USA – EUROPE SHIPPING

One of the best things about making plans to ship a motorcycle to Germany is that it has been done on a regular basis for several years. Not only that, but motorcycles are smaller and easier to handle compared to automobiles, trucks and boats. This opens up possibilities for airline transport that are sometimes not available with many large items or multiple-vehicle shipments. Many motorcycle buyers who prefer to stay in Europe and have a motorcycle shipped to their door report success with major airline and ocean freight companies.

Arrangements should begin two or three months ahead of the shipping date and you should plan to have the motorcycle at the dock or airport no less than 72 hours prior to departure time. In fact, with smaller cars and motorcycles it’s possible to simply ride or drive right into the airline warehouse or cargo building. The company will usually ask you to ride the motorcycle onto the shipping pallet, where it will be secured by port crew members. This may be the quickest, most efficient way to ship a motorcycle to Germany.

While prices for this service vary greatly depending on starting point, specific destination and any detailed requirements, paying to ship a motorcycle to Germany will generally cost just a few hundred dollars, though costs can range up to $1,000. Those who have experience in having a motorcycle shipped to Europe advise people to start the planning process at least a month ahead of time, though two months or more might be even wiser.

Aside from costs, you should settle insurance details well ahead of time. Be sure to have vehicle registration, title and tax documents complete and in order well before you start the motorcycle’s journey toward the airport or shipping dock. Cost calculations should include registration, title, taxes, land-transport insurance, storage at both sending and receiving points, off-loading costs and delivery expenses. If you decide to put your motorcycle on an ocean-going vessel, consider both roll on/roll off option and shared container options. The price will be quite a bit different, of course. All of these are crucial when you ship a motorcycle to Germany.

Finally, make sure that the person who will start and move the motorcycle in Germany has the proper driver’s license. In addition, it will be necessary to have documentation proving insurance for the motorcycle itself as well as liability to cover damages and injury to others. With motorcycle shipping you should also have sufficient theft insurance!

Even though it is relatively easy to ship a motorcycle to Germany, it may be wise to enlist the help of an experienced and reliable freight or shipping services company. For a small percentage of the overall cost, these companies can make the process go quite smoothly.