The client required a 2011 Suzuki GSX-R600 be delivered from Ponchatoula, Louisiana to Somerton, Arizona. He wanted it there quickly, he wanted it done right, and he wanted it for a reasonable price.
Here’s precisely what happened.
The Timeline
November 9: A customer contacted us to ship his motorcycle.
November 12: This is the earliest available date. From the initial inquiry, we had been able to assign a carrier for delivery in three days.
November 15: Driver took the motorcycle from Ponchatoula, loaded it into an enclosed trailer, and headed west.
November 17: Motorcycle delivered to Somerton, Arizona. Two-day transit in three states.
From booking through to carrier assignment: 3 days.
Pickup to delivery: 2 days.
Total Distance: about 1,600 miles.
Importance of Enclosed Transport
The motorcycles we are shipping are only with an enclosed trailer. This was a better choice, but considering the route it would be taking, Louisiana to Texas and then Arizona, it was good.
Rain in East Texas, dust storms in West Texas, and cooling in New Mexico are the conditions to be expected for this trip in mid-November. An open carrier leaves bicycles unprotected to all of this. The dust can get into chains, brake calipers, and even under fairings. Water from rain may present a problem if it gets into certain places.
With enclosed transport, it is protected from the beginning of the transport until it is delivered. The GSX-R arrived clean, dry, and undamaged. That’s what we are expecting from enclosed transport.
The Execution
The driver handled this professionally. There were no delays at pickup. There was no breakdown in communications on the route. The delivery was completed in a timely fashion, and safety was maintained.
Two days is quite fast to cover this distance, which can be termed as a transport period. Cross-country deliveries of motorbikes take about three to five days on average, depending on the available routes. This was done within two days, meaning this shipment was a priority one.
The customer pointed out that this bike came “clean, dry, and with no damages whatsoever.”
That’s what careful loading, transportation, and unloading do.
What the Customer Paid
He found the price very affordable, he commented.
Enclosed motorcycle transport generally runs more expensive than open transport. This is exactly what you are paying for: specialized equipment and scarcity. A move from Louisiana to Arizona is normally in the range of $600 to $1,200.
“It means that affordable pricing does not necessarily mean cheap. It means that the price reflected the value received.” The customer received speedy delivery, protection, professional handling, and no damage. That costs money.
We quoted it to him from the beginning, nothing extra, no surprise charges down the line; he paid what we quoted.
The Customer Review
Everything went like clockwork! Not a hitch in sight, and their bike arrived in the same condition that it was in when it was collected; couldn’t be happier!
What Made this Work
- Quick carrier assignment: We had a driver locked in within three days of inquiry. We did not sit on the booking.
- Reliable carrier: Did not experience random cross-country delivery in two days. Carrier knew the territory and delivered as scheduled.
- Proper equipment: The motorcycle was covered with an enclosed trailer protecting it from environmental and road hazards for 1,600 miles.
- Professional delivery: A clean delivery with no signs of damage means the driver has delivered the motorcycle properly.
- Transparent prices, which were ideal for the customer to feel he received value for money.
- The implications this has for motorbike transport.
What This Means for Motorcycle Shipping
- Early booking: We could do with a lot of speed, but at times when busy might not be possible.
- Sportbikes should be transported with an enclosed trailer: The motorcycles sit low to the ground, sport high-dollar fairings, and are not designed to handle road debris at highway speeds. Expensive, but well worth your money.
- Check insurance coverage: Make sure you know what you are covered for before loading your bike.
- Be available: If there’s a change in pickup timing or an update in the delivery window, this ensures it all goes according to plan.
- Use a company with pre-set carrier relationships: Assignments are fast, and executions go through seamlessly because of the use of carriers who know their job.
Shipping Summary
Vehicle: 2011 Suzuki GSX-R600
Route: Ponchatoula, LA, 70454 to Somerton, AZ, 85350 (1625 miles)
I-55 N- I-40 W- I-10 W- US-95 S
Service: Hard-side enclosed trailer for 3 vehicles
Cost: $1100 ($0.68 per mile)
Season: Autumn
