The process of vehicle shipping is complicated and it becomes double if you want to carry a car and a bike at the same time. It does not matter if you are on a cross-country move or just bought a new vehicle. If you are able to correctly and safely transport your bike together with your car, then the entire procedure will become your friend.
This guideline will cover the most effective ways to ship a motorcycle and a car at the same time, taking into account the practical side of the issue, what factors to consider, and what is going on in terms of available choices so that both vehicle types travel in the best possible way.
Why Ship Motorcycles Alongside Cars?
One of the most common reasons for shipping the two vehicles together is relocation. If you need to move to a new place and take both your motorcycle and car with you, it will be much more efficient and less expensive to transport them as one shipment.
Buying a Car and a Motorcycle: In case you have bought new cars and motorcycles in two different places, it is better to get both vehicles shipped to your place so that you can be free to use them at your convenience in the shortest time and at the lowest cost.
Season Moves: The so-called “snowbirds”, i.e. those who spend half of the year in one place and the other half in a different location, may have to transport both a car and a motorcycle to different areas.
Basically, you can achieve a number of advantages by combining your motor vehicle and automobile shipping, whereby you can simplify the process, reduce the number of shipments, and, in many cases, save on your transport costs through offering a multi-vehicle transport.
Options for Shipping Motorcycles and Cars Together
Simultaneous transportation is possible by various means of both cars and bikes. The primary choices are open transport, enclosed transport, and dedicated vehicle shipping services. Each option with its advantages is outlined below.
- Open Auto Transport
Open auto transport remains as one of the cheapest and most commonly shared ways to send cars and motorcycles simultaneously. Thus, the two vehicles are put on an open-air carrier that is usually loaded with several vehicles. For most clients, this alternative represents a trade-off between price and ease of use.
Pros of Open Transport:
Cost-Effective: Open transport is generally the cheapest way, when cars and motorcycles are shipped together.
Multi-Vehicle Shipping: Open carriers have space for cars, and you can even put your car and bike, which means it would be perfect for you if you wanted to send off both a car and a motorcycle.
Fast and Efficient: Because open carriers are generally available and can pack many vehicles at one time, you might get a shorter transport period.
Cons of Open Transport:
Exposure to the Elements: In the case of cars and motorcycles, they are going to be exposed to the harsh elements, dust, and debris on the road during delivery. Though it is the case with most motorcycles, the issue is not that big as they are made in a way that they can handle outdoor elements.
Less Security: Even though the vehicles are fastened, they are not in an enclosed space, which means that there is a higher chance of getting a minor scratch or dent due to the exposure to the environment.
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Enclosed Auto Transport
If extra protection is required, say for a very valuable or a classic car, then the safe way is enclosed auto transport. The latter means that the auto(also a bike) will be brought to you in a fully closed-off trailer thereby fully protecting it from any weather changes or road dirt.
Pros of Enclosed Transport:
Maximum Protection: Enclosed trailers provide the most total protection against the elements, dust, debris, and other possible hazards.
Security: When the enclosed carrier option is selected, theft and vandalism are the least of your worries since your both car and motorcycle are secured in a closed space – so you can relax knowing that they are well kept.
Moreover, it is highly recommendable to take the assistance of enclosed transport if you are a luxury car owner and willing to ship your car to any place in any kind of weather. In general terms, the enclosed way of transport is akin to giving your car an extra layer of skin outdoor but it is very efficient in keeping your car safe from the bad weather and at the same time, it allows you to enjoy your car’s sleek design.
Cons of Enclosed Transport:
Higher Cost: Basically, the more added protection and the specialized nature of a service, the more pricey the service will be. Hence, enclosed transport is usually very expensive.
Limited Availability: The number of enclosed carriers is fewer than open ones, thus the scheduling options may be restricted.
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Vehicle Shipping Service with Dedicated Truck
If you want a service that is highly customized, then a dedicated vehicle shipping service would be the right choice. In this way, a car and a motorcycle are loaded together onto a dedicated trailer, no other vehicles are shipped at the same time, usually. This can result in a faster and more customized service.
Advantages of Shipping with a Dedicated Truck:
Transport at the Top of the List: Since your vehicles are the only ones on the trailer, they can be delivered faster, and you may have more flexibility with pickup and delivery dates.
Total Ownership: When you ship via the dedicated option, you are the one who decides everything about the timetable and thus have the maximum convenience.
Cons of Dedicated Shipping:
More Expensive: Just from the title, one can tell that dedicated shipping is a luxury option and the price can be several times more than the other methods.
Perhaps Not Everywhere: It is quite possible that this service is not accessible for all routes or that more effort is needed for its establishment.
How to Prepare Your Motorcycle and Car for Shipping
First off, when both a motorcycle and a car are to be shipped together, it is paramount that these two units be well prepared so that they will not get damaged during the process of transportation. The following are steps to be taken before shipping:
- Prepare the Car
Clean the Vehicle: A clean car is a better way to spot any possible damages that might be already existing.
Check Fluids and Tire Pressure: Make sure all fluids in the car (oil, coolant, etc.) are up to the mark and tires are inflated to the correct pressure.
Remove Personal Items: If you are going to ship your car in either an open or enclosed carrier, please take off personal belongings inside the car to avoid getting them damaged and for the vehicle’s safety.
- Prepare the Motorcycle
Clean the Motorcycle: Like the car, also, in the case of the motorcycle, washing it will lead to easy inspections, and it will certify that there are no hidden damages.
Check the Battery: Make sure the motorcycle battery is in good shape and fully charged.
Fuel Level: It is a general advice of shipping companies to leave the motorcycle with no more than a quarter of the gas tank filled so as to avoid any spills during the transport.
Secure Loose Parts: Take off the cover or if necessary, detach any part like mirrors or sacks so that they won’t get damaged during delivery.
- Insurance and Documentation
First, make sure that your car as well as your motorcycle are fully insured during the transportation. Although most transport companies with good repute supply comprehensive insurance for the duration of the transport, it is better if you also take out some extra insurance just to feel at ease. Also, if the carrier asks for them, it would be convenient for you to have on hand all the necessary documents like the title and registration.
Costs of Shipping Motorcycles Alongside Cars
The car and motorcycle shipping cost can wildly differ primarily due to several different factors including.
Distance: The length of your shipment is the main determinant of the cost. The price is higher in the case of a cross-country shipment or a longer local shipment.
Vehicle Type: The shipping cost for a truck or SUV is usually higher than that for a motorcycle to, say, a car, if it’s a small vehicle of average weight.
Transport Method: The prices for open transport are the lowest, but those for enclosed transport and dedicated services are much higher.
Seasonality: The demand for shipping during holidays and the hot summer months is always high, which causes a peak in shipping rates.
To get an accurate quote, contact a car and motorcycle shipping company like 1st Car Shipping to discuss your specific needs.
Conclusion
In the event that you have to relocate both vehicles, transporting the motorcycles alongside cars is a viable and effective way. Regardless of whether you go for open transport, enclosed transport, or dedicated shipping, the essential thing is to select the way that suits your money, timing, and the extent of security for your vehicles.
We, at 1st Car Shipping, provide various alternatives for car and motorcycle shipments. Our capable team guarantees that your vehicles are done in the safest and most efficient way. Get in touch with us to get a vehicle shipment plan and a quote!
