Many adventurers dream of shipping a motorcycle to South America, to experience those breath taking landscapes; those vibrant cultures; and those roads on two wheels. Shipping your motorcycle can seem like a daunting task, whether you are planning on it for temporary trip or a move. It’s a manageable process that if done right, will give you memories for a lifetime.
Frustrated by the lack of decent information about how to ship a motorcycle to South America? This guide covers everything you’ll need to know, including methods, costs, hints to prepare your bike for dispatch, legal guidelines for road transport, and tips on travelling down the road.
Ship Your Motorcycle to South America Why?
Motorcyclists paradise that is in South America. The continent is varied, from the Andes Mountains to the Amazon rainforest, and thus is home of some of the world’s most epic riding experiences.
Top 5 Reasons to Ship Your Motorcycle
Unmatched Riding Adventures
Discover iconic routes such as Patagonia, The Bolivian Salt Flats & Peru’s Sacred Valley.
Cultural Immersion
Participate in the local traditions, local food, and local hospitality in a unique way.
Cost Efficiency
Shipping your own bike can be far cheaper and more reliable than renting one in South America.
Customization
If your motorcycle is equipped for long distance touring, you have the comfort and familiarity of riding your own motorcycle.
Shipping a Motorcycle to South America
While there are many ways to get your motorcycle to South America, all are not created equal. The best method that you can choose depends on your financial capability, required duration and your personal preferences.
1. Air Freight
Overview: The fastest, most reliable way to ship your bike is by air freight.
Pros:
Delivery in week to a weeks.
Reduced risk of damage.
Ideal for tight schedules.
Cons:
It’s expensive, usually anything upwards of $1,000 to $5,000 depending on destination, and bike size.
2. Sea Freight
Overview: Merely transporting your motorcycle by sea is quite a popular and cheap way, but it is of course slower than by air freight.
Pros:
Often between $500 and $2,000 affordable.
Compatible for the bigger bikes or multiple shipments.
Cons:
The time from order placement until delivery can be 4 to 12 weeks.
Needs an additional planning for port clearance.
3. Roll On / Roll Off Convention (RoRo) Shipping
Overview: It’s known as RoRo and means taking your motorcycle onto a specifically designed shipping vessel.
Pros:
Less expensive than air freight.
Minimal prep (no crating required), convenient.
Cons:
Sparse routes and supply.
Less at risk of major damage than crated shipping.
4. Container Shipping
Overview: You stash your bike in a container–shared or private.
Pros:
High level of security.
If you need additional luggage or gear, then you have an option.
Flexible scheduling.
Cons:
A tad more expensive than RoRo, but cheaper than air freight.
Bike needs to be prepared to secure properly in container.
Motorcycle shipping costs to South America
In the following, we will discuss some of the factors that affect shipping costs.
Shipping Method: Container and RoRo shipping are second most expensive, and air freight is the most expensive.
Destination: Prices vary by the South American port or airport.
Motorcycle Size and Weight: If you have larger bikes the fees may be higher.
Additional Fees: The cost will be added to with taxes, customs clearance, and insurance.
Estimated Shipping Costs
Air Freight: $1,500–$5,000 (one-way).
Sea Freight (Container or RoRo): $500–$2,500.
Customs and Taxes: The rates vary from country to country and average between 10 and 30 percent of the bike’s declared value.
Preparing Your Motorcycle for Shipping.
A well prepared process will reduce the risk of damage during shipping and provide a smooth process.
1. Clean Your Motorcycle
To avoid having your bike inspected again, wash your bike thoroughly as required by customs, although it is likely that you’ll encounter additional inspection fees.
2. Inspect and Document
And take photos of your motorcycle from all angles, indicating any previous damage. Insurance claims are a need and this documentation is important.
3. Remove Accessories
Removeable parts, such as mirrors, saddlebags, GPS units helps prevent damage or theft in transit.
4. Drain Fluids
Almost all shipping companies have to flush the fuel tank to a state of below 1/4 full and get rid of too, or secure, the battery.
5. Crate or Secure the Bike
Bikes should be properly crated or strapped down for container or air freight shipping, ensuring it will not move in transit.
6. Gather Necessary Documents
Prepare the following:
Title and registration, original.
Copy of your passport.
Proof of insurance.
By the shipping company (provided in form of bill of lading).
Customs in South America
The Customs requirement depends on the country you’re moving to, so it’s worth doing some research on what’s required for your destination.
Common Customs Documents
Temporary Import Permit (TIP): Required for temporary stays.
Declaration of Value: It is used for the calculation of duties and taxes.
Carnet de Passages (optional): This international customs document is some accepted by some countries to simplify the process.
Tips for Smooth Clearance
Cooperate with a local customs agent concerning the process.
All paperwork has to be accurate as well as complete.
You’ll have to pay the duties and taxes upfront.
South America’s Popular Motorcycle Destinations
1. Patagonia (Argentina & Chile)
Ride the Carretera Austral or Ruta 40 through incredible mountain ridges, glacier landscapes.
2. Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni
Go exploring the world’s largest salt flats for an otherworldly ride.
3. Peru’s Sacred Valley
A quick ride down their ancient Incan roads and an iconic visit to Machu Picchu.
4. Colombia’s Coffee Region
One of S. America’s most picturesque regions for winding roads and scenery.
5. Brazil’s Coastal Roads
The scenic beaches of Rio de Janeiro, or the rainforests of the Amazon basin, provide an opportunity for cruising among the plants and animals of the Amazon.
Insurance aspect and safety
Shipping Insurance
It is important that a policy gives most shipping companies insurance coverage but that it is enough if damaged or lost.
Riding Insurance
Get temporary motorcycle insurance you can purchase for your stay in your destination country.
Make sure that you’ve covered liability, theft, and accidents.
Safety Tips for Riders
Find out which conditions are typical in the research area and determine which driving law are applicable.
Take spare parts, tools, for repair in case of minor repairs.
Riding in high altitude regions such as the Andes means you need to stay aware of altitude sickness.
South America Top Shipping Companies
DHL Global Forwarding
DHL is known for reliable air freight services and shipping custom motorcycles.
Schumacher Cargo Logistics
Vehicle shipping with container or RoRo, bikes, motorcycles and more.
Amerijet International
It handles air cargo operations to some South American countries.
Seabridge Logistics
Experience handling of motorcycles, ideal for container and RoRo shipping.
A Checklist for a Successful Motorcycle Shipping Experience
Decide on what shipping method is best for your needs, budget.
Find out what customs require research for your destination.
It’s time to ship your motorcycle according to shipping guidelines.
Get comprehensive shipping and riding insurance purchased.
All that is necessary with the documents in order are within reach.
Before you head off down the road, plan your riding route and where to stay.
Conclusion: Start Your South American Adventure
Shipping your bike to South America is the key to incredible riding in one of the world’s most diverse and breath taking continents. Despite the process seeming complex, with planning, preparation, it’s a walk from the beginning to end.
The whole process of shipping your motorcycle is worth the freedom and adventure of riding your own motorcycle, whichever way you’re traveling through Patagonia, the Amazon, or the Andes. This comprehensive guide has you set to ride your South American dream ride. Have safe travels and happy riding!
