International motorcycle shipping requires a different approach to car shipping — and getting the details right makes a significant difference to both cost and the condition of your bike on arrival. After shipping thousands of motorcycles across six continents, here is what we have learned.
Choose the Right Shipping Method
Motorcycles can be shipped via RoRo, container (FCL or LCL/co-load) or air freight. Each suits different situations:
- RoRo: Not all RoRo operators accept motorcycles, and those that do often require the bike to be crated. Check availability on your specific route before assuming RoRo is an option.
- Container (co-load / LCL): The most common and cost-effective method for motorcycles. Your bike shares a container with other vehicles or cargo, with costs split proportionally. Our custom-built double-deck platforms mean we can load up to 26 bikes in a 40ft container — versus the standard 13 — significantly reducing the per-bike cost.
- Full container (FCL): Best for shipping a collection of bikes, or when you want guaranteed space and a sealed container for a single high-value machine.
- Air freight: The fastest option — 3–7 days door-to-door — but the most expensive. Best suited to competition bikes, high-value machines or urgent situations.
Preparation Before Handover
Proper preparation protects your bike and prevents issues at the destination port:
- Reduce fuel to approximately one quarter tank — same as cars, this is a port safety requirement
- Check for fluid leaks — oil or coolant leaks must be resolved before loading
- Remove loose accessories — panniers, top boxes, phone mounts, GPS units and anything else that could shift in transit should be removed or packed separately
- Check tyre pressure — properly inflated tyres distribute the bike's weight correctly during loading and securing
- Battery isolator — if your bike has one, engage it to prevent battery drain during a long sea transit
- Document the condition — photograph every panel, the exhaust, wheels and undercarriage before handover
How Bikes Are Secured in Containers
In a container, motorcycles are loaded upright and secured using a combination of wheel chocks and tie-down straps at multiple anchor points. The loading pattern and securing method vary by bike type, size and the number of machines in the container.
For our multi-bike containers, we build custom timber platforms that allow a second row of bikes to be elevated above the lower row — effectively doubling capacity within the same container footprint. This is a technique we have refined over many years and it is one of the things that sets our motorcycle shipping service apart.
High-Value and Classic Motorcycles
For rare, classic or high-value machines, a dedicated FCL is the right choice. The bike is the only cargo in the container, it is loaded by our specialist team, and the container is sealed and tracked for the entire journey. For extremely valuable machines, enclosed crating within the container adds an additional layer of protection.
Insurance for transit is available where required by the client — speak to our team about coverage appropriate for your machine's value.
Import Requirements at the Destination
Every destination country has its own import requirements for motorcycles. Common requirements include:
- Original proof of ownership / vehicle title
- Import duty payment (rates vary significantly by country)
- Compliance modifications (e.g. lighting, emissions standards in some markets)
- Local registration after customs clearance
Our team prepares all shipping documentation and works with local customs brokers at the destination to ensure clearance goes smoothly. We will advise you of any country-specific requirements for your destination before your bike departs.
Get in Touch
Whether you are shipping one bike or a container load, our team will find the most efficient and cost-effective solution for your route. Contact us for a free quote — we will need to know the bike's make, model and dimensions, the origin and destination, and your preferred timeline.