Shipping a Motorcycle After an Online Purchase or Auction

Confirm the motorcycle and seller before booking transport

Transportation should not be used as a substitute for checking the motorcycle or purchase. Confirm the seller's identity, the motorcycle's VIN and ownership documents, its actual condition, and the terms of the sale. If possible, inspect the motorcycle yourself or use a qualified independent inspection service.

Moto Relay arranges transportation; it does not authenticate advertisements, inspect motorcycles, hold purchase funds, guarantee mechanical condition, or resolve disputes between a buyer and seller.

Make sure the motorcycle is released and ready

A carrier should not arrive while payment, paperwork, auction fees, storage charges, or release authorization are still unresolved. Ask the pickup location to confirm that the motorcycle can leave and that an authorized person will be available during the agreed pickup window.

For a dealer or auction pickup, collect:

• Business or facility name and complete pickup address
• Operating hours and any appointment rules
• Buyer, release, stock, gate-pass, or lot number
• Name and phone number of the release contact
• Confirmation that all holds and required fees are cleared

Get an accurate condition report from the seller

Ask the seller whether the motorcycle starts, runs, steers, brakes, rolls freely, and has inflated tires. Request current photographs from every side, including close views of existing damage and accessories. Those details help prevent a quote or loading plan from being based on an inaccurate advertisement.

If it does not run, use our non-running motorcycle shipping guide to confirm whether it is eligible for Moto Relay service.

Choose open or enclosed transport

Open transport is practical for many purchases. Enclosed transport shields the motorcycle from weather and road debris and may be a priority for a rare, restored, custom, collectible, or high-value motorcycle. The actual route, motorcycle, timing, dimensions, and suitable carrier availability determine the options.

Compare both in our open versus enclosed motorcycle transport guide. For a special purchase, also review our classic, custom, and restored motorcycle shipping guide.

Coordinate pickup when you are not there

The buyer does not normally need to travel to the seller's location. Provide reliable phone numbers for both pickup and delivery contacts, and make sure each person knows the carrier will coordinate timing. The independently assigned carrier handles physical pickup, loading, securement, transit, unloading, and delivery.

Moto Relay provides door-to-door service rather than depot-to-depot shipping. A large transport vehicle may require a nearby accessible meeting point if it cannot safely or legally reach the exact address. See our door-to-door motorcycle transport guide.

Information Moto Relay needs for the quote

• Complete pickup and delivery ZIP codes or cities
• Motorcycle year, make, model, and modifications
• Whether it runs, rolls, steers, brakes, and has inflated tires
• Seller, dealer, or auction contact information and operating hours
• Any release procedure, reference number, or pickup deadline
• Open, enclosed, or both transport preferences
• Any address-access restrictions at pickup or delivery

Moto Relay prices the actual route and shipment instead of promising a generic national average. Learn about the variables in our motorcycle shipping cost guide.

Before the carrier arrives

• Confirm the motorcycle is fully released and accessible.
• Remove or secure loose accessories and personal property.
• Have keys available when applicable.
• Make sure the pickup contact can review the motorcycle's condition.
• Tell Moto Relay immediately if the condition or pickup situation changes.

Share the complete motorcycle preparation checklist with the seller before pickup.

Online purchase and auction shipping questions