Ride the World: Shipping Motorcycles Internationally with Care!
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If you think you can’t take your car when moving abroad, you’re wrong. With international vehicle moving services, you have the opportunity to safely and correctly transport your beloved motorcycle while adhering to all rules and regulations for shipping vehicles overseas. However, before initiating this process, there are several aspects you need to take into account.
Choosing the Right International Motorcycle Shipping Options
With the help of international motorcycle transport services, individuals can expect to move their vehicles to any part of the world with ease. However, as the choice is vast in terms of options for vehicle moving, it is important to choose the right option.
Take into account factors like the type of vehicle to be moved, transit time, the budget you are willing to invest, the rules of the new country, and more. Here are the most common vehicle shipping types you can choose from:
Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro/Ro) Shipping
This approach includes shipping your motorbike on a dedicated vehicle, which is then effectively tied down to secure it during the transit. Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro/Ro) shipping is cheap and ideal for riding bikes. But remember: your bike will be outside in the elements during travel.
Container Shipping
In the method of container shipping, your vehicle is placed inside a dedicated container for extra protection. Usually, this method is preferred for shipping high-value motorcycles, which often require additional security for their move.
Air Freight Shipping
In times when there is a need for faster shipping of your motorcycle, air freight shipping is the best choice. While the costs involved may seem to be on the higher side when compared to sea freight, air freight cuts down on the time and makes the process less prolonged.
Crated Shipping
Another way for you to ship your vehicle overseas is to crate it before shipping. In this process, an additional layer of protection is added so no damage occurs during the transit. Crate services for your motorcycle are a great practice to keep it safe and secure while shipping. This shipping method is beneficial because it can be tailored to your bike’s needs and your tastes.
Steps for Crating your Motorcycle for Shipping
Crating services for motorcycle shipping offer crating your bike, which is a great way to keep it safe and secure during the shipping process. To crate your motorcycle properly, read these instructions:
Choose the Right Crate
The first and most important thing to remember is to choose a rightly sized crate for your motorcycle. The crate must be sturdy and spacious enough to provide padding and a snug fit to avoid any kind of movement during the transit.
Clean and Prepare the Motorcycle
Rinse it completely and go over your motorcycle to secure any loose items that, if not fixed or removed, could be subject to damage during the process of motorcycle shipping. Also, to meet the shipping regulations, make sure that you empty your fuel tank before shipping it.
Disengage the Battery
Are you aware that engaged batteries of motorcycles can cause potential damage during transit? That is why you should always check the status of your battery and disengage its major functionalities well before shipping.
Secure and Protective Padding
Tie down the bicycle in the crate (you will need some straps or tie-downs to get this thing solid so it does not move). For extra protection during transport, cushion your motorcycle from potential damage and scratches. For this, use high-quality padding material.
Give most importance to covering the mirrors, handlebars, and all vulnerable items with bubble wrap or foam.
Labeling and Documentation
It is important to have all your documents required for motorcycle vehicle shipping arranged and organized well ahead of time. Make sure all the paperwork related to the motorcycle is accurate and authentic. Also, label the crate with important information, like the destination address, contact addresses, and more.
In so doing, you increase the chances of your motorcycle making it to the final destination in that pristine state.
Understanding Crating and Packaging Regulations
To make sure that the international transport of a motorcycle is secure, following specific packing protocols is essential. These measures guard the vehicle during transit and ensure everything meets the global shipping standards. Key requirements include:
- Adequate Crating: The crate in which the motorcycle will be transported should be of the right size, allowing room for cushion and enough space to fasten vehicles securely
- Robust Construction: Crates should be made to be strong, with materials that do not break under the strain of moving goods long distances
- Comprehensive Protection: Considerable padding is vital to preventing tough components as well as your bike’s finish from getting dinged and scuffed
- Regulatory Compliance: To avoid delays in the import process and make it go smoothly, you need to have a thorough understanding of the customs rules in the country you are going to
International Motorcycle Shipping Paperwork
As mentioned above, there is intricate paperwork involved in moving a motorcycle internationally. This paperwork is usually very crucial for customs clearance. Motorcycle movers near you can help you learn how to arrange your documents, but you must ensure that all required paperwork is completed and organized.
Doing so will keep your process legal and also avoid delays or complications during the shipping process. Here is the list of most commonly required documents for overseas vehicle shipping:
Bill of Lading (BOL)
This document is like a contract carriage between you and your shipping company and also serves as a receipt of your motorcycle shipping process.
Commercial Invoice
This document is generally used for the customs valuation of the motorcycle being shipped and usually includes all its values.
Title and Registration
These documents prove the vehicle’s ownership. Almost every country asks to provide the original title and registration of the vehicle before shipping it.
Customs Forms
These documents are of crucial importance for the customs clearance process. You may be primarily asked for a Single Administrative Document (SAD).
Insurance Documentation
The motorcycles in almost every country are bound to insurance coverage. Include insurance documents in your transit process to show authorities if asked.
Transit Insurance
There is no doubt that international motorcycle shipping companies do their best to safely and securely handle your bike during the transit and make it reach its new destination the right way. But sometimes, due to unforeseen circumstances, there may be situations where things go beyond their control and disturbances occur.
In such a scenario, companies offer transit insurance so as to add secure coverage to your valuable assets. So, before signing up for the service, ask for transit insurance. Such coverage is the best way to protect your vehicle in case of any unpredictable loss or damage that may occur during the shipping process.
As this transit insurance differs from company to company, kindly note to review all terms and conditions of the transit insurance thoroughly before applying.
Considerations for After the Bike Arrives
After the arrival of your motorcycle at the port of the new home country, here are a few things you need to do to end the process rightly:
- Clear customs by providing the required documents and paying any import taxes or fees that may be applicable
- Carefully inspect your bike after receiving it from the shipment. Take pictures and double-check every detail. This is because if you find any kind of slightest damage, you can immediately contact your provider and claim insurance if applicable
- Get ready to register it before riding it. If not, you may be fined for riding an imported motorcycle without completing its full legal formalities
- Make sure the bike is checked to meet the specifications of safety and emission standards followed by the rules of your new location
- If everything is in order, end your overseas shipping service and book a professional transport service to get your bike to your new home
By following these considerations, you can ensure a smooth and successful delivery of your motorcycle to its international destination.
Get Quote for Shipping Motorcycle Internationally
Staying informed about the ever-changing rules and regulations around the world is crucial, especially when planning a future trip. Information that was relevant just last week may no longer apply, making it ineffective for your current plans.
To ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information, we highly recommend consulting with a reputable vehicle freight and international motorcycle shipping specialist at International Sea & Air Shipping Company who is well-versed in the country you intend to ship your vehicle to. Our experts have extensive knowledge and a reliable network of motorcycle-friendly agents worldwide, ready to assist you.
Relying on our trusted international moving specialists will not only help you plan your trip more efficiently but also save you time and money in the long run.