Welcome aboard!

Starting your motorcycle transport journey should feel exciting, not overwhelming. This guide will give you all the essential knowledge you need to move bikes safely, confidently, and profitably. If you’re already familiar with motorcycle hauling and just new to CitizenShipper, jump to Lesson 2 and start landing shipments faster.

And because we’re always improving, your suggestions and expertise are more than welcome in the comments below. Let’s grow together!

•   Lesson 1: Beginner’s Guide to Motorcycle Transportation
•   Lesson 2: Finding & Winning Motorcycle Shipments
•   Lesson 3: Pro Tips to Level Up Your Success
  

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Lesson 1: Beginners Guide to Motorcycle Transportation

Transporting a motorcycle for the first time might feel a bit intimidating, but great news! Motorcycles are actually one of the easiest vehicles to ship. With the right approach and a few affordable pieces of equipment, you’ll be able to handle them confidently, even on your own.

There are two primary methods you’ll use when transporting motorcycles:

1️⃣ Open Transport
2️⃣ Enclosed Transport

Both are beginner-friendly, and each comes with unique advantages depending on the situation. Let’s start by exploring Open Transport, the most common method used by new transporters.

Open Motorcycle Transport

Just like it sounds, this involves transporting the bike without a fully enclosed trailer. You can use various setups, such as:

• Open flatbed trailers
  
• Hitch mounts on a car, van, or RV
  
• A truck bed paired with ramps or a lift
  
  

This method gives you flexibility, keeps startup. When transporting a motorcycle on an open trailer or in your truck bed, always secure it correctly to avoid damage. Avoid attaching tie-down hooks to the handlebars or forks. These parts can easily scratch or bend during the trip. Instead, use solid anchor points and proper strapping techniques.

➡️ See this video for guidance on safely loading and securing a motorcycle in a truck bed.

Many transporters, from beginners to seasoned pros, rely on small flatbed trailers paired with durable tank straps. It’s a simple, affordable setup that keeps the bike stable and protected during transport.

➡️ Watch this video to learn more about transporting a bike using a flatbed trailer and straps.

Another great option is a hitch mount, think of it as a heavy-duty version of a bicycle rack designed for motorcycles. It attaches to the receiver hitch on the back of a car, van, or motorhome, making it convenient and space-efficient. Some models, such as the Versa Haul Sport, even include a secondary hitch capable of towing up to 3,000 lbs behind the bike carrier.

➡️ Check out this video for installation and setup instructions.

Costs low, and is perfect for building experience and confidence on your early shipments.

A double bike motorcycle trailer

Open Transport: Securing the Motorcycle

Motorcycle hitch mount

For those driving vans or RVs, there are plenty of options available. You could purchase a so-called “fifth wheel” hitch, allowing you to easily mount a motorcycle.

RV 5th wheel motorcycle hitch

The cost of these accessories varies depending on their size and weight capacity, but for an open trailer, you can expect to pay the costs below:

Cost Tips + Rental Option

The initial cost of equipment can be earned back quickly once you begin winning motorcycle transport jobs on CitizenShipper.

If you don’t plan to haul bikes often or don’t have space to store a trailer, you can rent a U-Haul motorcycle trailer as a great alternative. They’re affordable, easy to tow, and come with built-in features like:

• Loading ramp
  
• Tie-down attachment points
  
• Wheel lock systems
  

A smart option for anyone starting out or transporting only occasionally. 🚚✨

Two common types of wheel chocks, depending on tire size and motorcycle type

The most notable specs for a U-Haul motorcycle trailer rental include the following.

When towing a U-Haul motorcycle trailer, it is recommended to keep the speed below 55 mph (or even lower depending on road conditions).

U-Haul motorcycle trailer

Click here for more detailed instructions on how to load a motorcycle onto a U-Haul motorcycle trailer.

Enclosed motorcycle transport

Enclosed Motorcycle Trailers

A two-bike enclosed cargo trailer typically costs around US $4,500. Although it’s a larger investment, it provides significant advantages:

• ✔️ Protects bikes from damage during transport
  
• ✔️ Offers better security and peace of mind
  
• ✔️ Allows you to charge a higher rate for premium service
• ✔️ Helps build customer trust and win more bids
  

To learn more on how to properly secure a bike in an enclosed trailer using straps, check this video.

Motorcycles can also be blocked and braced inside the container for multiple bike transportation.

Motorcycle shipping container with wooden braces

Additional equipment

1️⃣ Transporting a motorcycle in a truck bed

If you're loading the bike into a pickup truck, a reliable lift or loading ramp is a must-have. Aluminum motorcycle ramps typically range from $70 to $400, depending on their length, weight capacity, and overall build quality.

