Motorcycle Shipping Question
 

Me and Mrs. Choc will be moving about 8 hours away later this spring. I’ve shipped many bikes over the years and like everything else, the cost keeps going up. But I’ve never shipped multiple bikes. I now own 4 bikes, two vintage BMW’s and two Moto Guzzi’s and will need to ship all four at once.

Do shippers typically price multiples less than individual shipments since only one pickup and one drop off location?

Could you just rent a Uhaul truck and move them yourself?

If you’re hiring a moving company, could they just load them up at the same time as the rest of your stuff?

No harm in asking. I'd think there would be some sort of discount. The last time I shipped a bike, I used Keyboard and was really happy with their service.

Depends on the shipper.

If it's a relatively short run, I wouldn't expect much savings.

Can you share the two cities you are moving to and from? Asking because I have a transport person who operates on the East coast and may be able to help with your question.

I would also say - YES you would get a better price....because the transport is from only ONE location to another - for ALL 4 bikes. That's less driving and less time it would "normally" take to transport 4 bikes.

From Mobile, AL (actually Fairhope) to Seneca, SC (actually Westminster).

Thanks, Mike. I will PM you with my transport guy's contact info. I believe this is within' his geographical service zone.

If you hire a Carrier
You need from them- Cert of cargo insurance (no law requires cargo)
DOT number, and run it!
USHIP is a gamble as there are no requirements to bid and get the job ,, unless they have changed their wicked ways

PM received, and replied. I’ve shipped bikes many times and have never had an issue. But never four at once. Thanks again for the reference.

Typically price depends on the "freight lane" which means front haul and back haul. If the item is going to a place with less back haul opportunity, the price is more. The other factors are, how much space your load takes, and the weight. If the load takes up less space and weights less so they can put more on the trailer, you pay less.

Keep in mind you're talking about "LTL" which means another stop and more time spent with the truck not moving. If the truck isn't moving, it's not making money.