How to Prepare Your Motorcycle for Safe Shipping

Posted by James Anderson on November 23rd, 2018

If you are moving to a new place, riding your bike all the way there may sound adventurous, but it is not always feasible. This is where a shipping service can help you out. However, before you hand over your bike to the shipping professionals, you must prepare it for the journey. Your shipping company can advise you best on the preparation they require on your part.

This post outlines some professional suggestions for preparing the vehicle to safely execute the motorcycle shipping to the destination.

• Make a Checklist

Usually, the shipping company will provide you with a detailed list of what is required. You can always ask them about the preparation procedure and make your own checklist. The usual regulations are related to the amount of gas and fuel in the tank, restrictions regarding personal belongings left in the bike, and other factors. If these are not checked beforehand, the problem arises while loading the shipment on the vessel.

• Check for Leaks

Ensure that your vehicle does not leak any kind of liquid like oil, and water. In case there is any leakage in your bike’s fuel tank, it will not be loaded on-board on the vessel or another medium of transport. The leaks have to be repaired by the customer at their own expenditure before handing over the vehicle to the shipping company.

• Record the Existing Damage

Clean the bike thoroughly and then take note of the existing problems with your vehicle. This will help it to pass easily through the customs and quarantine inspections in the destination location if you are shipping it overseas. Take note of the chips, dents, scratches and similar cosmetic damage. Also, note down the various mechanical issues that are existing and unresolved. The best way to keep track is taking photographs of the bike from different angles, focusing on existing damages. Keep your shipping company personnel notified of the existing damage to avoid any controversies later on.

• Consider Overall Condition

The bike should be in a condition to ride it when it is shipped overseas through RORO shipping in particular. The keys should be left in the ignition. Motorcycle shipping will require riding the bike on and off the vehicle and hence certain shipping companies recommend filling one-fourth of the tank with fuel. However, many shipping companies do not want to be responsible for the keys and you must check with the shippers regarding their preferences.

• Check the Fuel Regulations

There are major rules and regulations regarding fuel in the tank during motorcycle shipping. Usually, the shipping company will ask you to entirely empty the tank or three-fourths of the tank capacity. The fuel contains volatile chemicals like gasoline which is highly flammable. This is majorly asked for ensuring safety on the shipping vehicle and to protect your shipment.

• Last-Minute Inspection

Before the bike is loaded on the vehicle, ensure that you have taken care of all the pre-loading preparations. For ensuring safe shipping, charge the batteries well before it is loaded. Also, make sure the tires are completely inflated. They act as a suspension and cushion for the bike while it is in transit. Ensure you have repaired any leaks in the fuel tank. Take a couple of pictures of the bike for documenting the condition.

The motorcycle shipping will be safely done when you prepare your vehicle to fulfill the regulations and choose a standard company which promises quality service. If you have any questions on the different preparations needed before vehicle shipping in Canada, you can always get in touch with the representatives of Viamar Scilla Transport International for help.