International Motorcycle Shipping from the UK

Expert motorcycle shipping with custom crating and secure handling for sport bikes, cruisers, and vintage machines.

Shipping a motorcycle internationally requires specialist knowledge and handling. Ship Cars RoRo has shipped thousands of motorcycles worldwide — from modern sport bikes to vintage Triumphs and classic Harleys.

We offer both crated container shipping and RORO trailer options. Every motorcycle is professionally prepared, secured, and insured for the journey. Our team understands the specific requirements for motorcycle transport and ensures your bike arrives in the same condition it left.

Quick Answer

International motorcycle shipping from the UK is the specialist service of preparing, crating or palletising a motorbike and shipping it overseas by container, RoRo trailer or air freight. Ship Cars RoRo crates bikes at our Bristol warehouse, drains fuel to IATA / IMDG standards, disconnects the battery and ships to 150+ countries with weekly consolidations to the Middle East, USA, Australia and Europe.

Most motorcycle exports from the UK ship in custom-built wooden crates inside shared 40ft containers. A single crate measures roughly 230cm × 90cm × 130cm, fits any sport bike, naked, adventure or cruiser up to a Harley-Davidson Road Glide, and can be stacked two-high in a 40ft high-cube. We ship four to six crated motorbikes per shared container, splitting the freight charge between owners. Indicative 2026 customer rates: Europe from £450, USA from £900, UAE from £750, Australia from £1,000. Crating, draining, battery isolation, export customs and marine insurance are included.

For touring riders shipping a single bike to ride internationally we offer a faster track-and-trace door-to-door service with crating in five working days and weekly uplift. Race teams use our air freight service for time-critical movements to events and dealers use our trade-rate container consolidations for multi-bike shipments. Vintage and classic motorcycles ship in padded crates with corrosion inhibitor; modern bikes ship with handlebars turned, fairings braced and tank empty.

Pre-shipment preparation: fuel below a quarter tank or fully drained per destination rules, battery disconnected, no loose items in panniers or top boxes, valid V5C/2 motorcycle logbook, photo ID and the original keys. We collect the bike using a motorcycle-specific transporter (no straps on suspension), ride it into the crate using a low-angle ramp, secure with chocks and soft ties, and seal the crate for shipping. Photographic condition report supplied before sailing.

Why Choose Our Motorcycle Shipping

Custom Crating Available

We build custom wooden crates tailored to your motorcycle's dimensions for maximum protection during container shipping.

RORO on Trailer

Motorcycles can be shipped via RORO on a specialist motorcycle trailer — a cost-effective option for running bikes.

Drain & Prep Service

We handle all pre-shipping preparation including fuel draining, battery disconnection, and securing loose parts.

Vintage & Classic Specialists

Extra care for vintage and classic motorcycles with soft wrapping, padding, and climate considerations.

Competitive Rates

Motorcycle shipping starts from just £450 — significantly less than car shipping due to smaller size and weight.

Worldwide Coverage

Ship your motorcycle to any destination worldwide via our global network of port agents and shipping lines.

How It Works

Free Quote

Tell us your motorcycle make, model, and destination. We'll provide options and fixed pricing.

Collection & Prep

We collect your motorcycle and prepare it for shipping — draining fluids, disconnecting battery, securing parts.

Crating or Loading

Your bike is either custom-crated for container shipping or loaded onto a RORO trailer.

Shipping & Tracking

Your motorcycle sails to the destination port with full tracking and marine insurance.

Destination Delivery

Collect your motorcycle from the port or we arrange last-mile delivery to your address.

Indicative Pricing

Prices are estimates for a standard car. Get an exact quote for your vehicle.

Europe (RORO/Trailer)

Fastest option

£450

Middle East (Crated)

Custom crate included

£750

USA & Canada

East & West Coast

£900

Australia & NZ

Crated in container

£1,000

Transit Times & Indicative Prices

Sample routes for motorcycle shipping from UK ports. View full schedule.

Route	Method	Transit (days)	From
Southampton → Jebel Ali	Crated 40ft Container	18 to 25	£750
Felixstowe → New York	Crated 40ft Container	14 to 21	£900
Tilbury → Sydney	Crated 40ft Container	38 to 45	£1,000
Heathrow → Los Angeles	Air Freight	3 to 5	£2,800
Tilbury → Limassol	Crated 40ft Container	10 to 14	£450

Documents Required

Paperwork our team prepares or collects for every motorcycle shipping booking. See the full documents guide.

V5C Logbook

Original DVLA V5C registration document. We submit the V5C/4 export notification on your behalf.

Passport or Photo ID

A valid passport or UK photo driving licence is required for export customs and destination clearance.

Proof of Purchase

Invoice, bill of sale or auction receipt to support the customs declared value.

Proof of Address

Utility bill or bank statement dated within the last three months.

Export Declaration

We file the C88/CHIEF or CDS export entry with HMRC and supply the MUCR reference.

Destination Import Documents

Country-specific paperwork such as NOVA, GCC certificate, RAV/SEVS, RIV or EPA/DOT release, prepared by our agent network.

Vehicle Types We Ship

All vehicle classes accepted under motorcycle shipping.

