Motorcycle Shipping Crate: Dimensions, Prices
Whether you’re a professional restorer sending a vintage Norton to a buyer in Europe, or a rider planning the trip of a lifetime from the UK to Australia, your bike deserves more than just a pallet and some shrink wrap.
At Barnes & Woodhouse, we specialise in bespoke timber solutions designed to handle the rigours of international transit. Here is our expert guide on choosing the right motorcycle shipping crate to ensure your pride and joy arrives in showroom condition.
Why a Custom Timber Crate is Essential
Standard couriers and sea-freight containers are busy environments. A professional crate for motorcycle shipping acts as a structural exoskeleton, providing:
- Crush Resistance: Our heavy-duty timber frames allow for other cargo to be safely loaded around (and often on top of) the crate without risk to the bike.
- Biosecurity Compliance: For destinations like Australia, strict quarantine rules apply. We ensure every motorcycle shipping crate is made from ISPM-15 certified heat-treated timber, preventing costly fumigation delays at the border.
- Internal Stability: Unlike a loose pallet, a dedicated motorcycle crate for shipping allows for precision wheel chocking and multiple tie-down points.
Motorcycle Shipping Crate Dimensions: Finding the Right Fit
Size is the biggest factor in your freight costs. Carriers charge based on the “volumetric weight,” so a crate that is unnecessarily large will cost you more.
| Motorcycle Type | Typical UK Crate Dimensions (L x W x H) |
|---|---|
| Sport / Street | 225cm x 90cm x 120cm |
| Adventure / Tall Screen | 230cm x 95cm x 140cm |
| Large Cruiser / Touring | 260cm x 110cm x 145cm |
Tip: To reduce your motorcycle shipping crate dimensions, consider removing the mirrors or screen, if they are removable or foldable. This can often drop the height by 20–30cm, potentially saving you hundreds in air or sea freight fees.
Motorcycle Shipping Crate Price: A UK Outlook
In 2026, the motorcycle shipping crate price in the UK varies based on the level of protection required.
- Slatted Crates: Best for domestic UK transport or short European hops.
- Fully Enclosed Plywood Cases: Mandatory for long-haul sea freight (e.g., UK to Australia or USA).
For a custom-built, export-grade timber case, prices typically range from £300 upwards. At Timber Packing Cases, we provide transparent quotes that include all necessary ISPM-15 markings for international travel.
Specialist Parts: The Motorcycle Engine Shipping Crate
Shipping a standalone engine requires a different engineering approach. A motorcycle engine shipping crate must be built with a reinforced base to support high-density weight (often 60kg –100kg+).
We design internal cradles that “hug” the engine block, ensuring it doesn’t shift and damage the delicate cooling fins or casings.
Shipping from the UK to Australia?
If you are specifically looking for a motorcycle shipping crate for Australia, remember that Australian Border Force and biosecurity (DAFF) are among the strictest in the world.
- Cleanliness: The bike must be surgically clean, no mud or organic matter.
- Timber Stamping: The crate must bear the IPPC “Wheat” stamp. Without it, your bike could be held in quarantine for weeks.
- Internal Bracing: Our Australian-spec crates use timber chocks and industrial-strength banding to meet all “shared container” requirements.
Ready to get your bike on the road (or sea)?
Get a Motorcycle Shipping crate quote
Don’t risk your investment with a “one-size-fits-all” box. At Timber Packing Cases, we build every motorcycle shipping crate to the millimetre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a motorcycle shipping crate need to be heat-treated?
Yes, if you are shipping internationally (for example, from the UK to Australia or the USA). International regulations require timber packaging to be ISPM-15 certified. This means the wood has been heat-treated to kill pests. All of our export-grade crates are heat-treated and bear the official IPPC "wheat" stamp to ensure they pass through customs without being quarantined or destroyed.
How much does a professional motorcycle shipping crate price usually sit at?
In the UK, a professional motorcycle shipping crate price typically ranges from £350 upwards, depending on the size of the bike and whether you require a slatted crate or a fully enclosed plywood case. While cheaper DIY options exist, a professional timber case is an investment in the safety of your bike and can often be reused for future transport or seasonal storage.
Can I ship parts or a spare engine in the same crate?
Yes, but they must be secured correctly. If you are shipping a standalone motor, we recommend a dedicated motorcycle engine shipping crate. These are smaller, reinforced cases designed to support the high-density weight of an engine block. If you are including spare parts in a full bike crate, they should be bolted or strapped to the base of the crate to prevent them from moving and denting the bike’s bodywork.
How do I secure my bike inside the motorcycle shipping crate?
The best method is to use a combination of "soft-ties" and ratchet straps. The bike should be compressed slightly on its suspension and strapped to the heavy-duty timber base of the crate at four points. We also recommend using timber chocks (screwed into the base) around the front and rear tyres to prevent any lateral movement during transit.