When you’re moving your bike across borders, international shipping rates, the total cost to move goods from one country to another, including fees, taxes, and handling charges. Also known as overseas shipping costs, it’s not just about distance—it’s about how your bike is handled, cleared through customs, and tracked along the way. Most people assume it’s just a simple charge per kilo, but that’s not even close to the full picture. The real cost comes from a mix of freight forwarder, a company that organizes shipping for individuals or businesses, handling everything from packing to customs clearance fees, fuel surcharges, import duties, and insurance. A bike shipped from Chennai to Australia might cost less than one sent to Canada, not because it’s closer, but because of how each country taxes vehicles and what paperwork is required.
Courier pricing, how delivery companies calculate charges based on weight, size, destination, and speed works differently for bikes than for small packages. Your motorcycle isn’t just a box—it’s a heavy, awkward item that needs special crating, secure loading, and often a dedicated trailer. That’s why standard courier rates don’t apply. Instead, you’re looking at overseas delivery, the full process of moving goods internationally, including transit time, customs, and final-mile delivery services that specialize in vehicles. These services don’t just drop off a label—they handle everything from removing the battery to sealing the bike in a weatherproof crate. And yes, the price jumps if you want door-to-door delivery instead of port-to-port. Some companies charge extra just to unload the bike at your driveway instead of leaving it at the port.
What’s surprising is how much variation there is. One company might quote you $800 to ship to the UK, but if you add insurance, customs brokerage, and fuel surcharge, the final bill hits $1,300. Another might offer $1,100 all-in. The difference? Experience. Companies that ship bikes regularly know how to pack them to avoid damage, how to fill out customs forms correctly to avoid delays, and which ports have faster clearance. They don’t just move cargo—they move peace of mind.
And here’s the thing: you can’t compare international shipping rates the same way you compare local courier prices. You can’t just plug in weight and zip code and get an answer. You need to know the destination country’s import rules, whether your bike is classified as a vehicle or personal property, and if there are any taxes on used motorcycles. Some countries charge 5% import tax. Others charge 40%. Some require an inspection. Others don’t allow used bikes at all. That’s why knowing what’s included—and what’s not—is critical.
Below, you’ll find real-world breakdowns of what these services actually cost, how to avoid hidden fees, and which companies handle international bike moves best. No fluff. No guesswork. Just what works.
Shipping a 100 lb box internationally costs between $300 and $1,500 depending on destination, speed, and carrier. Learn how weight, size, customs, and freight forwarders affect your total price.