I am moving a motorcycle. Can U-Pack help?

Can I ship my motorcycle across the country? 

When you’re moving across the country, it’s nice to be able to ship all your household goods together. If those belongings include a motorcycle, you’ll need to make sure the company you choose allows it. While most long-distance movers prohibit placing motorcycles in their moving equipment, that’s not the case with U-Pack® — you can ship your bike in a moving trailer or ReloCube® moving container in just a few easy steps. 

How to transport a motorcycle with U-Pack 

U-Pack is an ideal solution for moving out of state. And if you’re also shipping a motorcycle, lawnmower, or ATV, it’s even better! We can transport it all. It’s much easier than booking one service to move your belongings and another to ship your bike. Once you reserve your move, the equipment is guaranteed for your move date. The ReloCube offers ground-level loading and multiple tie-down points inside to secure the motorcycle for transport. While trailers sit off the ground, they come with a 2-ft. wide ramp for loading and unloading.  

Learn more about how U-Pack works. 

Here’s what to do if you’re planning to ship a motorcycle with U-Pack:

Reserve enough space for your bike 

U-Pack quotes are based on the size of your home, so if you’re also moving a motorcycle, we recommend reserving an extra ReloCube or a bit more space in the moving trailer. The good news is that you can use more or less space in the 28-ft moving trailer (down to a minimum of 5 linear feet), and we’ll adjust your price accordingly. And if you reserve too many ReloCubes, we’ll pick up unused ones for free. 

Gather shipping supplies 

You’ll need special shipping supplies to keep your motorcycle safe and secure during transit. 

• 5 - 6 ratchet straps 
• a wheel chock 
• handlebar loops 
• model-specific cover (or moving blankets and stretch wrap) 

Drain fuel from motorcycle 

Before loading the bike into the U-Pack equipment, drain the gasoline. Refer to the owner’s manual for instructions, or contact a local bike shop if you need help. Don’t forget to replace the fuel on arrival before you attempt to start the motorcycle. 

Properly load and secure the bike 

The best way to ensure your bike arrives at your destination in excellent condition is to take great care in protecting and securing it.  

Load it

Put the bike in neutral and push it into the moving equipment. Place it near the tie-down points or in the center of the container if you’re only moving the motorcycle.

Cover it

Use a model-specific cover or a moving blanket secured with stretch wrap to protect the bike from dirt, scratches or rubbing from straps.

Secure it

Use your handlebar loops, straps and wheel chock to tie down the motorcycle inside the moving equipment. Ask someone to help, or use the bike’s kickstand to keep it upright while you tighten straps.

• Use a strap on each side of the wheel chock to secure it to the logistics tracking on the sides of the moving equipment, then place the front wheel into the chock to prevent it from rolling forward. 
• Hook straps to the handlebars using your loops to balance the front. 
• Loop one or two straps around the rear tire, foot-peg, frame or swing arm to keep the rear wheel from moving. 
• Check to make sure the straps won’t rub on the chrome parts of the bike, and use padding if needed to protect it. Ensure nothing can rub against the straps to damage or cause them to loosen during transit. 
• Tighten the straps evenly, making sure not to compress the motorcycle’s suspension fully. Once the straps are tight, remember to lift the kickstand if you used it. 

Looking for the cheapest way to ship your bike? 

U-Pack can move your belongings — including your motorcycle, ATV or lawnmower — door-to-door, or you can save hundreds by loading and unloading at a local service center. Get your free online quote today or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant. If you have questions about moving a motorcycle with U-Pack, let us know in the comments section below! We’re always happy to help! 

Need to move a car? U-Pack doesn’t transport automobiles, but we have solutions in this vehicle shipping guide.