Everyone wants to know: what does it really cost to ship a used Harley across the country? I'll give you the straight answer – no BS, no hidden fees.
Why Shipping Costs Vary (And Why Most Dealers Rip You Off)
Here's the thing – most dealers charge $800 to $1,500 for shipping. Some even hit you with $2,000+ for cross-country moves. They're making money on shipping, plain and simple. That's not how I operate.
I charge $499 flat rate, nationwide. Whether you're in Los Angeles or New York City, Miami or Seattle – it's $499. No distance-based pricing, no fuel surcharges, no "market adjustments." Just $499.
What You Get for $499
When you ship with me, you get:
- Professional motorcycle transport – I use insured, licensed carriers who know how to handle Harleys
- Door-to-door service – They pick up from Milwaukee, deliver to your door
- Full insurance coverage – Your bike is covered during transport
- All paperwork handled – I take care of everything, you just sign when it arrives
- 3-7 day delivery – Most bikes arrive within a week
That's it. No surprises, no extra fees. $499.
Why I Can Do It for $499
Simple – I'm not trying to make money on shipping. I make money selling bikes. Shipping is just part of the service. I've got relationships with good transport companies, I ship enough bikes to get volume pricing, and I pass those savings to you.
Most dealers mark up shipping because they can. They know you want the bike, so they charge whatever they think you'll pay. That's not my style. I'd rather sell more bikes at fair prices than squeeze every dollar out of shipping.
What Other Dealers Charge (And Why)
I've seen dealers charge:
- $800-$1,200 for regional shipping (within 500 miles)
- $1,200-$1,800 for cross-country shipping
- $2,000+ for "premium" service or expedited delivery
They'll tell you it's because of fuel costs, driver wages, insurance – all that's true, but they're still making a profit on top. I'm not. $499 covers my actual cost plus a small buffer. That's it.
The Real Breakdown
Here's what shipping actually costs:
- Transport company fee: $350-$450 (depending on distance)
- Insurance: $50-$75
- Paperwork/coordination: $25-$50
- My margin: Basically nothing
That's why $499 works. I'm not trying to get rich on shipping – I'm trying to sell you a bike.
What Happens When You Ship
Here's the process:
- You buy the bike – We handle payment, title transfer, all that
- I schedule transport – Usually within 2-3 days of purchase
- Bike gets picked up – Professional carrier comes to Milwaukee, loads your bike
- In transit – You get tracking info, can see where your bike is
- Delivery – Driver calls ahead, delivers to your door
- You inspect and sign – Check it out, make sure everything's good, sign the paperwork
That's it. Simple, straightforward, no surprises.
Common Questions
What if the bike gets damaged? It's fully insured. If something happens (which is rare), insurance covers it. I've shipped hundreds of bikes and never had a major issue.
How long does it take? Usually 3-7 days, depending on distance. Coast-to-coast might take a week. Regional shipping is faster.
Do I need to be home? Yes, someone needs to be there to receive it. The driver will call ahead to schedule delivery.
What about winter shipping? We still ship year-round. The bikes are covered and protected. No issues.
The Bottom Line
Shipping a used Harley shouldn't cost $1,500. It shouldn't cost $1,000. It costs $499, flat rate, nationwide. That's what I charge, that's what you pay.
No dealer markup, no hidden fees, no BS. Just professional transport at a fair price.
Ready to ship a used Harley to your door? Browse my inventory or text me at 414-439-6211 to talk about what you're looking for. I'll get you current pricing and get that bike shipped for $499.
