We are a specialised motorbike transport agent based in Australia, with a network of partners and carriers across multiple countries, experienced in shipping bikes abroad. Here’s what is included in our pricing for shipping bikes abroad, and information to assist you in preparing for riding your own bike in great overseas destinations or on that overland trip of a lifetime.
Freight Service
Our prices are all inclusive, providing you with the following comprehensive services. If you request motorbike shipping services not included here, or if additional Customs or Quarantine services are required, these and any estimated costs will be discussed with you before proceeding.
- Container hire
- Loading and unloading
- Sea/Air/Road freight
- Customs clearances
- Quarantine inspection
- Temporary import and re-entry permits
- Free depot storage for 7 days
Please read the information below, in addition to our Terms & Conditions, before making your booking.
International Sea Freight
Delivery of your bike for loading
Your bike must:
- be clean (see additional notes below on Australian Quarantine re-entry requirements)
- be delivered with less than 2L of fuel in the bike (this includes all fuel compartments). You are not permitted to transfer or drain fuel from your bike at our depot.
- have battery leads disconnected and taped separately, alarm disabled
- have less than 20psi in all tyres
- be unlocked and in neutral
Your bike gear:
- is permitted to travel with your bike. 3 bike-related luggage items only, provided they are each clearly tagged with your name and bike registration.
- panniers are to be removed (if possible) and may be loaded with your bike, with hard cases wrapped for their protection.
- top box or bag can also be loaded with your bike, and if removed, should be wrapped for its protection.
- must be unlocked (we cannot take responsibility if Customs need to break open locked gear).
- must not have any camp stove flammable fuel.
- must be dry. Any moisture will result in mould growing, and your gear may fail Customs inspection and need to be professionally cleaned or disposed of at your cost.
- on re-entering Australia you are not permitted to have any non-bike luggage or personal gear.
Your bike:
- is required for loading at our departure depot 7 days prior to our confirmed ETD date
- will be available for collection at our destination depot after clearing Customs, approximately 3-5 days after the vessel’s confirmed ETA date.
Payment
- Deposit: To confirm your booking, a deposit of AU$500 or 30% is required per bike for either a Return or OneWay booking.
- Balance: For a Return booking 50% of the balance will be due 30 days prior to each scheduled Loading date. If your booking is for OneWay, the balance will be due 30 days prior to the scheduled Loading date.
- Method: We only accept EFT into our bank account in AUD.
Booking Cancellation: We cannot accept cancellations advised less than 90 days prior to shipment, meaning deposits are non-refundable. However, we will endeavour to refill your booked spot, in which case we can refund your deposit less an administration fee. If you want to change a scheduled booking, we will explore all available options for you. We recommend you take out personal travel insurance to protect all your overseas-related travel bookings.
Delivery & Collection Depots
Following our confirmation of the scheduled shipment ETD date, we will advise you of our depot address and delivery (and collection) details.
Upon entering our depots, you must obey the receiving staff’s directions and wear a high-viz vest. An area will be allocated to enable you to work on your bike, making it ready for loading.
When collecting your bike, you must present your passport and bike registration details showing your name, address, and proof of bike ownership.
Departure Flexibility
We ship bikes in consolidated containers from Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. For each shipment, we target a minimum of 6 bikes (min. 4 bikes to Dili) and reserve the right to realign the departure locations, if needed. We understand that if you need to deliver your bike to Sydney, this may be an inconvenience; however, by ensuring shipping efficiency, we’re able to minimise costs for every rider to benefit. Obviously, if we need to change your scheduled shipment, we will discuss this with you at least 30 days prior and provide you with the best option to get your bike shipped on time.
If your bike needs to depart from another location, you can choose to ride or have your bike delivered to our loading depot, or we can quote you to have your bike collected (by a reliable bike-only transport partner) and delivered.
Customs Clearance
We arrange Customs & Quarantine clearances at all entry ports, including import permit processing. We do not include the cost of a ‘re-inspection or cleaning’ if required.
Bike Importation & Registration
On arrival overseas, you can ride your bike in the UK and Europe for up to 6 months if you’re an Australian resident under a temporary import permit – provided you hold a bike rider’s license with an expiry date greater than 3 months, you are the registered owner of the bike, and it’s currently registered with an Australian number plate with an expiry date greater than 6 months.
On arriving in NZ or the US, you’re able to ride your bike for up to 12 months with a temporary import permit. But, in the USA you may need to lodge a bond with Customs for your bike, usually around US$500 (which is returned to you on your bike leaving the country). The same riding license, bike registration, and ownership conditions apply, as above.
A word of caution: if your bike has a financial loan owing or is leased, you’ll need a letter stating you’re the bike’s owner in addition to the bike’s registration papers showing your name.
You will need to obtain an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) from your AAA (local automotive association) if touring Europe, and it’s advisable for the USA.
No IDP is required to ride your bike in the UK or NZ.
Also note, to travel overseas, your passport must have at least 6 months’ validity from your entry date, before the displayed expiry date.
Insurance
Marine cargo insurance for your bike and gear is not included in our shipping price. After you book with us, we recommend you apply for insurance, which must be obtained directly from a licensed insurance agent. We understand coverage from depot to depot is approximately 2.0-2.5% of your bike’s market value + shipping cost, and you’ll need this for both shipment legs (if booking Return).
Before applying, obtain a ‘Market Value’ letter certifying your bike’s replacement value from an established bike retailer. To assist, we can introduce you to a trusted insurance agent and assist with coordinating your documentation, plus check that the policy adequately protects the value of your bike and gear.
For insurance purposes, we also recommend you take photos of your bike and gear before departure at our depot. Also, you may want to securely place a small GPS tracking tag (preferably hidden) on your bike – that way, you can monitor your bike’s transit, providing you with peace of mind, and it may save you time when planning collection.
3rd Party Only bike insurance (as a minimum) may be required to obtain Customs clearance and ride in overseas destinations. We can provide you with an introduction to a licensed insurance agent to obtain this protection.
Australian Re-Entry Requirements
Due to our country’s quarantine and biosecurity laws, when your bike and gear return to Australia, they must be clean and free of all quarantine risk materials. This includes soil, mud, clay, animal faeces and animal material, live insects, and plant material such as seeds, straw, and leaves. If your bike or gear is found to be contaminated (with soil or organic matter), quarantine officers will direct that it be pressure cleaned at your own expense (and risk) and undergo a re-inspection with additional fees payable.
Cleaning your bike and gear before shipping it back to Australia is a must and shouldn’t be ignored. AQIS is meticulous in their inspection, which includes all around the engine, tyres, under the seat, mudguards, and underneath. We recommend you clean your bike (or have it professionally cleaned), checking underneath all surfaces, before delivering it to our depot for packing.
These strict quarantine measures also apply to entering New Zealand.
Arrival & Departure Accommodation
When you arrive overseas, if you require accommodation near our collection depot and also want a place with secure onsite bike parking, we can provide you with a list of nearby hotels to stay.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about these Bike Shipping details, please contact us.