RonK wrote:
VinnieV wrote:
Do you have any idea how much it would cost to ship to Nebraska??
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All you have to do is Google "how much to ship a motorcycle from X to Y" and you will have several shipping sites to give estimates. I would guess about $450.to $500.
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I used to flip motorcycles via eBay and had to build crates, which was fairly simple, after which I'd use a trucking company called Forward Air (FA) to ship, and they were cheap compared to others (they're primarily a nationwide freight forwarder for other trucking companies; the middle guy).
Forward Air then figured out there was a market for this so they built and offered a dedicated motorcycle shipping container for just this purpose, including tie down mounts inside. Just roll the bike in, strap it down, and close it up. Plan on using 4-6 motorcycle tie downs to secure it well.
You can go to
www.ForwardAir.com to see what they charge. You'll need to call for a quote. You just ride or haul your bike to their terminal and load it up. Be sure to check on the container dimensions before you make the trip because you may need to roll your handlebars down or similar.
Shipping used to be REALLY cheap but their prices have risen, especially if you're using their container.
I just checked and they've changed their website a bit. It used to have a motorcycle link so I guess you have to call them to check on the containers. They also used to have a
map of the USA with all of their local 'beyond' waypoints but now they just list their own dedicated
main terminals (the ones they own, usually near major airports). Despite their name, they don't fly your stuff, they truck it all.
Here's the list of states. The Seattle terminal is in Fife, WA.
https://www.forwardair.com/locations/search?search=WA
UPDATE: I found the USA map with all of their terminals and beyond points (cartage). The RED cities are their FA terminals. The BLUE are their extra delivery cities. But here's the catch. Unless you have a FA account they won't give you a quote to the BLUE cities. Only to their RED terminals. But the destination terminal will recommend someone for you and it'll usually be a great price. Tell them you ship regularly and are shipping a motorcycle to a client in XYZ city and need a quote. Keep in mind that if you're not shipping to a commercial location they'll charge you extra (residential) because they'll need a liftgate to get it off the truck (as opposed to a forklift).
Here's the USA map:
https://www.forwardair.com/locations/cartage
Shipping is cheapest between dedicated FA terminals. Once you add an extra stop beyond the terminals the price goes up. You're best to agree to drop off and pick up at whatever FA terminal is closest. If you build your own pallet then adding a beyond point is simple but with the FA container it may not be allowed because the local trucking company would have to bring it back to FA at an extra fee (check with them).
What I used to do was call the destination FA terminal and ask them to recommend a local trucking company for the additional stop. Then I'd call them to get a quote and arrange the shipment to the extra stop. They'd usually bill me but the FA shipment is always paid in advance via money order (their rules). If you do use an extra company to deliver to a beyond point you'll need to add them to the Bill of Lading (paperwork) as an authorized shipper. You list the buyer as the 'consignee' (your buyer) and put the second shipper as the authorized agent to pick the shipment up (XYZ Trucking). Be sure to have your buyer's phone number as well as the extra trucking company.
FA will help you with the paperwork if you have any questions while dropping it off. It's pretty basic.
Of course you'll want to drain the fuel in advance (I believe they require this but they have no way of checking. Don't drain the oil but do tell them you did if they ask). Don't forget to include keys and anything else that goes with the bike. I used to ship the title and paperwork separately via FedEx just to be safe. Aside from natural disaster FA can ship to any of their terminals in the nation in five days or less. They're fast and efficient.
Payment via PayPal is the simplest and there's no charge if you send it as a 'personal payment' (friends or family). Otherwise there's about a 3% fee taken out when the seller receives the money ($30 on a $1000 payment).
Feel free to ask and I'll answer any other questions you may have.