Americans are always on the lookout for new recreational activities and sports. All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) have become very popular in recent years for those seeking fun and adventure.

In fact, the ATV and UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle) market is expected to grow from $5.96 billion in 2021 to $7.9 billion in 2027.

If you already own or are considering buying an ATV, you will need to know at some point how ATV shipping works.

Considering ATV transport, ATV delivery, and ATV shipping cost is crucial if you are buying a vehicle from another part of the country or need to ship your ATV cross-country for a personal move.

This is because ATVs are not allowed to drive on public roads or highways. As a result, transporting or shipping an ATV is far more complicated than your average vehicle. You can not simply drive it to a distant destination.

One of the main concerns about ATV shipping services is the cost.

Keep reading to learn all about ATV transport services and what you can expect when looking for an ATV shipping estimate.

What Is an ATV?

These days, an ATV is mainly known as an off-road motor vehicle used for driving around on dirt roads, on the beach, or for other outdoor adventures.

It is commonly referred to as a quad or four-wheeler.

However, the ATV was first developedas a way for Japanese farmers to move their goods around on rough terrain. These vehicles typically have space for a single rider and are steered with a handlebar.

There is a throttle much like that of a motorbike to twist and change speed. Most ATVs are open-top and do not have a cabin, although you can find models that do. These vehicles can go up to 85 miles per hour.

As you can see, the ATV was simple and easy to drive for farmers needing to move crops and supplies.

However, in recent years, their use as a fun and adventurous way to race around rough countryside has made them increasingly popular. They come in various shapes and sizes so that even younger children can operate them.

While ATVs are great fun, there are safety risks, and almost 600 people die every year in ATV accidents. Many of these people are teenagers. That is why it is crucial to always wear safety gear such as helmets and protective clothing.

ATVs are not only for fun and games. For example, they are increasingly popular for military activities, which can require rough terrain vehicles.

Here are some other popular and unusual reasons to own an ATV:

Hunting

Camping

Snow plowing

Outdoor touring and exploration

Weed killing

Winching

Plowing and seeding fields

Transport loads of wood or dirt

Firefighting

The uses for this small and hardy vehicle are seemingly endless. Next, we will look at ATV shipping cost and what to look out for in an ATV shipping estimate.

How To Transport an ATV?

There are two main ways that the best ATV shipping companies will move your vehicle.

The first is on the back of an open carrier. This is one of the most cost-effective ways of transporting a vehicle because multiple vehicles can be carried at once. There is no doubt you have seen long trucks with many cars strapped to the open trailer making their way down the highway.

The main advantage of this method is the cost. It will save you a lot of money compared to other types of transport.

It is important to consider that your ATV will be exposed to hail, rain, or snow on an open trailer. Thus, there is a chance of damage to your vehicle. However, ATV transport experts will reassure you that the likelihood of this happening is extremely rare.

The second method of transportation is in a completely enclosed truck. This is a great option for rare and luxury vehicles. It is also a good option if you cannot stomach the chance of a rock denting your precious ATV.

This method will cost a bit more, but you will have complete peace of mind.

Your ATV company will advise you on whether your vehicle needs to be placed in a crate or if it is enough to strap it to a pallet to ease its lifting onto the trailer. Some companies may simply roll it onto the back of the truck.

How To Prepare Your ATV for Transport

You spent a lot of money on your ATV, so you want to be sure that everything is in order before you ship it. Be sure to discuss insurance requirements with your ATV shipping company or ATV transport services.

Your ATV may be full of dirt and dust. You may think it does not matter as it will only get dirty again. However, it is always a good idea to give it a good clean to have it in tip-top condition for transport.

This will also make any scratches or dents more visible.

Here are further steps you can take to prepare your recreational vehicle for transport:

Document any scratches and marks before your ATV transport arrives.

Find out whether you need to empty the fuel tank.

Make sure tires are fully inflated

Remove any personal items

Ensure the battery is fully charged

Check that your lights are working

Check for leaking fluids

As a final step, make sure you have all the documents you need to transport your ATV. This can include proof of ownership, identity documents, documents proving the transfer or sale of the ATV, and insurance documents.

On the day of pick-up, an authorized person will inspect your ATV and sign the Bill of Lading. Then you can sit back and wait for your vehicle to safely arrive at its destination.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship an ATV?

