In 2021, there were a whopping 9.89 million motorcycle units in the United States alone. With such high numbers, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that thousands of motorcycles need to be shipped across long distances each year—whether for domestic or international moves.
Factors Affecting Nationwide Door-to-Door Motorcycle Shipping Costs
Multiple factors influence nationwide door to door motorcycle shipping costs, each contributing to the final pricing. Understanding these can help you make more informed decisions.
| Factor | Impact on Cost |
| Distance | Direct correlation: longer distance increases cost |
| Motorcycle Size & Weight | Higher size/weight results in higher cost |
| Type of Transport | Enclosed costs more than open transport |
| Seasonality | High-demand seasons increase the cost |
| Pickup/Delivery Location | Remote locations increase the cost |
| Motorcycle Condition | Non-running bikes cost more to ship |
| Additional Services | Each service adds to the base cost |
Nationwide Motorcycle Shipping Cost Calculator Table
Prices typically range from $0.50 to $1 per mile for shorter distances, decreasing slightly for longer routes.
Larger motorcycles require more space and weigh more, affecting fuel efficiency. Shipping a touring bike like a Honda Goldwing may cost more than shipping a lightweight Yamaha MT-03.
| Shipping Distance | Motorcycle Size | Shipping Service | Estimated Cost |
| 500 miles | Cruiser (up to 800 cc) | Open Transport | $500 – $650 |
| 1,000 miles | Sport Bike (up to 1,000 cc) | Enclosed Transport | $800 – $1,000 |
| 2,500 miles | Touring Bike (up to 1,500 cc) | Open Transport | $900 – $1,200 |
| 3,000 miles | Adventure Bike (up to 1,200 cc) | Enclosed Transport | $1,200 – $1,500 |
Factors Affecting International Motorcycle Shipping Costs
Shipping a motorcycle internationally involves more complex factors than domestic transport. Multiple variables from global logistics impact the overall cost.
- Closer nations like Canada and Mexico are generally cheaper than Europe or Asia. Countries with established trade routes to the US also have lower rates.
- Air freight is the fastest but 300%+ more expensive than sea freight. RoRo and container shipping impact cost, with RoRo being cheaper but less secure.
- Each country has different duties, taxes, and fees. The US has 2.4-25% duties depending on engine and origin. Clearance, storage, and documentation add to the cost.
- Shared containers reduce costs but may cause delays. Exclusive containers are prioritized but are more expensive.
- Some countries have export fees in addition to domestic documentation/permit costs.
- It is optional but protects high-value/vintage bikes. Typically, 1-2% of declared value.
Cost of Motorcycle Shipping to USA
Origin Country |
Motorcycle Size |
Shipping Method |
Estimated Cost (USD) |
Canada |
Standard (500cc) |
Ocean Freight |
$800 – $1,200 |
United Kingdom |
Cruiser (1,000cc) |
Air Freight |
$1,500 – $2,500 |
Japan |
Adventure (800cc) |
Ocean Freight |
$1,200 – $1,800 |
Australia |
Superbike (1,200cc) |
Air Freight |
$2,000 – $3,000 |
Cost to Ship a Motorcycle Overseas From USA
| Destination | Shipping Method | Motorcycle Size | Estimated Cost |
| Canada | Ocean Freight | Standard (under 500cc) | $1,200 – $1,500 |
| United Kingdom | Air Freight | Large (over 800cc) | $2,500 – $3,000 |
| Australia | Ocean Freight | Medium (500cc-800cc) | $2,000 – $2,500 |
4 Tips to Get Cheap Motorcycle Shipping
- Brokers take 10-20% commission, which raises their quotes. Ask the carrier directly if you can take the risk and avoid broker markup.
- Carriers offer volume discounts for 2-5 bikes and group rates of 10-20% for motorcycle clubs. Full truckloads maximize efficiency, leading to cheaper rates.
- Open/uncovered transport saves $100-300. No wrapping is needed, just secure tie-downs. Risk of debris damage; best for short trips in good weather. Use a cost calculator to evaluate enclosed vs. open, affordable rates from companies specializing in the cheapest shipping.
- Carriers charge premiums for urgent loads. Short-lead rates within 2 weeks can be 30-50% more affordable shipping if flexible.
Should You Go For the Cheapest Motorcycle Shipping Company?
Specialists will have experience properly securing motorcycles for overseas shipping. While the cheapest shipping is tempting, going with a company with know-how in international shipping may be worth spending more on to ease worries.
Comparing options from multiple motorcycle shipping companies can help you find the best balance between affordable motorcycle shipping and high-quality service, especially for shipping motorcycles overseas.
