Need a Motorcycle Shipping Checklist for moving your bike overseas?
International motorcycle shipping sounds like a nightmare. Custom forms, regulations, shipping methods, missing paperwork… Did we mention things that can go wrong?
Fortunately… when you have the proper shipping check list, you can prevent customs delays, shipping damage, and surprise fees.
With more travelers exploring the globe, the market for shipping motorcycles abroad continues to grow. Motorcycle shipping services are expected to reach $3.9 billion by 2032, increasing at a 6.7% annual growth rate.
The problem is that most bikers don’t plan ahead.
They jump into shipping with no preparation. They send their motorcycle without important documents or choosing the wrong shipping method. And then they end up dealing with massive customs delays or damage that could have been prevented.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Necessary Documentation
- Shipping Methods Compared
- Packing Up & Preparing Your Motorcycle
- Customs Documents & Regulations
- Insurance Considerations
Motorcycle shipping requires planning ahead of time
International motorcycle shipping isn’t as simple as ordering something off Amazon.
You’re shipping something expensive. Your motorcycle is also considered dangerous goods if shipping by air. And every country has different requirements for what they’ll accept, and how they want it prepared.
When you take your bike abroad without planning ahead, you risk delays and even physical damage to your motorcycle. These fees happen when you trust your expensive personal property to unprofessional shipping services.
Shipping companies that lack experience with international moves won’t know how to manage customs documentation or properly crate your bike. You could end up paying for emergency shipping on a rental because your bike got stuck in customs. Choosing international motorcycle transport services that understand these complexities makes all the difference.
What’s the number one thing that surprises people when shipping internationally?
Work with customs. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, incorrect documentation is the most common cause of vehicle export delays. That means your planning begins with the proper paperwork before you transport your motorcycle overseas.
Important Documentation to Get Ready
Don’t let your motorcycle get stuck in customs. Have paperwork ready BEFORE you start the shipping process.
Any missing paperwork means extended delays at ports and fees that keep adding up to your bill.
Make sure to have these documents prepared:
- Title or ownership certificate
- Bill of sale / Profit margin included.
- Valid passport and photo ID
- Customs declaration forms
- EPA / DOT compliance documents (if shipping to these countries)
- Pictures of your motorcycle in its current condition
Take pictures of EVERYTHING. Scan paper documents for safe keeping.
One important tip that many people don’t think about…
Know the value of your motorcycle. If you declare a $5,000 bike but it’s actually worth $15,000, expect questions from customs. Ensure the sold price matches the value you declare on forms.
Shipping Methods Compared
Know your options when it comes to motorcycle shipping methods.
Each method of shipping your motorcycle internationally provides different levels of pricing, speed, and protection.
We’ll break down each method below.
Air Freight Shipping
Air freight is the fastest method to get your motorcycle overseas.
You could receive your motorcycle within days instead of waiting weeks. For quicker overseas transport, air freight is the way to go.
In regards to cost, air freight shipping will cost more than sea freight. If you’re on a timeline or need your motorcycle to start your journey, this is a great option.
Remember that anytime you fly with your motorcycle, it’s considered dangerous goods. Plan to have no more than a quarter tank of fuel when shipping via air.
Sea Freight Shipping
Sea freight means having your motorcycle shipped on a boat.
Yes… this is the cheapest way to get your motorcycle abroad. But it’ll take longer than flying. Sea freight international shipping can take several weeks.
If you’re on a tight schedule or want your motorcycle back quickly, sea freight might not be the option for you. However, if you’re trying to save as much money as possible and the timeline is flexible, consider sea freight.
Keep in mind that ports aren’t always predictable. You could reach your destination and find your motorcycle arrived weeks early. Not only will storage fees increase your bill, but you’ll need to be there in person to clear customs in most countries.
Road Transport Shipping
Perfect for travel INSIDE continents.
If you’re shipping your motorcycle within Europe or Asia, for example, road transport is an option.
Think of this as the middle ground between sea and air.
How to Prepare Your Motorcycle for Transport
You can avoid damage by taking these important steps before your motorcycle ships.
Damage doesn’t just happen. When you ship your motorcycle without taking precautionary measures before transport, you’re begging for repairs and headaches.
Before you move your motorcycle overseas, make sure to:
- Give your motorcycle a bath. Take note of any damage that already exists. Photos help here!
- Less than ¼ tank of fuel. For air transport, you’ll need even less than this.
- Disconnect your battery and cover terminals with tape. Prevents accidental powering of electrical components.
- Remove or secure loose items. Anything that could fall off or move around during transport should be removed.
- Remove mirrors/windscreen OR tape them down.
- Check for any fluid leaks. Repair them.
- Get a pre-inspection report. Most shipping companies can provide this BEFORE you ship.
Professional crating is strongly recommended.
If you plan on shipping your motorcycle overseas, you want a crate. Most international carriers won’t transport your bike without it.
Creating your motorcycle isn’t just recommended, it’s required for most international shipping methods. Crates need to be treated with the appropriate ISPM15 standards for solid wood. Water transport ships can deny your motorcycle if your crate isn’t up to par.
Reduce your shipping costs by creating the smallest crate possible. Removing mirrors and windshield will help lower your profile. You won’t need to take the wheels off, but do anything you can to minimize volume.
Customs regulations can require a clean motorcycle.
Most countries require your motorcycle to be cleaned before export. It doesn’t have to be show quality, but greasy dirt and excess trash can cause quarantine delays.
Countries like Australia and New Zealand have very strict decontamination regulations for anything that enters the country. Double check if you’re shipping to or through and clean your motorcycle thoroughly.
Understanding Customs & Regulations
Each country has different rules for importing vehicles.
Some countries don’t care. Others require emissions testing or specific documents to be added to your shipment.
Read up on your destination country’s requirements WELL BEFORE you start the shipping process. You don’t want to find out they require an emissions test after you’ve already shipped your motorcycle.
Know ahead of time what you need to do, and add that time to your shipping timeline.
Here are some common customs regulations that may affect you.
- Make sure your motorcycle is paid off. No loans/finance accounts should be linked to the vehicle title.
- Declare an accurate value of your motorcycle. Bills of sale and other supporting documents will be requested.
- Remove all personal items from your motorcycle.
- You will be required to pay duties and VAT before your motorcycle is released.
- Be prepared to be there in person when your motorcycle is cleared through customs.
Insuring Your Motorcycle for Shipping
Don’t rely on shipping company provided insurance.
Yes, most motorcycle shipping services offer some level of insurance. But it covers minimal amounts and doesn’t cover everything.
If your motorcycle is worth more than $5,000, purchase additional insurance before you ship.
Photos taken before shipping can act as documentation for insurance purposes. Be sure to take photos of every angle, and note any scratches/damage that already exist.
Enclosed transport will cost more. But it’ll provide much better protection than open carriers.
For international moves, professional crating is highly recommended.
Wrapping up our Motorcycle Shipping Checklist
Follow our Motorcycle Shipping Checklist and you’ll avoid most of the headaches with international shipping.
Gather your documents EARLY. Choose your shipping method wisely. Prepare your motorcycle correctly, and hire professionals who know how to properly work with international customs and regulations.
Drop any of these steps and you’re asking for headaches later down the road. Prevent unwanted stress by starting this process at LEAST 6-8 weeks before you need your motorcycle.
Many unexpected events happen when shipping abroad. Starting early allows you to alleviate problems, not scramble and panic.
