mover. Be sure that an 18-wheeler can reach your origin and destination address as that is how motorcycles ship. Before the pickup date, clean your bike and take pictures to document the current state of the bike before shipment. Also be sure to remove any personal items before shipping.
Pay for your shipping and give the shipper two copies of your driver's license and proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale, for the motorcycle. Also include copies of the pictures you took of the motorcycle. This is so that there is a record of the way the motorcycle looks just in case there is damage during transport. In 2009, the average shipping cost of a motorcycle ranged from $275 to $425, depending on the shipping distance.
