Let’s create a hypothetical scenario; John Doe wants his
Harley Davidson “Fatboy” moved with his household goods shipment. Unfortunately
for him, We Couldn’t Care Less Movers
arrive and simply throw a few moving blankets (if he is lucky) on his very
expensive motorcycle, roll it into the trailer of an interstate truck
(meaning an 18 wheeler), strap it down (again, if he is lucky) and then expect
this item to arrive with little or no damage. This is absolutely wishful
thinking! Interstate trucks are always packed for maximum load and
what this means is that this is already turning into a nightmare scenario for
poor John’s motorcycle! Let’s not forget; all of the household furniture,
appliances and boxes must also be packed onto this truck. A full truck
keeps the shipping costs down for the carrier, so they will certainly exploit
this option. So, just where will all of these additional household items end up
when there is no more space to exploit? Right smack on John Doe’s motorcycle!
While it might not arrive completely destroyed (though we have definitely seen
this happen due to such negligence), dings, scratches, dents, broken mirrors
and lights are the norm. Typically these companies will also make the owner of
this vehicle sign a waiver saying they take no responsibility for damages to the
vehicle. At best, they will only recoup your losses at 0.60 per lb.
So what is the proper way to ship a motorcycle or an ATV?
Crating is the only reliable answer. Not only will this ensure the safe
transport of your prized possession, but this also allows the carrier to stack
items properly in their trailer to maximize efficiency. This keeps theirs and
your costs down and this will also prevent a lot of tears in the end!
I have included pictures of proper transport of motorcycles,
ATV’s and let’s not forget Scooters for those of us who are “mods”!
Happy Trails!
Shipping a Street Bike
Shipping an ATV
Shipping a Vespa Scooter
Shipping a Harley Davidson