Shipping a motorcycle properly is more than just mounting it on the back of a pickup truck. Special measures need to be taken, especially if it is a custom made bike in order to avoid damages and losses that will affect your pocket greatly. Read along the following article to understand why it is very important to use a motorcycle shipping company to transport your 2 wheel chariot.
Surely you have seen pickup trucks drive past you carrying one or two bikes on its back. All you need is a small ramp to pull the bike up which you can get at any home improvement store such as Home Depot or Lowe’s and regular safety straps to hold it in place and you’re ready to go. This type of transportation is very commonly used almost by anyone that owns a bike to move them locally or short distances. This is the key: short distances. Transporting a motorcycle nationwide is a different scenario as to towing it to the nearest shop or bike track. Nationwide transport involves many other factors, not only that affect the bike, but the driver and the owner as well. Things like, insurance, weather, correct safety measures and schedules are very important factors that have to be carefully planned for before simply mounting the bike on a pickup and driving away. Consequences of an incorrect transport can be very expensive and will create unnecessary setbacks.
For this, it is very important you chose a certified and experienced motorcycle transport company to do the job for you. Paying the service may be a little out of your budget, but compared to the price you would have to pay in case of a mishap, the service will come in handy. We know there are many risk takers, however for those of you that care for guaranteed service and delivery, here are some reasons why you should consider this option.
- Insurance. Even though you might have your own insurance, transportation companies also cover for the motorcycle 100% while it is in transportation. Many times you are buying the bike and it’s the first time taking it out of a dealer, maybe insurance is not yet applied and if an accident occurs, it will come out of your pocket. Not necessarily from a dealer, but maybe you are buying from a private owner or simply taking it out of a garage. Some cases are different, maybe the bike doesn’t suffer any fatal damages, what if it get’s scratched by hail due to a storm along the way or hit by something that was blown in by the wind. These are unforeseen mishaps that would be covered for if transportation was done by a certified motorcycle shipping company.
- Proper Transportation. Bikes are smaller vehicles that need to be handled with care as they are not as stable as a 4 wheel car. Harsh turns or sudden breaks from a carrier can easily loosen the straps the secure the bike and next thing you know you will have crashing from one side to the other, causing not only damage to itself, but to other vehicles mounted on the carrier. In case it is being shipped in an open carrier, it can even fall off the carrier and cause more serious injuries. First of all it is recommended motorcycles are shipped via enclosed carriers to ensure max protection along the way. Besides the enclosed carrier, motorcycle companies also may offer special cradles to where bikes are mounted to and strapped on. This allows each bike to have its own space in case it is custom made and passes regular measurements. For example, if your Harley has custom monkey bars, if placed on a carrier next to another bike, there is a possibility that due to the height of the bars, it may bump with the bike next to it. Having the bike mounted n a cradle give enough room for the handles to freely move from one side to the other without causing any damage to its surroundings, therefore, its self while the carrier is moving.
- Honest Business. Besides the necessary safety measure to transport a bike. it is very important that the company you deal with offers and honest and straight forward business. There is no point in having a safe transport if the agent you’re dealing with gives you unprofessional service and tries to scam you every five minutes. Even worst if he keeps adding fees to the “final price” agreed on due to a number of excuses or hidden fees. Dealing with a certified motorcycle shipping company avoids these headaches and in return will offer you professional and top notch service. A good service will accommodate to your needs without compromising the principals of the service, an honest agent will suite your needs, still you how it is. At the end, motorcycle shipping is what it is and you will get what you pay for.
- Transport Outline. As many things in life a motorcycle transport has to be planned out step by step. Nothing can be taken for granted and in many cases it is not something that happens from night to day. Specially if this is the first time you are in need of transporting a motorcycle long distances. Using the services from a company will save you a lot of headaches and plan for things you might not be aware of. Such things as the amount of gas needed to reach between one point to the other, gas prices, any tolls or fees that need to be paid, DOT (Department of Transportation)regulations and check points, weather and road conditions, and schedules for pick up, transit time and delivery.
Choosing a certified motorcycle shipping company to serve your needs is the best bet when transporting your bike. Don’t run the risk of having a poor delivery and horrible experience just to save some bucks. If you invested money in your motorcycle, invest money to safeguard and keep its well-being, we guarantee you will not regret it. Nationwide motorcycle is not to be taken lightly, if it is, don’t expect more than lightly handling and delivery.
If you are ready to ship your bike call Mary Lou for a quote at 800-615-3011 or use our online quote system.
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