If you’re ever in the position where you need to ship your motorcycle, whether it’s a short or long distance, there are a few things you need to prepare before shipping.  After you’ve arranged to have your bike picked up by a reliable shipping company, you should run down this checklist before sending it off.

First, check your motorcycle for pre-existing damage. We recommend you give your bike a thorough cleaning for easier inspection. Make sure you document the condition of your bike as much you can. This will help you avoid any problems you may have in the case of an insurance claim. Things you should record include:

·         Any pain chips, dings, scratches, or other cosmetic damages

·         Note any existing mechanical issues or problems

·         Take plenty of pictures, from every angle, to get as much detail as you can.

·         Provide or at least show your shipper copies of maintenance/repair records.

For the most part, you will not need to drain the gas tank or remove the battery prior to shipping your bike. The only exception is if you’re shipping your motorcycle as freight. For most cases, you will not need to package your motorcycle for shipping.

Keep in mind, that the motorcycle shipper is usually not responsible for any accessories that may be lost or damaged, so to ensure a smooth ride, make sure to remove any loose items from your bike. You might also have a hard time having the insurance company cover those items.

Unless you specifically state otherwise, make sure the motorcycle is in good, working condition. Although it’s not common, at times a motorcycle shipping company many need to turn on a bike to transfer it out of a trailer or location. If the bike is in working condition, make sure that you at least inflate the tires, charge the battery, and have some gas in the tank. This will also ensure that your recipient has no problem upon delivery.

Motorcycle shipping can be a stressful and frustrating experience. However, with proper preparation and the right experienced shipper, things could go a lot smoother. Uship.com is an online marketplace that helps people find the lowest price for shipping their motorcycle from hundreds of user-reviewed, trusted shipping companies across the US and Europe.