HOW TO CHOOSE A MOTORCYCLE TRANSPORTER

Choosing a Motorcycle Transporter

Choosing the right motorcycle transporter comes down to choosing the company you’re most comfortable with. Once you have received bids from carriers, you have a limited time to accept the winner. You should choose your motorcycle hauler based on their authority, insurance, and experience. Only once you verify carriers’ credentials should you start to compare motorcycle hauling quotes and service levels. There are enough legal, experienced motorcycle hauling companies available that you should have no problem finding one that fits your needs.

• • Make sure you know the type of trailer you want for transporting your motorcycle and make sure the company you hire offers this service. You have the option of enclosed and open trailers. For help on choosing the type of trailer that is right for you, view our helpful guide here.

• • Communicate with carriers using the question and answer function on your listing. Here you can clarify one another’s questions and get a clear understanding of all issues before booking.

• • Check each transporter that you consider for DOT and MC numbers. All motorcycle transporters are required to be registered with the Department of Transportation and must have an active DOT and MC number. The exceptions to this rule are forwarders and brokers, who only have MC numbers. Registered motorcycle transporters have the licensing, accountability, and quality you want in somebody you are trusting with your personal belongings.

• • Review your motorcycle transporter’s insurance coverage and liability on their uShip profile. Carriers are required to have both liability and cargo insurance to legally transport your motorcycle. Request written proof of your carrier’s coverage before entering into a deal with them. Read the fine print, and make sure the coverage is appropriate for your transaction. Your personal motorcycle insurance will probably not cover your motorcycle in transport, but it’s a good idea to check in and ask what you are covered for in the transit process.

• • Evaluate your transporter’s uShip profile for feedback. By viewing the feedback left by previous customers, you can see how the carrier performed on shipments similar to yours, and their previous success with clients. Make sure the transporter has experience shipping motorcycles; an excellent car transporter may have never shipped a motorcycle before. After the transaction is complete, we encourage you to leave feedback and share your experience. This way, you can help future customers decide on a vehicle transporter. There’s no better way to thank your transporter for a job well done than by leaving a glowing feedback score and comment.

• When choosing the best motorcycle shipping quote, let your knowledge and research be your tools. By researching transportation companies and asking them questions, you can choose the best hauler for you. Some questions you may want to ask a carrier include: What are your pickup and delivery procedures? Do you have any specific policies or procedures I should be aware of? What are your payment and deposit procedures?

Your decision is based on the carrier’s ability to accommodate your time schedule, type of service they offer, insurance, price, and credibility. Use common sense and follow the uShip terms and conditions when choosing a transporter for a comfortable and safe transaction.

AUTHOR

Lisa Friedrich

April 12, 2012