Cross country shippig

[noire]

My buddy and I want to do a coast to coast run and have the bikes shipped to the east coast and ride back. Has anyone had any experience with any of these shipping outfits? Reliability is of course very important as we don't want to arrive there and have to wait for the bikes. Any comments, thoughts and suggestions greatly appreciated.

Federal Motorcycle Transport

Dependable Auto Shippers

JC Motors

Haul Bikes

 

[BwanaDik]

I've used JC Motors (www.motorcycleshippers.com) and had good luck. Door to door (driveway to driveway?) shiping. Just be sure to allow time for the bike to get there, usually 2-3 weeks. I think you can pay more for direct shipping, less for "space available" shipping

 

[na1g]

Yep, I used Federal twice - MA to CA in 2000 for my Triumph Trophy 900, CA to MA in 2004 for my ST1300. Both times the bike arrived on-time, clean and undamaged. They have a surcharge if you want pick-up or drop-off at a residential address. The bike is carefully inspected, strapped to an oak skid and slid into the truck. On one trip my bike joined a couple of Ducatis and a Harley. On arrival, you get to inspect it again before signing off on it.

Call Federal and they will walk you through the process, or check out the on-line site advertised in the magazines for an estimate. They told me the gas tank had to be empty but nobody checked. They offer a discount to AMA members.

Of course, you could always ride both ways...

pete

 

[escapefjrtist]

I've used JC Motors once. Easy to check on the progress across the country via their website and driver. Did have to file a claim due to a scratch on mirror and saddlebag, but it was processed and paid w/o issue. Damage is a risk with any shipper unless the bike is completely crated... Good luck and have fun on the ride.

--G

 

[highcountry]

I used Haul Bikes this past Jan and have no complaints. I would use them again.

 

[verranth]

I'm in the middle of shipping 2 bikes with Haul Bikes (Daily Direct). From door to door. So far, no problems. The guy picked up the bikes in a huge 18 wheeler. Now, my sister is waiting for them to drop off the bike next week at her house. The price was ~$530 for each bike, if i remember correctly.

The only down side is that they do take your baby for 3 weeks from you =( . Luckily, I still have my FZ6R here with me. Now, if I only had two helmets...

 

[Fred W]

If it were me, I'd do it the opposite way. Ride the bike(s) to the East Coast and make arrangements in advance to ship 'em back home. Then fly home to meet them. That way you get to drop the bike off with the shippers and receive it at home later. And if anything goes awry it won't spoil your vacation ride.

 

[lotecredneck]

My buddy and I want to do a coast to coast run and have the bikes shipped to the east coast and ride back. Has anyone had any experience with any of these shipping outfits? Reliability is of course very important as we don't want to arrive there and have to wait for the bikes. Any comments, thoughts and suggestions greatly appreciated.
Federal Motorcycle Transport

Dependable Auto Shippers

JC Motors

Haul Bikes

I would use Haul Bikes as a last resort. It took 2 months for a friend of mine to get his KTM from California to Texas! They were horrible to communicate with and downright rude at times.

Tony

 

[3dogs]

I jused JC Motors to ship a Harley bagger. Worked great. They picked up the bike and strapped it to a skid. No damage at the other end--bike had bags and large windshield. I was given the tie downs as well. Took about a week from CA to MD. Would use them again.

 

[oldryder]

just a thought: ride them out and ship them back. then you don't have to worry about the bikes being there plus you getr to be there to arrange the shipping.

 

[thewoodman]

Another Happy JC Motors customer here. Have used them twice. They cover the bikes and the last two times they let me keep the covers.

 

[verranth]

Looks like JC has gotten most of the posters here. what where the prices and distances?

(Mine with Haul Bikes was ~$530 each from VA(DC area) to Houston TX.)

 

[noire]

Looks like JC has gotten most of the posters here. what where the prices and distances?
(Mine with Haul Bikes was ~$530 each from VA(DC area) to Houston TX.)

On line quote from JC from Seattle WA to Portland Maine $730

Thanks for all the response to this post it was very helpfull.