By Motorcycle Transporters
The Best Motorcycle Shipping Company in Washington State: What Riders Should Look For
If you are searching for the #1 motorcycle shipping company in Washington State, the first thing to know is that most shipments here cover real distance. Washington State is about as far from our Richmond, Virginia base as you can get, so many shipments are true coast to coast runs. Geography adds a few wrinkles of its own. Island and peninsula addresses that need a ferry may mean meeting the truck on the mainland. Rain is part of life in Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Everett and Olympia, and winter snow on Snoqualmie Pass can slow a trip east toward Spokane. Washington State is also home to a lot of military families around Tacoma, Bremerton and Whidbey Island. This guide covers what a good shipper does, typical costs and timing, and how to get your bike ready. Motorcycle Transporters ships motorcycles to and from Washington State door to door in fully enclosed trailers.
What motorcycle shipping in Washington State costs and how long it takes
- Most shipments to or from Washington State
- $750 to $1,200
- Coast to coast (for example Seattle to Virginia)
- About $1,300
- Transit time
- 10 to 15 business days
Your price depends on distance, the size and type of bike, whether it runs, how easily a truck can reach each address and how flexible your dates are. These are typical figures, not a quote. Our motorcycle shipping prices page explains how quotes are built, and you can request a free quote for your shipment.
What the best motorcycle shipping company in Washington State does
A cross-country trip that starts in the Pacific Northwest rain needs a shipper who keeps the bike dry, secure and on schedule. Look for:
- A fully enclosed trailer. Rain, road spray, winter grime and rock chips stay outside, and the bike is out of view whenever the truck stops. Read about enclosed motorcycle transport.
- Soft tie-down straps. Soft loops wrap solid frame points, so no metal hooks touch paint or chrome, and the bike rides upright without strain on the bars, levers or fairings.
- Door-to-door service. The driver comes to your home, dealer, shop or storage unit, or to a mainland meeting spot you agree on. See how it works.
- Insured carriers. Ask who provides coverage and how claims work, and make sure the bike is checked at pickup and again at delivery.
- A quote for your exact shipment, based on your bike, both addresses and your dates.
- Live agents who answer. A real person should pick up 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm ET. Ours are at (866) 216-7742.
- The ability to palletize non-running bikes and projects.
For the full checklist, read how to choose the best motorcycle transportation company.
Palletized shipping: an option most shippers do not offer
We can palletize a motorcycle. It is rolled onto a pallet, set in a wheel chock and held with soft tie-downs, then moved as one secured unit. The bike does not need to run, which makes this a good choice for a project, a restoration headed to a builder, or a vintage or high-value motorcycle that should be handled as little as possible on a long route. Tell us about the bike when you request a quote and we will say whether it ships palletized or rolled into the trailer.
Get your Washington State motorcycle shipping quote
Tell us about your bike and both ZIP codes. A live agent replies with your price, usually the same day we are open.
Shipping a motorcycle within, into and out of Washington State
Out of Washington State, bikes head east for moves, PCS orders and sales to buyers across the country. Coast to coast runs are routine for us.
Into Washington State, bikes arrive with new residents and new duty stations, and from neighboring Oregon and California when riders buy or move up the coast.
Within the state, a bike might go from Spokane to a shop in Seattle, or from Vancouver to a new home in Everett. Routes that cross Snoqualmie Pass in winter can take longer. For the regions we serve, see our Washington motorcycle shipping page or the service areas map.
Why Washington State riders ship instead of ride
- Military moves. Service members around Tacoma, Bremerton and Whidbey Island often ship a bike to the next duty station. Read our military PCS motorcycle shipping guide.
- Coast to coast moves. Crossing the whole country on a motorcycle takes days you may not have.
- Rain and winter passes. Shipping keeps the bike off wet roads and away from a snowy Snoqualmie Pass.
- Buying out of state. Skip the trip out and the long ride back on an unfamiliar bike.
- Projects and restorations. Non-running bikes need to move without being ridden.
- Protecting a new or vintage bike. Fewer miles means a lower odometer and less grit on the paint.
Washington State tips: ferries, rain and Snoqualmie Pass
- Where we pick up and deliver. Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Everett, Olympia, Spokane and Vancouver, plus the towns in between.
- Ferry addresses. If you live on an island or peninsula that needs a ferry, we may meet on the mainland. We agree on the spot ahead of time.
- Plan for Snoqualmie Pass. Winter snow on the pass can slow trips between western Washington and Spokane, so leave some slack in your dates.
- Expect rain. The trailer keeps the bike dry on the road, and a covered or garage pickup spot keeps it dry while it is loaded.
- PCS timing. Book as soon as you have your report date, and tell us if you live on base so we can plan where to meet.
- Title and registration. If you bring a bike in from another state, check with the Washington State Department of Licensing for the current title and registration steps.
How to get your bike ready for pickup
A little prep makes pickup quick and gives you a clear record of the bike. Our guide on how to prepare a motorcycle for shipping covers every step. In short:
- Wash the bike and take dated photos of every side.
- Leave about a quarter tank of fuel or less.
- Empty the saddlebags and remove loose accessories.
- Turn off the alarm and have the keys ready for the driver.
- Tell us about anything unusual, such as a lowered bike, a leak or a bike that does not run.
Why riders call Motorcycle Transporters
We are based in Richmond, Virginia and ship motorcycles to and from Washington State and nationwide. Every bike travels door to door in a fully enclosed trailer, held with soft tie-down straps, with insured carriers.
A real person answers when you call. Live agents are available 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm ET, to plan around ferries, mountain passes and report dates before you book, and to keep you updated while the bike is on the road. Shipping on the East Coast too? See our guide to the best motorcycle shipping company in Virginia. When you are ready, request a free quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to ship a motorcycle in Washington State?
Most motorcycle shipments to or from Washington State cost between $750 and $1,200. Coast to coast, such as Seattle to Virginia, is about $1,300. Your exact price depends on distance, the bike, whether it runs, access at each address and your dates.
How long does shipping take?
Plan on 10 to 15 business days for most shipments. We will tell you what to expect for your route when you book.
I live on an island that needs a ferry. Can you still pick up my motorcycle?
Yes, though we may need to meet on the mainland. We agree on the meeting spot ahead of time so pickup goes smoothly.
Will snow on Snoqualmie Pass delay my shipment?
It can in winter, especially on trips between western Washington and Spokane. Leave some slack in your dates and we will keep you updated.
I have PCS orders out of Tacoma, Bremerton or Whidbey Island. Can you ship my motorcycle?
Yes. Book as soon as you have a report date and send us both addresses. See our military PCS motorcycle shipping page for more.
I am moving to Washington State. What do I need to register my motorcycle?
Check with the Washington State Department of Licensing for the current title and registration steps. We handle getting the bike to your door.
Do you ship non-running motorcycles?
Yes. We can palletize the bike so it does not need to start or run. Tell us when you request a quote, since it can change the price.
How do I get a quote?
Fill out our free quote form with both addresses, your motorcycle and your dates, or call (866) 216-7742. Live agents answer 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm ET.
Follow Motorcycle Transporters on Facebook for new rides and shipping tips.
Get a free quote
Ready to ship your motorcycle in Washington State? Call (866) 216-7742 or request a free shipping quote. Motorcycle Transporters is based in Richmond, VA and ships nationwide.