You may not know where to start if you need to ship a commercial truck – either locally or across many states. How much do commercial truck shipping services cost? What shipping options are offered? And the truth is that finding a company to transport commercial vehicles that’s budget-friendly and reliable can be daunting. 

Yet, regardless of if you’re shipping your truck to use it on a contract job, relocating to a new state, or buying a commercial truck online, finding a legitimate company and determining the cost will take time. So, to help with this process, we’ve created the following guide that will discuss the cost to ship commercial trucks and the factors that play a role. 

Shipping a Commercial Truck is not the Same as Shipping a Car.

First things first, shipping commercial trucks is harder and more expensive than shipping cars because they are larger and more bulky. The good news is that trucks are shipped across the country every day, and nearly every type of commercial truck can be transported. 

However, it’s important to note that auto transport companies capable of handling large commercial trucks are harder to find than those specializing in passenger vehicles. You’ll find that not every auto transport company has the required equipment and experience to handle commercial trucks such as buses and semis. So, when shipping commercial trucks, you may have to be flexible on dates and times. 

What Options are there for Shipping Commercial Trucks?

If you need to transport a commercial truck a short distance, it’s possible to tow it behind another one. For example, this method works exceptionally well for semi-trucks. However, the strain it places on the drivetrain is not feasible for long distances. 

Since no two auto shipments are the same, let’s look at some examples of how to ship specific commercial trucks: 

Isuzu NPR Cab & Chassis

Isuzu NPRs are one of many companies and industries’ most popular go-to work trucks. And for a good reason! These trucks offer reliable drivetrains, excellent on-road performance, and robust engines. Yet, perhaps one of the best features is the 45-degree cab tilt that allows for easy and quick access for service. 

Unfortunately, an Isuzu NPR Cab and chassis would be too large to fit on an open transport carrier, and they are considered an overweight or oversized load. But, not to worry; it’s still an easy and simple process. Any reputable commercial truck shipper will load the vehicle onto a flatbed, lowboy, or step deck trailer and deliver it to your destination in the same shape they received it. 

Isuzu NPR Box Truck

An Isuzu NPR box truck is much like hauling an NPR cab and chassis, as they are too large to be loaded onto an open-air hauler. Instead, these trucks will also be loaded onto some sort of trailers such as a lowboy, flatbed, or step deck. The trailer will depend on what the auto transport company has on hand, but they should all work just fine. 

Ford E-350

The Ford E-350 is an extremely popular model because it can be used for many different applications. For example, they are commonly used as box trucks, cargo vans, large passenger vans, and more. 

So, when it comes time to ship a Ford E-350, you’ll need the help of a company that specializes in commercial vehicle transport. Much like the Isuzu models, the E350 is too large to fit on most open-air haulers, and they do best when loaded onto a trailer. 

What does it Cost to Ship Commercial Trucks?

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for a company when they start looking to ship commercial trucks, but remember – you get what you pay for, so choose wisely!

In general, shipping commercial trucks is more expensive than shipping passenger vehicles, as there are many factors that come into play. Since no two shipments are the same, it can be hard to estimate a price, but it usually costs between $2,000 and $3,000 to ship a commercial truck long distance. 

Let’s take a closer look at the factors that affect the cost of shipping commercial trucks. 

The Size of the Truck

Typically, the larger and heavier the truck, the more it costs to ship. When dealing with shipping commercial trucks, they don’t always fit onto open-air haulers, so they have to be transported with larger trucks and special low-loading trailers. Not only do these shipments use more fuel, but only one vehicle is moved at once, and the price reflects this. 

The Truck Model

When you stop to think about all the different truck models available, you realize they come in all shapes and sizes! Light trucks can usually be shipped like cars and loaded onto a standard open-air hauler. However, larger trucks that are overweight have to be hauled on a low trailer. 

Shipping Distance and Destination

As you probably guessed, the further you ship the truck, the more it will cost. The good news is that the price per mile decreases as the mileage increases, so distance doesn’t play the most significant role in the price. 

The other thing to keep in mind is the location of your pickup and drop-off spots. When these are hard to access or far off the main route, you may have to pay additional fees. Alternatively, a fast drop-off may reduce your price quote.

Is the Truck Heavily Modified?

Is your truck outfitted with oversized tires or a lift kit? Does it have a ladder or racks that cannot be removed? When chatting with auto transport companies about shipping your commercial truck, it’s important to mention any modifications the truck has because your vehicle may require a different type of carrier. 

The Bottom Line

Shipping a commercial truck can be expensive, but it’s an essential aspect of running a small business. When you need to move a truck, your business can’t operate as efficiently as it would otherwise. Therefore, finding a company specializing in commercial vehicle transport is important. They’ll be able to give you a price quote quickly and help you make the right decision for your needs.