Expreso de motocicletas

Planning Your Motorcycle Shipment – Typical Steps

1. Submit your shipping application.

2. Reserve your cargo space with a deposit.

3. Receive your shipment documents.

4. Arrange Green Card insurance for riding in Europe, or appropriate insurance for riding in North America.

5. If necessary, coordinate with a customs broker. We can introduce you to a broker we work with, or you may choose your own. In Canada, you generally do not need a broker. At many European gateways, however, a customs broker will be required. (See below for more information about why you may need a customs broker.)

6. Drop off your motorcycle at the location we provide, either directly at the cargo warehouse or with the designated broker.

7. Fly to your destination.

8. Clear customs and collect your motorcycle.

Motorcycle Express coordinates your cargo booking and provides detailed instructions to guide you through each step of the process.

How much does it cost to ship a motorcycle between Canada and Europe?

Typical 2026 air freight rates are:

Canada to Europe:

• Air Transat: approximately $1,595–$1,695 USD

• WestJet: approximately $1,650–$2,400 USD

• Air Canada: approximately $3,300–$4,000 USD

Europe to Canada:

• Air Transat: approximately $2,195–$2,295 USD

• WestJet: approximately $2,800–$4,200 USD

Rates vary depending on the airline, route, motorcycle size and weight, travel date, and whether a connecting flight is required. Additional airport, customs, handling or broker fees may also apply.

Why do I need a customs broker in Europe?

International cargo arriving at airports must be processed through customs before it can be released.

The customs broker handles the temporary import paperwork, communicates with customs authorities, and coordinates with the airline cargo terminal.

This allows riders to simply arrive at the cargo warehouse, complete the paperwork, and collect their motorcycle.

Broker and customs clearance fees vary depending on the country and destination airport and are paid directly to the broker. When we prepare your quote, we will provide more specific information about the customs process and any known broker fees associated with your route.

This allows riders to simply arrive at the cargo warehouse, complete the paperwork, and collect their motorcycle.

​Can I pack gear on my motorcycle?

Motorcycle air cargo rules vary by airline.

Air Transat:
Only the helmet may be shipped with the motorcycle. Saddlebags and luggage must be empty.

WestJet and Air Canada:
Some limited gear may be allowed depending on the shipment structure.

Most riders place their riding gear in a large soft duffel bag and check it as passenger luggage, which is often the simplest solution.

How do I prepare my motorcycle for air freight?

Before delivering your motorcycle to the airline cargo terminal, please make sure it is prepared for air transportation and that you have all required documents with you.

Your responsibilities include:

• Arrive at the cargo terminal on time with your photo ID, printed shipping documents, and proof of ownership/title.

• The motorcycle must be clean.

• Fuel must be reduced to a maximum of 3 liters (approximately 0.79 gallons).

• The battery must be disconnected, and the positive terminal must be protected with electrical tape to prevent a short circuit.

• Bring all required printed documents provided by Motorcycle Express and present them with the motorcycle to the airline cargo agent.

• Leave the motorcycle keys with the cargo agent as instructed.

• Make sure the motorcycle weight and any permitted personal effects are accurately reported on your application.

• If someone other than the motorcycle owner will be delivering the motorcycle to cargo, Motorcycle Express must be notified in advance so the appropriate authorization documents can be prepared.

• If someone other than the owner will be collecting the motorcycle at the destination, please notify Motorcycle Express well in advance so the required consignee documentation can be prepared.

Personal belongings and pannier requirements vary by airline. Please see our FAQ regarding luggage and personal effects for the specific requirements of your carrier.

Should I book my passenger ticket first or wait until my shipment is confirmed?

It is a difficult question to answer but the consequences are not so terrible if you do it. Here is the deal:  Even though we have a plan for a certain flight for your motorcycle, you have to remember that each airline confirms it with an Air Waybill number so many days prior to departure of shipment. (Air Transat 45 days, WestJet 30 days, Air Canada 14 days.) If you want to book your flights and hotels in advance, the worst thing that can happen if the cargo space cannot fit your motorcycle on that exact flight is that they will put it on the flight closest in time to that flight. They would communicate that to us and we would communicate that to you and you would have a say in the matter. It is important to keep a rider’s mentality of going with the flow and be a little flexible.​

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Do I fly on same plane as bike? You can but you do not have to. With Air Transat you save $100.USD if you do also fly on their airline. However, you can fly as a passenger on any airline you choose as long as you are available to pick up your motorcycle within 24 hours of it landing in the destination. After that you will be charged for warehouse fees and that can add up very quickly.

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How far in advance does bike need to be at airport ? Usually you drop the motorcycle off the day before it ships out. Cargo needs enough time to put it through a Dangerous Goods inspection. The rule of thumb is basically you can drop the motorcycle off up to 24 hours prior to departure and no less than 8 hours prior to departure. We recommend the day prior.

 

Does Motorcycle Express sort all paperwork/ visa etc? Motorcycle Express does the booking for your motorcycle and provides you via email all of the documents necessary to ship your motorcycle. We do NOT do any paperwork related to visas, passenger flights, carnets, customs clearance or anything other than what is required to ship your motorcycle. This includes (but is not limited to) a travel package for you full of instructions, locations, the Air Waybill, The Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods, Prohibited Items List/signature page, Letter of Contents signature page, any necessary courier pages, your Contract, a fuel drainage level confirmation letter and whatever else is required by the airlines in the given year.

 

Does the airline actually box the bike for flight? NO - Motorcycle Express only ships uncrated motorcycles. Part of our mission is for you to be able to ship your motorcycle, fly yourself and once you arrive - pick up your motorcycle as quickly as possible (same day in most cases.) Then you go to the nearest gas station, fill up your motorcycle and start your journey.

