Motorcycle Shipping Worldwide: Crating & Best Practices

12.11.2025

Shipping a motorcycle internationally is a bit more involved than simply loading it on a truck — especially when you’re shipping overseas, across long distances, or you have a high-value bike. With the right preparation, equipment, and knowledge you can ensure your ride arrives safely, on time, and in the condition you expect.

In this article we’ll cover:

  • Why crating matters & when to choose it

  • The best practices for preparing your motorcycle for transport

  • How to choose the right shipping method and protect your asset

  • Sources and statistics to support the process

What is crating?

Crating involves placing your motorcycle into a custom-built wooden or metal crate (or shipping box) which is then loaded into a container or other transport method. The crate helps to minimise movement, protect against weather and transit damage, and provide higher level of safety.

When to crate?

According to sources:

  • Crating is strongly recommended for high-value, vintage, modified or custom motorcycles, long-haul international shipping, or where extra protection is needed. YK Freight+2citizenshipper.com+2

  • For example, one guide says crating “provides the highest level of protection… eliminating unnecessary movement or shifting” when shipping. citizenshipper.com

  • Another points out that most international motorcycle shipments are done via container/crate methods: “approximately 80% of motorcycles being shipped internationally are transported via containerized methods.” A-1 Auto Transport, Inc.

Benefits of crating

  • Keeps the bike immobile, reducing risk of damage from shifting or vibration. Cratex Ind. Packing

  • Protects from weather, salt, dust, debris especially on long ocean or international routes. citizenshipper.com

  • Helps with specialised bikes or ones with delicate finishes or accessories that need extra care. YK Freight+1

2. Best Practices for Preparing Your Motorcycle for Shipping

 Pre-shipping check and documentation

  • Thoroughly wash your motorcycle so you can inspect and photograph it clearly. GoWorldCargo

  • Take detailed photos from multiple angles, including existing scratches, dents, modifications — this will help if you ever need to claim insurance. GoWorldCargo+1

  • Remove or secure loose accessories (mirrors, saddlebags, GPS units, loose parts) so they don’t get damaged during shipping. AA Motorcycle Shipping

 Mechanical / safety preparation

  • Reduce fuel level (many guides say drain to a minimal level). For crated or international shipments, often less than ¼ full. Mad or Nomad+1

  • Disconnect the battery or secure it to avoid electrical issues. Schumacher Cargo

  • Check tires, brakes, fluid leaks — anything loose or damaged could cause issues in transit. GoWorldCargo

 Crating & container loading best practices

  • Single bike per crate: In many cases, each motorcycle should have its own crate because of customs/clearance and risk of damage from other bikes. Mad or Nomad

  • Crate size matters: The smaller the crate volume (while still safe) the better — shipping costs often depend on volume/size. Mad or Nomad

  • Use high-quality tie-downs, wheel chocks, padding and secure the bike to the floor of the container or crate. daguerlogistics.com+1

  • Label crates clearly — include name, contact info, bike model/make, orientation of crate. Helps for customs, port operations. tciships.com

 Transport method & route considerations

  • For overseas shipping: container shipping or crated bikes inside containers are common. One source says ocean shipping for a motorcycle typically ranges $1,000–$2,000 depending on method and destination. daguerlogistics.com

  • Open vs enclosed transport: Within domestic or shorter hauls, open transport may be cheaper but carries more risk of exposure. Crated or enclosed methods reduce risk. motorcycling.ca

  • Choose trustworthy carriers, check their experience with motorcycle shipping, foreign customs. motobirds.com

3. Key Cost & Time Factors

Cost factors include:

  • Shipping method (crated vs non-crated)

  • Distance and route (overseas vs domestic)

  • Bike size/weight, accessories/modifications

  • Destination country import/export conditions and customs delays.

For example, one estimate: “[International motorcycle shipping costs] range between $1,000 and $2,000… Crated shipping by carrier: $1,000–$2,000; ocean freight (LCL or FCL): $1,300–$1,700; air freight: $2,000–$3,000+.” daguerlogistics.com+1

Time factors include:

  • Mode: Sea freight takes significantly longer (weeks) compared to air freight — but air is much more expensive. daguerlogistics.com+1

  • Customs & port delays — documentation, inspections can add days or weeks.

  • Preparation time (crating, prepping bike, pickup/delivery).

4. How to Choose Your Shipping Partner & Why It Matters

When your bike is valuable or you’re shipping internationally, choosing the right logistics partner makes a big difference. Here are qualities to look for:

  • Proven experience in motorcycle shipping (particularly overseas)

  • Offers crating or container-secure options, and knows how to load for transport stability

  • Transparent pricing, clear documentation, and good insurance options

  • Clear communication: status updates, tracking, logistics route clarity

  • Knowledge of destination country import requirements, customs, duties

One blog warns: > “Ask as many questions as possible… make sure the company is licensed and insured… check their experience.” motorcycling.ca

5. Final Tips & Takeaways

  • If you have a high-value, vintage or modified motorcycle — strongly consider crating.

  • Document your bike’s condition thoroughly before shipping.

  • Choose an experienced shipping partner who offers full crating or enclosed transport options.

  • Be realistic about cost and time — overseas shipping takes weeks and has extra handling.

  • Ensure proper insurance, label your shipment clearly, and prepare all required documents.

  • Properly secure your motorcycle inside the crate/transport to reduce risk of damage.

Summary

Shipping your motorcycle worldwide doesn’t have to be stressful — but it does demand attention to detail, proper preparation, and the right partner. Crating is a key best practice when you’re transporting long distances, shipping internationally, or handling a high-value bike. Follow the steps above, and your bike will arrive ready for the road, not for repair.

At All Cargo Export, we specialise in international vehicle shipping — including motorcycles — and work with premium crating, secure transport, and expert logistics from start to finish. Let us handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on where you’ll ride next.