Do you want to take your ATV on an adventure in the dunes or along a popular hiking route? Perhaps you are a vehicle dealer looking for wholesale ATV shipping services.

Either way, you need ATV transport services. When it comes to ATV shipping cost, multiple factors could determine the final price.

On average, it costs between 0.40 to $2.00 a mile to ship the average vehicle. As an ATV weighs less, the price will come in cheaper. The vital points to consider are how you will transport your ATV and how far you need to move it.

Shipping an ATV across the country will be more expensive than between neighboring states.

Other important factors that will play a role are:

The time of the year

The size and weight of your ATV

Value of the ATV

Location

Fuel prices

The average cost to ship an ATV will be between $200 and $600.

The best ATV shipping companies and ATV transport services will be upfront about their pricing and will tailor their offer to your specific needs. They will offer a price calculator to give you a reasonable estimate of what you can expect to spend.

In many cases, you can save money by changing the time of year you transport the ATV. In summer there is likely to be high demand as the weather is good and this increases the movement of all sorts of vehicles.

As a result, there are few drivers available.

In winter, the weather may be poor, which can delay the journey. Icy roads and unexpected snowstorms can also make this a more expensive choice. If you have the flexibility to choose a fall or spring delivery, your ATV shipping cost could drop.

ATV Shipping Costs Based On Distance & Location

When you receive an ATV shipping estimate from an auto transport company, two of the main factors that will determine the price are distance and location.

If you want to ship your ATV cross-country, it will need to travel up to 2,500 miles east to west or up to 1,500 miles north to south. There are many reasons you may need to move your recreational vehicle such long distances.

Maybe you have to move across the country and want an easy way to transport your ATV. Perhaps you are planning a summer adventure far away from your hometown. You may also have ordered your ATV from a seller based in a faraway state.

Either way, the distance will increase the cost of fuel, wages to pay the driver, and your insurance. For example, shipping your ATV from Arizona to Arkansas, a distance of 1,000 miles, may cost around $800.

However, shipping more than 2,500 miles from Washington to Los Angeles can cost more than $1,200.

Location is also an essential factor. Some areas are busy and popular transport hubs where many trucks head on a daily basis. However, if you live in a remote or rural area that is more difficult to reach, it could cost you more money for ATV delivery.

If you choose a door-to-door service, you can get your ATV dropped off at a residential address for an extra cost.

What Types of ATV Can Be Transported?

You can transport almost any kind of ATV across the country. It is important to note that there are different types of ATVs and their varying weight and size might impact the final price. A quad bike for teenagers will be between 50cc to 125cc, while a sport ATV can be up to 400cc.

Another popular type of vehicle that can be shipped is a Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV). These are larger and used more for practical purposes than your average ATV. It will go faster than a purely recreational vehicle and will likely have a steering wheel as opposed to handlebars.

Multiple passengers can ride in one UTV, which can be good for group tours. However, you are more likely to find this vehicle on a farm doing heavy-duty work. It is also popular in the military for navigating tricky terrain.

UTV transport services work the same as those for an ATV, and you can transport this vehicle long distances using various UTV shipping services.

How Long Does It Take to Ship an ATV?

The time it takes to ship your ATV will depend on the distance, the weather, and the availability of trucks.

Once your ATV is ready to be picked up, it can take one to three days for your ATV transport to arrive. On average, it will take another three to four days for it to be delivered.

However, if your ATV is traveling over 2,000 miles to a rural location, cross-country car shipping services may take up to 10 days or more.

What Is the Best Way to Transport Your ATV?

You may be tempted to rent a trailer or try and move your ATV across the country on your own. However, by the time you have rented extra equipment and organized the journey, you may realize it would be far less of a headache to hire professional ATV shipping services.

The best way to ship an ATV that will cost you the least, is on an open-hauler truck managed by the best ATV shipping company. However, an enclosed truck is also an excellent option.

A professional ATV transport service has years of experience in moving all kinds of vehicles.

Turning to vehicle shipping professionals will lower the chances of anything going wrong, giving you peace of mind.

Get the Best ATV Shipping Costs

It has never been easier to move your ATV from one part of the country to another. In some cases, it might be cheaper than a flight between two cities.

Nexus Auto Transport is an expert shipping company that has safely moved thousands of vehicles across the United States. We can help you with an ATV or UTV shipping estimate.

ATV Shipping: How Much Does It Cost to Ship an ATV?