Tractor Transporting across the US

[norcal]

Looking for recommendations of companies who would haul a tractor (LTL) across the US. After researching, it is much cheaper to buy a tractor out of state and have it shipped to my house. I have one bid and would like to get two more.

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

A lot is going to depend on where you're shipping from and to. I can't begin to know who to recommend without knowing those things.

I don't know whether you're buying new or used but, if you're buying new, I have an idea that might help you. I'm not sure if the tractor manufacturers do this or not but I do know the automakers do. What I'm talking about is 'drop shipping.'

I can order trucks from one dealer to be delivered to any number of dealerships across the US. In other words, if I want to do business here in Indiana with a local dealer but want to order a new Chevrolet service truck for my Chicago or Detroit locations, I can order the trucks here and have it sent from the plant to a dealer nearest my Chicago and Detroit locations, respectively. They prep and service the truck and call whomsoever I designated when I ordered them to tell them the new truck is ready to go and please come pick it up.

If you're buying new and if your tractor maker of choice offers something like that it would make your life a lot easier.

Good luck with whatever you decide. I hope this helps. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[DavesTractor]

Norcal, I just sent you a private message. I'm hoping you don't have to ship a tractor across the country /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

But to answer your question, we crated up a little YM1401 and sent it to New York from Northern California for around $700 if I remember correctly. That was using CWX. Then we sent a little tractor/loader/box to Maine using a private guy with a Dodge Cummins and a three-car hauler and he charged us about $850. Mind you that both of these we very small tractors and took up less than 4 feet of deck space as they fit side-ways on the truck, and the CWX one had to be completely crated. Prices will go up substantially as you require more deck space. I'm sure many others have more experience with shipping, but this will give you an idea of what we ran into.

 

[JerryG]

Look at the hauling schedule on Yesterdays Tractor. Most of them will do a drive on.
Hauling

 

[Deliberate1]

I just shipped a BX2200 from Florida to Maine for $850. That was not the cheapest quote I got, but it certainly was the fastest on the delivery side - pickup on Monday and delivery on Friday. And I got the referral from one of the largest Kubota dealerships in the South. The cheapest was $750 and had the advantage of a taligate rig, so no loading or unloading dock or lift needed. Was not a problem for me because I had the tractor delivered to my local dealer who will install an FEL. Buying new and out of state is a dicey proposition. The dealers I spoke with here did not take kindly to this practice. One said he'd surely honor the warranty, but would remember the person who"stabbed him in the back" by buying out of state. You can not expect much for service with such a dealership. And that could be a real problem. I know that Kubota feels the same way, and now prevents a well known and extremely competitive Southern dealership from selling north of Va. I think my approach was sound. I bought a tractor with less than 50 hours for about $2300 less than a new one from my local dealer would cost. He is going to sell me a $2600 FEL and brush hog now, and snow attachment this fall. He seems quite ok with this arrangement, especially after I gave him a dozen freshly baked bagels. It worked for me because I got a virtually new tractor ( he said I got a terrific buy), and saved enough for the FEL. Be careful on the sales tax issue. I ended up paying the tax because Florida and Maine have reciprocal agreements to collect taxes on such purchases. Even the Fla dealer I bought it from was not aware of this up front. We agreed to split the difference on the tax. Finally, if you are going to buy some distance away, consider using your credit card. It gives you certain protections that you will not have if you pay by check. If you would like the name of the shipping outfits, feel free to send me a private message.

 

[normde2001]

Glad things worked out well for you. Sounds like, even though a bit of a hassle, you made out ok financially on the deal. How does the tax thingy work?...."We agreed to split the difference on the tax"......I would think the Fl. dealer would either have to charge the full tax and pay the state, or not charge and not pay.

 

[JohnMiller3]

<font color="blue">… He seems quite ok with this arrangement, especially after I gave him a dozen freshly baked bagels…</font>

No doubt about it… that would make me feel better after I lost a $9K sale out of state… /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

<font color="blue">… We agreed to split the difference on the tax…</font>

For some reason, something doesn’t smell right here… You’re telling us… “the dealer is gonna reach into HIS POCKET and pay the other half of the tax…” then sit down in Florida and write out a check to the State of Maine, Division of Taxation …?

Lots of luck… /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

<font color="blue">… I would think the Fl. dealer would either have to charge the full tax and pay the state, or not charge and not pay…</font>

I agree… /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Bird]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I would think the Fl. dealer would either have to charge the full tax and pay the state, or not charge and not pay )</font>

I would agree; however . . ., I can imagine a dealer taking that route and simply discounting his price by that much. I say that because on several occasions when buying an automobile or pickup, I've made dealers an offer by stating that, "I'll give you $XX amount total including tax, title, and license." And while I'd consider it pretty simply math, it's interesting to notice how many salesmen can write up a sales agreement by adding the tax, title, license, and documentary fees, but don't know how to calculate it backwards from the total. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[heith]

I agree with Bird.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I agree too. That's the way my dealer and I finally agreed on a price for my tractor. We got close and I finally told him, here's what I'll go tax, title and all delivered. When I got the invoice it was broken down into the appropriate amounts.