Dealer Shipping cost to the dealer?

[gemini5362]

Why dont some of the dealer have them shipped by rail. When I worked at the steel mill they used to tell us that shipping by water was cheapest, rail next and truck the most expensive. I would think that on something like a tractor it would be cheaper to have it shipped by rail to the closest station and then go pick it up from there.

 

[DaryleD]

Unless a dealer has there own trucks set up for long haul. The dealer has no choice in freighting there tractors. New Holland makes all those decisions and also applies the freight charges directly to our invoices.

That's awfull! It sounds like NH is getting extra money for something they shouldn't. I can see getting what they need, to get them back here in the states, but once they are here, they should let the dealers choose who they want to ship them, and how much they'll pay. I am wondering if deere and Kubota do it too? I can see that maybe it keeps things more even, if everyone pays the same, but man, there's got to be a better way.
Daryle.

 

[HOGAN]

We moved a tractor from east central Pa. to central Fla. on an LTL -- $550.00 was the cheapest rate we could find. Three tractors on a truck from the port of Savannah runs about $290.00 to $325.00 per unit.

J.M.H.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

We do pickup some of our equipment, but that still does not excempt you from all the freight costs. They still charge some of it, probably to cover moving the stuff between the different Depots.

 

[froggy]

I can vary widly, but I would guess its probably $600-700 for a truck load shipment in that area. Tractors are not cheap to ship. The implements would be in addition to that.

Based on what car manufacturers charge per car (500-700 per car) and that the car haulers carry eight to ten cars per truck load, I would think that the amount you quoted is really reasonable.

 

[MikePA]

you would be well advised to negotiate your rates.

And when NH tells you here's the freight rate, take it or leave it, what would you do then?

Before you call Messick a 'fool' or tell them they're getting 'ripped off' you should first ask what contractual arrangements a dealer has with the manufacturer. It's not like a NH dealer can go anywhere else for a NH tractor.

 

[NHGUY]

cowpie1 I think you will find the same kind of shipping rates on vehicles delivered to automobile dealers. Those trucks haul a lot more cars then flat beds haul tractors. I think the last time I looked at the freight on a new pickup it was around 700.00 per truck I do not find the freight rates on tractors out of line myself compared to what cars and trucks are.

 

[cowpie1]

The rates on autos are set by contract. I lived in Alaska for a few years and the rate to ship a pickup to Alaska was the same as the rate to ship it 20 miles from the assembly plant. The Feds mandated some years ago that the shipping rate per vehicle had to be the same no matter its destination in the U.S.

Ag equipment is not subject to the same regulations. So to equate the two is not valid. The rate to ship tractors (unless oversize permits required) is too high in this discussion, and I still assert that either shipper or receiver is getting ripped off. Any flatbed trucking outfit can haul these and the amount of flatbed freight has been low since the first of the year. Therefore, it is not unrealistic to negotiate better rates.

Of course, if you want to pay $4 per mile, that is your choice. And the argument that insurance plays into this is bogus as well. ALL interstate carriers are required to carry cargo and liability insurance far and away higher than the value of a couple of NH TC45's. Also, the chain down time is factored in as well.

It is true that freight BROKERS are bad about jacking up the rates to take a cut and the carrier still gets a real rate. Some brokers have taken cuts up to 50% to only arrange a carrier to haul the load. It is better for EVERYONE to go right to the carrier and arrange the freight haul.

Most owner-ops only get from $.90 to $1.50 to pull a Loaded trailer. That includes ALL their costs including fuel. Now, who is getting the other $2.50 to $3? That is why I assert the rip off contention is valid. If you wish to dispute my contention, I suggest you discuss this with the Owner Operator Independent Driver Association. They can enlighten you considerably. I am a member. You can reach them at (800) 444-5791 or at OWNER-OPERATOR INDEPENDENT DRIVERS ASSOCIATION - REPRESENTING TRUCKERS.

It's your money. Do what you want.

 

[MikePA]

And when NH tells you here's the freight rate, take it or leave it, what would you do then?

Before you call Messick a 'fool' or tell them they're getting 'ripped off' you should first ask what contractual arrangements a dealer has with the manufacturer. It's not like a NH dealer can go anywhere else for a NH tractor.

This thread got off track comparing auto hauling to tractor hauling, mileage rates, insurance, etc., which are irrelevant when discussing the dealer buying directly from the manufacturer.

I can see it now, every NH dealer sending their own drivers, or haulers they hired because the mileage rate is cheaper, to the NH loading dock asking for 3 TC55DAs to be loaded.

 

[Turbys_1700]

One thing that I might add to this discussion. I just purchased a Woods PRD 72" RFM from my dealer. He did not have one in stock. He is a Kubota dealer and I wanted blue to match my NH 1720. He ordered one from Woods and it arrived two weeks later on a Woods truck. Pruchased this way no freight cost were incurred. Woods runs their trucks once a load is sold in specific distribution / sales areas. I live in a fairly heavy populated area 35 miles west / north-west of Charlotte. I guess that's why I didn't have to wait too long.