Motorcycle aluminum ramp

Power lifts are a more advanced option, requiring no manual loading effort. They are far more expensive, rarely available for less than $1,500.

Motorcycle power lift

2️⃣ Secure the Motorcycle Properly

Once the bike is loaded onto the truck bed, make sure it’s firmly stabilized using wheel chocks and tie-down straps. These are also recommended when using open trailers or hitch-mounted carriers.

Choose wheel chocks based on the motorcycle’s wheel size — dirt bikes and sport bikes often require different fits. And avoid extra-long straps; loose ends flapping in the wind can scratch or damage the bike’s paint.

3️⃣ Add a Rear Wheel Restraint (for Wooden Floor Trailers)

For trailers with wooden floors, consider installing a rear wheel restraint (also known as a rear stand) to secure the back of the motorcycle. The type you’ll need depends on the specific motorcycle you’re transporting.

4️⃣ Consider a Lock-to-Frame System (Great for Dirt Bikes)

If you plan to transport mostly dirt bikes, a frame-locking system is a smart upgrade. Unlike standard wheel chocks or rear stands, this setup secures the bike directly by the frame, meaning:

• No need for straps, wheel chocks, or floor anchors
  
• Minimal strain on fork seals during transit
  
• Extra space freed up for more bikes or gear
  
  

💲 Cost Guide:

• Tie-down straps: $25–$50 per full set
• Locking restraints/hitch systems: up to ~$100 per pair
  

Open vs Enclosed Motorcycle Transport

Why choose an Enclosed Trailer?

• 🔐 Better security from theft or loss
  
• 🏍️ Can fit multiple bikes, ideal for stacking shipments
  
• 🧱 Stable structure for secure tie-down points due to four walls
  
• ☔ Full protection from weather and road debris
  
  

Why choose Open Transport?

• ⚡ Faster turnaround for short-distance trips
  
• 📅 Easier to rent on short notice
• 💸 Lower upfront cost, perfect for part-time shippers
  

Things to do before loading the Motorcycle

Before transport, ensure the customer prepares their motorcycle properly:

• 🧽 Clean the bike so any existing scratches or damage can be documented
  
• 🔋 Check fluids, battery, and tire pressure if the bike is operational
  
• ⛽ Keep fuel low. no more than ¼ tank for safe loading and transport
  
• ⚙️ Shift to neutral when loading unless you’re experienced doing it in gear
• 🧳 Remove loose accessories/items to prevent loss or damage
  

When loading a motorcycle, a helping hand is always appreciated

Before handing off the motorcycle, remember to take clear photos at both pickup and drop-off. Documenting the bike’s condition protects you from unwarranted insurance claims or disputes.

Licensing and endorsements

As you begin booking more motorcycle shipments, you’ll want to understand the state and federal requirements for commercial vehicle operation. Below are two of the most important regulations to be aware of. For additional updates or details, always check the FMCSA website.

• CDL requirements

Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.

• USDOT number requirements

You must have a USDOT Number if your gross combined weight (vehicle + trailer + load) is over 10,000 lbs.

🚚 How to Calculate Gross Combined Weight

To determine whether you pass the 10,000-lb threshold, add:

USDOT Number Requirements

A USDOT Number is required when the total combined weight of your loaded truck and loaded trailer exceeds 10,000 lbs.

How weight is calculated:

• Base Curb Weight
  Weight of the vehicle with a full tank of fuel and standard equipment
  (This number does not include passengers or cargo)

         Plus:

• Cargo Weight
  Any gear, tools, equipment, or the motorcycle
  
• Passenger Weight
  Driver + any passengers
  Trailer Tongue Weight (if applicable)

= Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)

Then add:

• Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
  Weight of the empty trailer + anything loaded on/in it
  

= Gross Combined Weight (GCW)

Your GCW must not exceed the manufacturer’s GCWR ratings, found in towing charts or the vehicle’s owner’s manual.

The gross trailer weight is the weight of the empty trailer combined with the weight of anything you put on or inside of the trailer. Below is a visual illustration from Ford’s Towing Guide.

Exemptions to Know

You are generally exempt from federal regulation when transporting vehicles:

✔ Casually
✔ Occasionally
✔ Reciprocally (e.g., favor for a friend)

But not when operating as a regular business activity
(Refer to: 49 U.S.C. § 13506(b)(2))

Check out our next lesson where we will explain to you how you can find motorcycle shipments on CitizenShipper as well as more information on your potential earnings.

We hope that this lesson has provided you with insights into the basics of motorcycle transportation.

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