Your motorcycle is one of your most cherished possessions, which is why handing it over to someone else to ship can be an anxiety-ridden event. Luckily there are steps you can take to significantly decrease the chances of anything going wrong.

Perhaps the most important thing is to give yourself plenty of time. You don’t want the unnecessary stress of having to rush or miss any important steps. Next, you’ll need to decide how you want your vehicle shipped. You can choose between an open or enclosed trailer, and may have the option of door-to-door shipping. Finally, you’ll need to gather quotes and insurance information from several carriers to find the best option for you. Using a nationally reputable shipping service can help reduce the time and stress of such a task, allowing carriers to bid on your business.

Once you’ve selected a reputable shipping company that meets your needs, it’s time to begin preparing your bike for transport. Begin by checking your vehicle for pre-existing damage. By documenting the condition of your motorcycle before pick-up, you can help reduce the hassle involved should you need to file an insurance claim.

To make sure you properly document all damage:

1. Thoroughly clean your motorcycle
2.  Note scratches, dents, chips or any other visible damage
3. Note any mechanical problems
4. Photograph your motorcycle from a variety of angles, and take detailed pictures of existing damage
5. Date all records and show them to your mover at pick-up

Now you’ll need to remove all loose items from your motorcycle. Your service provider will generally not be held liable for these items, nor if any accessories are damaged or lost.

Be sure that your vehicle is in operable condition. While the shipping company will try to avoid it at all costs, there may be a situation where they need to move or transfer your motorcycle by driving it. Prepare for this by inflating the tires, charging the battery, filling the gas tank (either ¼ or ½ full) and checking all fluid leaks. To avoid any further complications, write down any special operating instructions for the carrier.

On the scheduled delivery date, be early and prepared. Remember to have your carrier’s preferred method of payment and carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage. In most cases, your bike will arrive in its original condition. If there is any damage or disputes, follow your shipping company’s instructions for filing a claim. Insurance claims should be filed and typically settled within a few weeks.

This information was provided by Uship.com, an online shipping company designed to help you save up to 80% on motorcycle shipping by having transport companies bid on your listings.