Best shipper for Zero Damage

Discussion in 'General VFR Discussions' started by StealthBoss, Feb 9, 2021.

  1. StealthBoss

    StealthBoss New Member

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    I need to possibly ship from Detroit, MI to Syracuse, NY.

    Out of these which one is dependable for Zero Damage.

    Haulbikes, Uship, or MotorcycleShippers?
     
  2. Samuel

    Samuel Member

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    I don't know that any are guaranteed for "zero damage" - that being said, I used Haulbikes to transport my 2015 from Chicago to LA a few years ago and wouldn't hesitate to use them again...
     
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  3. StealthBoss

    StealthBoss New Member

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    Yeah, I guess that kind of guarantee is not offered but a reputable place offers insurance. I have heard others mention HaulBikes too. Chicago to LA is a distance, do you remember the total charge?
     
  4. raYzerman

    raYzerman Member

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    My FJR peeps have used Haulbikes, Uship, Federal (https://funtransport.com/) with good results.
    Uship - I used them in my business for freight... dunno if same for bikes, but it is essentially a bidding service that anyone can bid on a load, so look for a bidder that has bike hauling experience/equipment.
    If you have a pickup truck or suitable trailer, I'd just go get the bike myself. I'd probably not ride.
    Roads in Detroit improving but that stretch from there to Toledo sucks with the broken roads.
     
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  5. StealthBoss

    StealthBoss New Member

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    Yeah, unfortunately, I do not have the ability to tow. So do you mean i75 is crappy paving to ride on from Detroit to Toledo?
     
  6. mello dude

    mello dude Administrator

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    I used to spend quite a bit of time around Detroit/Ann Arbor/Lansing to Toledo for my job. The roads are frigging terrible. Pot hole hell.
    I-75 out of Detroit was under detour for a bridge replacement, I havent heard whether it was complete or not. Not ever going that way by motorcycle.
     
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  7. StealthBoss

    StealthBoss New Member

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    Thank you for letting me know this.
     
  8. raYzerman

    raYzerman Member

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    Well the bridge is done, and at least it's far better. There is some new concrete in parts on 75 south in one lane or the other, just stay in the good one.... just to be honest and put it in perspective, that trip is only an hour. The total ride is much longer.
     
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  9. mello dude

    mello dude Administrator

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    Thanks for the heads up on bridge completion...
     
  10. Samuel

    Samuel Member

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  11. vikingGoalie

    vikingGoalie New Member

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    i'll take your word for it but it doesn't take much of a vehicle to be able to tow a motorcycle trailer from u-haul. They rent those for $15 a day! That's how i went and got my bike. Trick is you have to have the handlebar tiedown straps. I mean you can accomplish the same with just ratchet straps but the handlebar strap was fantastic. something like these: https://www.amazon.com/Canyon-Dancer-32505-Bar-Harness-Handlebars/dp/B0013LF3ES
     
  12. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    Haulbikes.
     
  13. StealthBoss

    StealthBoss New Member

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    Thank you for that link and suggestion. My thing with that is I wouldn't just need to rent a trailer but the vehicle to tow the trailer as well. Even if I could use my Rogue, it needs a special drop hitch installed and that is like I think $400 plus trailer and gas and Mom's permission to use it to get the bike, lol. Does U-haul rent both and is that even possible for under $700?
     
  14. vikingGoalie

    vikingGoalie New Member

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    well that does put a wrinkle in that idea ;) you're probably better off using one of the suggestions for a bike hauler. unless you have a friend with a truck who doesn't mind a 12ish hour road trip. I know for myself I had no idea just how cheap motorcycle trailers are to rent, at $15 a day it's really hard to beat that price if you don't mind the driving.
     
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  15. StealthBoss

    StealthBoss New Member

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    I priced u-haul and they want $658 for a 10' box truck and trailer, so I posted something in Trips and Events, asking if anyone in Detroit is planning to go to college in NY not NYC this spring and who needs their things moved. I would never rent a box truck to pull a bike trailer unless I could split the cost. When I was planning to move to Phoenix for MMI with my bike, the cost was through the roof at like $2000 for a regular truck with a hitch and putting my bike in the bed. I ended up driving the bike the whole way and gas and lodging did turn out to be cheaper than all that but then I had to pay like $400 for my family to ship my things to me through UPS. Financially it did work better plus the ride was unforgettable.
     
  16. raYzerman

    raYzerman Member

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    I'd think it cheaper to rent a pickup truck only if you get a good mileage deal, need some decent ramps to load and unload the bike. You'll have to weigh that cost and your time... meanwhile, get a quote from a shipper... that's a short trip, shouldn't be too big $$.
     
    Last edited: Feb 12, 2021
  17. vikingGoalie

    vikingGoalie New Member

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    yea i'd concur that you need to get a quote at least. more information to make your decision is always better. thing is uhaul kills you with miles. You can rent a pickup truck with a hitch with unlimited miles for about $120/day + fees from enterprise. Uhaul is typically
    for that matter i think it's something like $120+fees / day for unlimited mileage pickup truck with trailer hitch on it. that's from enterprise. but you gotta account for the fat that you will spend 150 or so in gas. Guess no friends who have a day to kill and would work for a really nice case of beer and food there and back? :) that kinda trip is better with a friend anyway, makes the drive a whole lot better. still as you can see renting a truck + gas + trailer you're looking at north of 300 to do it yourself. plus your time and trouble.

    it's just for me, I have the truck(s) to pull a trailer so that cost is not in the equation. that and a road trip away from the loved ones sometimes is not a bad thing :D opps did I say that out loud. anyone married with kids gets that...

    oh my numbers are rough estimates so you should do your own research.

    so i assume this is a possible sale. would the person that is selling be able to come your way any of the distance? doesn't hurt to ask and even if they can just come, say 100 miles. That saves you 200 miles of driving. Another creative option is looking into a one way motorcycle trailer rental and they hitch it up (if they have that capability) meet you part of the way and you then hitch it up to take it home. Just thinking outside the box a bit, might not be practical/possible... if it's not outragous price wise it is way simpler to have a hauler just deliver it to you. you pay for that convenience but still.
     
  18. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    It may cost a little more, but the hassle and time savings is worth it.
     
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