Sport BikesNaked BikesAdventure BikesCruisersTouringVintageClassicSide-CarsTrikes

Popular Destinations

Top corridors for motorcycle shipping from the UK. Browse all destinations.

🇦🇪UAE / Dubai 🇦🇺Australia 🇺🇸USA 🇨🇦Canada 🇨🇾Cyprus 🇳🇬Nigeria 🇿🇦South Africa 🇵🇰Pakistan 🇯🇵Japan 🇳🇿New Zealand

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to ship a motorcycle from the UK?

Motorcycle shipping starts from £450 for European RORO destinations. Worldwide crated shipping ranges from £750–£1,200 depending on destination. Get a free quote for exact pricing.

Is my motorcycle crated for shipping?

For container shipping, yes — we build a custom wooden crate sized to your motorcycle. For RORO, bikes are secured on a specialist motorcycle trailer without crating.

Do I need to drain the fuel?

Yes, shipping regulations require fuel tanks to be drained to below ¼ tank. We handle this as part of our preparation service.

Can I ship motorcycle parts and accessories separately?

Absolutely. Additional parts, helmets, and accessories can be shipped in the same crate or container. Just let us know when booking.

How much does it cost to ship a motorcycle from the UK?

From £450 to Europe, £750 to UAE, £900 to USA and £1,000 to Australia. Pricing covers crating, draining, customs and marine insurance.

How long does motorcycle shipping take?

Europe 7 to 14 days, USA 14 to 21 days, UAE 18 to 25 days, Australia 35 to 45 days. Air freight reduces transit to 3 to 7 days door-to-door.

Is my motorcycle crated for shipping?

Yes for container and air freight. We build a custom wooden crate sized to your bike, with soft tie-downs and corner protection.

Do I have to drain the fuel?

Fuel must be reduced to a quarter tank or fully drained depending on destination rules. We handle this as part of crating.

Can I ship a non-running motorbike?

Yes. Non-runners are wheeled into the crate using a ramp and secured. Project bikes and barn finds ship the same way.

Which UK ports do you use?

Tilbury, Southampton, Felixstowe and Liverpool depending on the destination. Air freight uplifts from Heathrow and Stansted.

Can you ship helmets, leathers and accessories?

Yes. Helmets, leathers, tools and spare parts can be packed in the crate alongside the bike on most destinations.

Do you ship motorcycles to the USA under the 25-year rule?

Yes. Bikes 25 years and older clear DOT and EPA without modification, ideal for British classics like Triumph Bonneville, Norton Commando and Vincent.

What documents are required?

V5C/2 logbook, photo ID, proof of address and proof of purchase. We file the export declaration, NOVA exit notification and bill of lading.

Can I ship multiple bikes together?

Yes. Trade and collector consolidations of two to six bikes per 40ft container deliver the lowest per-unit cost.

Is my motorcycle insured during shipping?

All-risks marine transit insurance up to declared value is included, with agreed-value cover for classics, vintages and high-spec bikes.

Can you ship side-cars and trikes?

Yes. Side-cars and trikes ship in dedicated crates with reinforced bracing.

How do I track my bike during shipping?

Container number, vessel name and live milestone tracking from gate-in to destination arrival.

Can you ship motorcycle parts separately?

Yes. We palletise parts, engines and frames for separate shipment by container or air freight.

Do you collect from anywhere in the UK?

Yes. Door-to-warehouse collection by motorcycle-specific transporter from any UK postcode.

Can I ship a motorbike on a RoRo car carrier?

Yes, mounted on a dedicated motorcycle trailer. For single bikes we prefer crated container as it offers better protection and lower minimum charges.

Related Services

Car Shipping

Whether you're relocating, selling overseas, or buying an import — we'll get your car there safely.

Container Shipping

Maximum protection for high-value, classic, and non-running vehicles. Dedicated or shared container options.

Guides

Car Shipping Methods Explained: RORO vs Container vs Air Freight

A comprehensive guide to the different ways you can ship your vehicle internationally — comparing cost, speed, and protection.

UK Customs Clearance for Vehicle Imports and Exports Explained

A comprehensive guide to UK customs procedures for vehicle imports and exports — covering duties, VAT, HMRC, and post-Brexit changes.

About this page

Operated by Ship Cars RoRo, a UK-based international vehicle shipping specialist. BIFA-affiliated forwarder with weekly RoRo, container and shared container sailings from Southampton, Tilbury, London Gateway, Felixstowe and Bristol to 150+ countries.

Author: Zahir Hussain, Head of Vehicle Export, Ship Cars RoRo
Last updated: 2026-05-12
+44 (0)1495 320540
info@shipcarsroro.co.uk
United Kingdom — serving worldwide

Entities & topics covered

United KingdomHMRCDVLABIFAIMOPort of SouthamptonPort of TilburyLondon GatewayPort of FelixstowePort of BristolRoRo ShippingContainer ShippingCustoms ClearanceVehicle ExportMarine Cargo Insurance

Ready to Ship?

Get a free, no-obligation quote for motorcycle shipping from the UK. Browse our destinations or use the cost calculator for an estimate.