Motorcycle Transports to the U.S.(except Alaska)
AIR FREIGHT CURRENTLY NOT POSSIBLE DUE TO CURRENT EVENTS, WE ARE WORKING ON ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT OPTIONS
General Information
Packaging
For transportation to the USA, the motorcycle must be packed in a crate. Just talk to your local motorcycle dealer, they are often happy if the outer packaging of new vehicles can be disposed of free of charge. You will usually have the best luck with dealers of Italian or Japanese manufacturers. Many brands have already switched to reusable packaging, but don’t be discouraged! Basically, it saves money to keep the box as small as possible, e.g. remove the front wheel. Alternatively, the packaging can be done by a company we use in Hamburg. However, this would be a much more cost-intensive option, as no dismantling is carried out on the motorcycle for liability reasons and the packaging is more generous. Additional luggage can also be packed, as long as it does not contain hazardous materials in accordance with aviation regulations (e.g. batteries/rechargeable batteries). (e.g. batteries/rechargeable batteries, methylated spirits, engine oil, spray cans)
When constructing the transport crate, it should be noted that heat-glued wood such as plywood, chipboard or OSB boards are used. These do not have to be certified separately. The crate must be completely closed, including the floor, especially during air transportation. This is the only way to ensure that no unwanted objects can be deposited by third parties. Our prices are calculated individually, so please specify the length, width and height (remove mirror / window!) and weight – the volume is primarily decisive, i.e. the smaller the crate, the lower the transport costs.
Transportation to the USA in a transport crate
It is possible to transport the motorcycle by air freight and by ship; in principle, every major city can be reached with direct international connections. You also have the option of booking a one-way transport only, fork transports and an outward journey by air and return journey by ship are also possible.
We advise against sea transport with a transport crate to the USA, the reason for this can be found in the section on the destination. The transport time by air is approx. 5 days, by ship approx. 5 weeks. It is possible to collect the packed crate from you by truck with a lifting platform and pallet truck.
Transport back in a transport crate
The US Department of Homeland Security prohibits the transportation of private goods by air freight on passenger aircraft out of the USA. For this reason, the goods must be transported on all-cargo flights, which significantly increases transportation costs. Transportation in a consolidated container is possible in principle, but also with the restriction that almost all shipping companies also do not accept private goods – a cost-intensive transport. We therefore recommend choosing one of our stations for sea transport in a consolidated vehicle container as the end point. See also our USA Oneway Import section
At the destination
After your arrival, contact the local representative of the airline or shipping company. After paying the local fees, customs clearance will take place. Now all you have to do is unpack the motorcycle and off you go! The time required at the airport is about 1 day, the empty crate is simply left behind.
Due to the long processing time of customs at the port of up to 5 working days and immense port fees of around US$ 400.00, the financial advantage by ship is not given. This only applies to sea transportation in a transport crate. We can still offer you sea transportation, but we cannot accept any liability for any additional time and money spent on site.
Customs
A Carnet de Passage is not required throughout North America. You will need an EPA exemption for temporary importation. You will receive the necessary instructions and customs documents from us after booking. For the final import of vehicles, please contact the automobile club or the local customs authorities for binding information.
Contract and payment
If you have decided to make a booking, we will draw up a forwarding contract, which you sign and return to us. The transport will be invoiced promptly upon collection/delivery of the motorcycle or before the motorcycle is handed over in Germany for the return transport, we do not charge a deposit upon conclusion of the contract!
Transport insurance
We offer optional transport insurance against total loss and transport damage to the motorcycle. The premium is 0.95% of the vehicle value, minimum € 160.00. Paint damage and oxidation are excluded, vehicles over 9 years old can only be insured against total loss. Any luggage stowed in the transport box is unfortunately not insurable, we recommend that you enquire about luggage insurance. In the event of damage, this must be visible from the outside, the excess is € 500.00 per claim.
Prices
The costs are based on the size of the transport crate and amount to approx. € 2,000.00 by air freight for a standard travel enduro from various airports in Germany to the usual destination airports plus airport charges on collection of approx. US$ 150.00. The return transport by air is charged at approx. € 4,000.00.
The prices are based on current tariffs and include the current fuel, dangerous goods and security charges in addition to the German handling charges. Please consider this as a rough price indication and let us know your transportation details for an exact calculation.
We hope this information has been helpful for you and we are looking forward to a feedback. Do you like to receive a detailed offer? Please inform us about measures of your box and your motorcycle as well as your planned travel time. We are pleased to submit an individual calculation free of charge.
Please control your spam folder for our replies, especially in case of gmail or googlemail accounts!