Motorcycle Shipping

People who own motorcycles know how stressful it can be to ship them. Because of its sheer size, the motorcycle can often be quite difficult to transfer from one place to another. While one should be cautious about how they ship their bike, the good news is that there are several steps one can take to ensure the safe delivery of their bike. While Harley Davidson and Honda are two of the more popular bike companies, there are a number of others who have also provided riders with a series of instructions that will lead to the safe delivery of their bike. Many people have discovered that with the right amount of research and preparation, shipping their motorcycle can be relatively quick, affordable, and safe.

First of all, it is important to realize that shipping one's bike is not to be taken lightly. It is a major task, and it should only be done by trained professionals. Although it may be difficult to part with one's bike, the comfort of knowing that it is properly shipped will be worth the separation anxiety that may occur. It is important to find a trustworthy shipping company, as those who work in the shipping industry have taken the time necessary to figure out how they can most safely deliver bikes for customers.

It is easier than ever to take advantage of the fact that many of these professionals offer increasingly flexible shipping. They will ship anywhere in the United States and Canada. They also allow customers the opportunity to track their bike's travel, 24 hours a day, via an online tracking system. Customers ought to make sure that they are offered a good amount of damage coverage. $20,000 worth of damage coverage seems to be the norm. Of course, more coverage is available, upon request. That usually costs about $45 for every $5,000. It is wise to make sure that the company shipping the bike is intent on having the bike travel the shortest distance between where it is and where it needs to be.

Those who want to have their motorcycle shipped should find a company which offers flexibility when it comes to transit times. Customers ought to receive a written confirmation of their order. They should also expect a phone call 48 hours prior to pick-up and prior to delivery to confirm the details of the order. Once the time comes for the bike to be picked up, a highly-trained representative should thoroughly inspect the exterior of the bike. Any damage that is on the bike will be noted. Customers are advised to get the guarantee that their bike will never be started or driven during the shipping process.

So, what can one expect as they prepare to have their bike shipped? There are a number of things to look for as one gets ready to hand over the reigns of his or her bike. Customers need to be certain that only the best equipment will be used to move their bikes from one location to another. This is usually in the form of a special transporter, who should have plenty of experience. This transporter should be able to quickly and safely load the bike. The person who is having their bike shipped should expect a comprehensive pre-shipment checklist. Once the motorcycle is delivered, the customer is always allowed to inspect the bike, and should be able to compare its current condition to its pre-shipping condition.

All contact with these shipping companies should be made during regular business hours, which are usually between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Most of the time, a service representative will contact the customer about 48 hours prior to the scheduled delivery time. During this conversation, a four-hour window for service should be agreed upon. Both the company and the customer are contractually obligated to respect this agreement. There are penalties for both parties if one should fail to show up on time. These rules have been established to guarantee the timely and hassle-free delivery and transfer of the motorcycle.

Before a person has his or her motorcycle shipped, there are a number of things to keep in mind about the bike. There are certain things that must be done to best prepare the bike for shipment. The bike must be no longer than 106" and no wider than 44". If the motorcycle is larger than this, the company must be notified so as to make the necessary adjustments. The bike must also be carefully inspected for any type of leak. Leaks are a big liability, as they may negatively affect the other motorcycles with which they are shipped. Oil, transmission, and fuel leaks are the usual culprits that must be repaired before shipping is to occur. Other precautions must be made by the owner of the bike before it is shipped. Some of these actions include: emptying the fuel tank to at least half-full, disconnecting all alarms, securing all antennas, and removing any and all personal items.

The customer who has had his or her motorcycle delivered must be present to inspect the bike. Both the customer and the company representative will sign off on an agreement that the bike is in as good a shape as it was before it was shipped. If any damage has occurred, the owner must make it known before the carrier leaves the premises. Otherwise, the owner has no right to make a claim of damages. This follows the line of thinking that the whole process of bike shipping is based on a series of agreements between the owner of the motorcycle and the company that is responsible for shipping it.

Although the thought of moving a valuable item a long distance can be stressful, those who are planning to ship their bike can take comfort in knowing that they have access to a safe and simple procedure for the shipment of their motorcycle. Owners of motorcycles should gain as much knowledge as they can of the companies which specialize in shipping. Knowing what to expect and then making sure that the shipping company does its part will ensure a successful shipment of one's motorcycle.

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