1) Title & Ownership of Motorcycle
All motorcycles shipping overseas from the US must have a free and clear title. Obtaining this is an easy process if the owner is in the United States. If the motorcycle was purchased online by someone overseas, the same applies. If the motorcycle has a lien on it, an international motorcycle shipping company will not ship it.
An exception to having a lien on the title of ownership is for US active duty military personnel. In this case, permission will have to be granted from the lender and an Original Notarized Lien of Authorization Letter must be obtained.
2) Selecting an International Motorcycle Shipping Company
This is a very important step. A) Only use a company accredited with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). B) Only use a company licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) in Washington, DC. If the motorcycle shipping company is registered with both BBB & FMC, you are safe.
3) International Motorcycle Shipping Rates
If the motorcycle is far from the departure port, most international motorcycle shipping companies can arrange a transporter to pick up the motorcycle at an additional cost. This is an optional service. The transport company will meet with the owner or the designated person and will take copies of your paperwork to the shipping docs. The VIN # must match all the paperwork.
If the motorcycle is close to one of the major shipping ports, the person can opt to ride it there and save money. Rates are going to vary on year, make & model.
4) Taxes & Fees
Since international motorcycle shipping companies do not quote import tax, contact the nearest Embassy in the United States. Don't call the US Embassy, rather your country's embassy. Call the branch and they will give you the latest import taxes and fees. Many Embassies are located in Washington, DC. Add the import tax to the amount quoted by the international motorcycle shipping company. Taxes are to be paid once the motorcycle arrives the destination country.
5) Making Payment
Credit Card - Most international motorcycle shipping companies will accept multiple forms of payment. If a payment is going to be made by credit card, a professional shipping company will only "authorize" the credit card to make sure the funds are there. Once a booking number is confirmed, the credit card will be "charged". This is the preferred method for most people because it provides the maximum protection. This is a safe form of payment.
PayPal - PayPal does not give any financial information to the motorcycle shipping company. This is also a safe form of payment.
Bank Transfer - If a bank transfer is used a form of payment, make sure the motorcycle shipping company passes step 2 and the name of the bank account matches the name of the company. Do not deposit any money if the account is in someone's personal name. This method is often used by purchasers who reside in 3rd world countries.
6) Picking up the Motorcycle
Only the owner, or the consignee designated on the Bill of Lading, is authorized to pick up the motorcycle. Once the motorcycle arrives to the destination port, it is left on the premises and daily storage fees will apply. These storage fees depend on what company runs the dock. It is normally in the best interest to pick up the motorcycle as soon as possible.
Francisco is a professional in the international vehicle shipping industry. He ships car, motorcycles and heavy machinery overseas.
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