Best way to have a 170 lb. motorcycle engine shipped from Illinois to Florida?

[Baz]

It's already on a pallet. 170 lbs., like I said.

A Google search says to find a hauler who will add it to their load. And preferably have it both picked up and dropped off at a terminal. None of this delivery to my house stuff.

I'm OK with that, if that's the plan.

But where do I start...who do I call?

Any input greatly appreciated!

[Gogar]

I've used ForwardAir a few times and never had any trouble. You could poke around on there.

[Shuie]

The guy who rebuilt my 356 trans and axle assembly used RL carriers to ship it back on a pallet. You will need a freight service with a lift gate if it goes to the house.

I've also used forward air for engines and transmissions. Never had any issues with them at all.

[fanaudical]

You might check with a local Fastenal store and see if they are still offering freight services.

Another LTL (less-than-load) carrier that I've used is Old Dominion Freight Lines. They were reasonable.

[Baz]

Thanks guys......some good info to start with.

Will post later when I get something more figured out.

[rfuerst911sc]

I have never used them but U Ship has come up in past discussions .

[cabmandone]

If you can, ship it to a commercial address. It costs less going to a commercial address than to a residential. As other mentioned R&L, Old Dominion, Saia, FedEx freight, Estes. I've had all of them deliver to me. I've used Uship in the past. As long as you don't mind sifting through some stupid high quotes, you can get a decent rate but make sure they've got a DOT and or MC number so you can look them up. I've had "companies" reach out to me on Uship that were just some guy with a pickup truck and trailer. When I asked for a copy of their commercial insurance policy they typically disappeared.

[jhynesrockmtn]

I shipped a 911 engine on a pallet a few years ago. I had to load it in my truck and take it a commercial freight warehouse. I had a cherry picker and lift table at home to get it into my truck with a buddy's help. I currently have a buyer in France for my 356 which has an extra engine. He is working out shipping logistics now. The deal is all dependent on getting that sorted. I'll reply here with what he gets worked out. I offered to crate the engine as part of the deal.

[Baz]

Thanks, guys!

The seller told me this morning he knew a guy who made runs to Florida on a regular basis, so he's going to make inquiries on my behalf. I will let ya'll know what he says.

I didn't know this when I started the thread.

Thanks again!

[Scott Douglas]

The curious among us want to know what kind of motorcycle engine this is.
Or is it just to be assumed it's a V-4 Honda for one of your MANY Interceptors?

[3rd_gear_Ted]

Originally Posted by Gogar

I've used ForwardAir a few times and never had any trouble. You could poke around on there.

+1 on Forward Air
3.6 L Engine, Connecticut to California
Forklift required to offload, NO exceptions.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Scott Douglas

The curious among us want to know what kind of motorcycle engine this is.
Or is it just to be assumed it's a V-4 Honda for one of your MANY Interceptors?

Hi Scott.....yes it's a V4 engine. Specifically the 1986 750cc (aka the RC24) - that at the time was excluded from USA importing, due to the 700cc tariff imposed by President Reagan at the time to help Harley Davidson out.

They were exported all over the rest of the world that year, many to Canada, which is where the two I have originated from.

The USA got the 700cc version. But the 750cc is regarded as a very special bike - highly collectable.

Both of my 750's came to me in non-running condition. I've only had the opportunity so far to work on one of them, but when the opportunity to buy one of these engines in VGC came up, I couldn't resist. This is a really nice engine coming from a seller who is very good at restoring these Interceptors, so that helps with providence.

This is the bike I intend to put this motor in......

[Baz]

Quick update..........

Turns out since starting this thread I found and purchased another motorcycle (yes - another 2nd Gen. Interceptor, Scott), located in Alabama, near Pensacola.

The significance is now I have two transports to offer someone in the transport business - theoretically making it more worth their while.

Subsequently, the person I mentioned in post #9 agreed to bring everything from both locations (Illinois and Alabama) to my house in Florida for $850. Supposed to take place mid-July.

Items transported will be the engine, the motorcycle, and a bunch of spare parts including fairings, seats, wheels, and a fuel tank.....so having all this brought to me by one person who does transport for a living will be the best outcome, IMHO.

Once again, thanks to all who took the time to respond to my thread. I will certainly update when everything arrives and will include photos. Christmas in July!!!

[rockfan4]

Sounds like a good deal.
When you first started this thread I was still working. Retired now. I figured between hotel rooms, gas and tolls, I could drive the pickup to Florida and back for about a $1000. I'd have to have room in the truck to bring something along to trade with Byron on the way, since that's something I have to do if I ever drive to Florida.

Way back a long time ago I bought a Kawasaki Ninja from a guy in Madison WI, and drove there to pick it up. I was just going to load it in the back of the pickup, and back then it was a 89 Chevy and the tailgate wasn't that far off the ground. I had about a 6' ramp, and what we didn't calculate was the angle of the ramp to the tailgate. Rolled it up, and smashed the lower fairing into the top of the ramp as the front wheel rolled into the bed. Cursed at myself, and brought it home and JB Welded all the pins and tabs back into place. A couple years after that I crashed it good. I don't think I've been on a motorcycle since.

[pavulon]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

I have never used them but U Ship has come up in past discussions .

Used U Ship for a motorcycle once. Guy rolls up with a bumper pull camper and drops the back wall which he had sawzall'd into a tailgate. Scheiße Box Nation. The bike is a used XR650R that seemed little or no worse for the wear but still...

[Baz]

Originally Posted by rockfan4

Sounds like a good deal.
When you first started this thread I was still working. Retired now. I figured between hotel rooms, gas and tolls, I could drive the pickup to Florida and back for about a $1000. I'd have to have room in the truck to bring something along to trade with Byron on the way, since that's something I have to do if I ever drive to Florida.

Way back a long time ago I bought a Kawasaki Ninja from a guy in Madison WI, and drove there to pick it up. I was just going to load it in the back of the pickup, and back then it was a 89 Chevy and the tailgate wasn't that far off the ground. I had about a 6' ramp, and what we didn't calculate was the angle of the ramp to the tailgate. Rolled it up, and smashed the lower fairing into the top of the ramp as the front wheel rolled into the bed. Cursed at myself, and brought it home and JB Welded all the pins and tabs back into place. A couple years after that I crashed it good. I don't think I've been on a motorcycle since.

Thanks - this is a very good value, for me, for sure!

Yeah - gotta watch those clearances! BTDT!

I'm working on fairing repairs right now, interestingly enough.

I drove to Lakeland a few years ago and picked up this airhead and have done a few more in the truck bed, too. Now I just use my little trailer.....

[oldE]

Baz, those Hondas are pretty bikes and awesome as well. That old Beemer on the other hand, for me is the girl admired from afar all those years ago, but never asked out. Still beautiful in memory, she turns my head every time.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by oldE

Baz, those Hondas are pretty bikes and awesome as well. That old Beemer on the other hand, for me is the girl admired from afar all those years ago, but never asked out. Still beautiful in memory, she turns my head every time.

Thanks, Big Les! FWIW, I've mentioned several times in the past that I enjoy riding my airhead more than any bike I've ever rode.

Also agree on her looks. Form following function!

Nice to have options for different moods I am in.

Will be taking this girl out later today.......