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How does it work with customs clearance agents for IMPORT/EXPORT? Once you are booked with the airlines, we connect you to the import/export agent. We do the main documents and they do the import/export documents per regulations of that specific country. We give you more thorough details about this when you are booked and together with the customs clearance agent, we guide you and answer any questions you have.​

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Who sends the documents to this customs person?  Motorcycle Express sends them certain documents. We have a system together, it is very easy. You are kept in the loop and in communication about it all. You schedule an appointment with them to meet the day prior to your shipment going out.

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Once the bike has been shipped and arrived at its destination, can it stay at the airport for a day or even a few days? NO, you do not want to leave your motorcycle there. You should fly in at a similar time and pick it up within 24 hours. Otherwise you will be charged warehouse fees and that can add up to a lot of money. While you can leave it there for storage for a few days technically, we do not recommend it and it will cost you whatever the warehouse fees are. Each warehouse for each airline dictates its own rates.

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Where do I get the proper insurance to ride my motorcycle that has a foreign license plate on it?

If you are riding your foreign plated motorcycle in the UK or Europe then you will need Green Card Insurance. We provide this through our sister company, Motorcycles In Motion, Inc. and to see the rates and coverages CLICK HERE.

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For Coverage in Canada and the USA, we have closed our insurance division as our shipping business is expanding and no longer offer US/Canadian Insurance. For a list of insurance companies you can research CLICK HERE.

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When shipping with WestJet and Cargojet's interline agreement, how is this different?

When shipping from a more outlying airport, WestJet works with Cargojet to get the motorcycle on a cargo plane to Calgary (WestJet's HUB) and then it is moved to a wide-body, non-stop flight to Europe. Cargojet is a freight only company, so it is based on availability. This means we plan your shipment flight but if they are full, they will need to move it to the next available flight. It always seems to work out but flexibility and understanding of this is critical. 

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Looking at the rates between the carriers, there's such a large difference in pricing; is there a difference in service?

All of our carriers provide excellent service. The difference of the rates is determined by the airlines and their own criteria. There are however, small differences that you need to be aware of. When you book with Air Canada, they will only confirm and guarantee their rate 2 weeks prior to departure with an Air Waybill number. (The exception to this is when Motorcycle Express has a promotion for you guaranteeing the rate. At all other times, the rate could change.) Additionally, with Air Canada you are allowed to pack your motorcycle with your clothes and riding gear and slightly more than you can with other carriers. Of course no Prohibited Items are allowed and you must list all of your items on your letter of contents sheet that we provide you. 

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With WestJet, they will confirm the exact flight 30 days prior to departure with an Air Waybill number.  As far as what can go on the motorcycle, you are allowed to fill your side bags and if you have another attached bag with your clothes and riding gear. (No Prohibited Items) All else must go with you as luggage on the plane with you as a passenger.

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With Air Transat, they will confirm the exact flight 30\\45 days prior to departure with an Air Waybill number. They do not permit any personal items at all, except the motorcycle helmet/s with the motorcycle when shipping. All else must go with you as luggage on the plane with you as a passenger.

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Besides the cost of shipping, roughly speaking, how much in additional fees should I expect when I'm picking the bike up? Shipping Contract does not include the cost of "Temporary Insurance"

(SCROLL UP TO READ ABOUT INSURANCE AND COSTS)
Shipping Contract does not include the cost of any Handling Charges, Navcan Handling Fees, Export Declaration Costs, Terminal/Warehouse Fees, Airline Surcharges, X-ray/Secondary Security Screening Fees, Storage Fees or taxis, Customs Fees or Agents Fees required for Customs clearance. These charges/fees are the responsibility of the shipper/client and are payable at the port location only. 

Motorcycle Express will not be held responsible for cancelled flights or expenses due to any delay. All motorcycles are shipped on a standby basis and will be shipped on the next available flight. Motorcycle Express shall accept no liability whatsoever for surface transportation arrangements or expenses due to any delays. Please see Terms and Conditions for your full responsibilities.​​

Unless you have extenuating circumstances (like permanently exporting your motorcycle) typically, you will not pay any money dropping off in Canada, but in Europe you will have a customs/warehouse fee and possible import agent fee if one is required in that country. ​I am finding out what fees in Toulouse and will get back to you on that. When you return to Canada or enter it to pick up your motorcycle as a temporary import, you pay NAV CAN fees at the warehouse. 

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In Europe they are now starting a requirement for temporary visitors. These applications have fees. Here are links to learn more.

UK: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

 

EUROPE: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en

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I'm not sure how long I'll be in Europe. Could be a few months. Do I need to have a return booked in advance? You do not have to know your return date when you book. You can decide on your journey. We ask that you do your best to give us 30 days notice in advance of return booking. Once you have filled out your original application, we have all we need to complete your return documents, so you will not be required to fill out another application. You can expect we will email you your documents and you will need to print them out in whatever city you are in at a place that provides printing.

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What do I list as my foreign address if I do not yet have my exact address known yet? Since you will be picking up the motorcycle at the airport warehouse, you can use a hotel that is near the airport that may be where you are staying. We can adjust this address once you know more specifically. Please note this on your application, that you may be changing the foreign address once your plans are more definitive. There is a place for notes from you to us on the application.

What are my steps to get started?

Start by filling out our Quote Request Form. This gives us the basic information we need to understand what you are looking for, including your preferred dates, departure location and destination.

Once we receive your request, we will either respond with a specific quote or contact you with a few additional questions so we can determine the best available option for your particular travel plans.

Once we have determined what we can offer, we will send you a formal quote that includes a link to our Motorcycle Shipping Application.

To move forward with a booking, a $300 USD non-refundable booking and processing deposit is required. The deposit is applied toward your total shipping cost. Once your application and deposit are received, we begin preparing your shipment documents and working toward your booking.