8 Tips for RV Shipping and Transport (Rates, Cost per Mile)
Let’s say that you are an RV owner. Or maybe you just bought an RV and you need it to be shipped to your home. Whatever the case is, getting an RV shipped can be confusing. You might get caught between numerous pieces of information and disinformation in the process.
We wanted to ease up the whole thing, and encompass every important information that you need to know in one place. In the following paragraphs, we’ll discuss and share great tips related to RV shipping, RV transport rates, RV cost per mile, and more. This article will be your ultimate guide when it comes to shipping RVs. Start reading and learn everything that you needed to know.
RV Shipping Cost 101
How Much Does It Cost to Transport an RV?
When it comes to transporting an RV, coming up with a perfect solution can be hard since there are many options from which you can choose. When facing all that mess, it is good to know the overall rates so that you can have at least a vague idea of how much money you would need to spend to get your RV shipped.
RV Transport Rates
The cost of transporting an RV varies a lot. It is very important to understand that the cost alone depends upon many factors. Above all, you will have to consider the distance and the size of your RV. Sometimes you’ll have to add to the equation things like whether your RV can be driven, type of fuel that it uses and other.
RV Transport Cost per Mile
As it was stated above, the cost will mainly depend on the distance that is traveled and the size of your vehicle. You will basically pay less if your RV is smaller and pay much more if you have a large RV. The weight is also taken into consideration. That means that if you have an RV that is smaller but is really heavy the cost of transportation will automatically increase.
Now, it is hard to draw an average price with so many important factors to consider. But in the end, we can say that shipping your RV per mile can cost you between $3 to $4 for 100 miles. That price will, of course, go down if the distance is larger. So for the distance that is around 1000 miles, you will have to pay about $1.5 per mile.
How Much Would It Cost to Ship an RV to Hawaii
When it comes to shipping your RV to Hawaii, you must understand one thing. Hawaii is not a state that is RV-oriented. Why? Well simply because Hawaii consists of multiple islands, and there is no need for a vehicle that is that big and meant for traveling long distances. Also worth mentioning is the fact that the infrastructure wasn’t constructed with large vehicles like RVs in mind. Basically, that means that in Hawaii you will find weight limits on bridges, not to mention many roads too narrow for your vehicle.
Another very important thing to consider is that there are almost no RV parks in Hawaii. What’s more, you probably won’t even find a place to purchase an RV vehicle. And if you think that you’ll be able to park your RV anywhere, you’re wrong. You will get a ticket even if you stop at a parking lot.
Hawaii has a strict policy about living in RVs, tents etc. They had a problem with many homeless people coming from different states and living in the streets, cars or in improvised home. Therefore, the state had to pass strict laws in order to solve their problem.
In Addition, you should always consider the gas. Hawaii is known for having one of the highest gas rates. So driving your RV there might be really expensive.
In the end, there are many downsides to transporting your RV in Hawaii. Make sure to check all the regulations and taxes that are needed. When it comes to the average cost of transporting your vehicle to, for example, the Big Island, you will have to pay around $3 to $4 per cubic foot. That only includes transporting your vehicle on containers, without it being lifted by a crane.
In the end, taking your RV to Hawaii may be a bad decision. But if you are in dire need to do so, you will be able to find companies that will be willing to help you. Just learn all the laws that consider living in, transporting, and parking RVs in advance.
Shipping Your RV to Alaska
Shipping an RV to Alaska is almost the same as shipping in other states. The usual rates apply. You can always take into consideration the average ones that we provided.
However, there is an important difference. To actually get your vehicle to Alaska, you or your shipping company might have to use the Alaska ferry. And that will only add up to the overall cost.
You need to reserve your spot on the ferry in advance. The good thing about it is that it is capable of transporting all kinds of RVs when it comes to sizes, weight and more. Before making a reservation, make sure to check the length, height, and width of your vehicle. The Alaska ferry has certain standards when it comes to the width of your vehicle. The normal width would be up to 8'6" with your mirrors folded. They will charge you with an additional 25% if your vehicle is up to 8'11" wide, and 50% if it’s more than 9' wide.
You should shut off your propane before you get your vehicle on the ferry. You are also not allowed to sleep inside your vehicle while the ship is moving. Cabins with bunk beds are available, but you should also reserve it in advance. A good thing to know is that you are allowed to take pets with you, but they will charge you extra for bringing them along.
Best RV Transportation Company
Finding the best RV transportation company depends on many circumstances. The vicinity, for example, may play a major role when it comes to transporting your RV. Before choosing a company, you should look for websites and platforms where drivers bid to take a certain shipment. That means that you might not even have to go with a standard company at all.
If you want to entrust your RV to someone reliable, secure, and who has been in the business for many years, you might easily overlook the aforementioned option and go with a company instead. That’s not a bad decision, but it might cost you a little more, depending on the company that you choose. So what should you look for in a company?
- The price.
- An insurance is a must.
- Good reviews and their overall standards when it comes to transportation.
One of the companies that have been on the market for years and have been successful are the CWRV Transport and the Indiana Transport. Go check out their websites and see what they have to offer.
RV Shipping Weight VS. Dry Weight
Shipping weight and dry weight are two terms that usually confuse RV owners when it comes to transporting their vehicles. We’ll shine a light upon that matter. It’s actually pretty simple.
The Shipping Weight, commonly known as the Curb Weight is the total weight of your RV vehicle with all of the equipment. That also includes full water tanks and fuel tanks, propane bottles, et cetera. However, it does not include personal cargo and the passengers. Varying from a manufacturer to a manufacturer, the curb weight might include the driver and some additional equipment. So always check that one carefully.
The Dry Weight would be a total weight of your RV. Though, unlike the curb weight, it excludes full tanks, propane bottles and other. It also excludes passengers, additional equipment, personal cargo, and other nonstandard things that didn’t come out of the factory with the vehicle. There are some exceptions to the rule even in this case as we shall see. Some manufacturers include in the definition oil, fuel, and even a generator. So make sure to always check those things when it comes to the dry weight.
Shipping an RV from Europe to the USA
Shipping an RV from Europe to the USA can demand a lot of paperwork. But getting your diesel RV on wide American highways will save you a lot of money on fuel. That comes as a bonus, and the waiting and the whole process might pay off eventually.
Basically, you can get your RV across the ocean in two ways. By a ferry or transporting it in a container. The ferry might be a faster option when it comes to paperwork.
However, you must clean your vehicle out of everything that isn’t originally put there by a manufacturer. That means personal cargo, additional equipment, et cetera. You will also have to clean your RV thoroughly. In some instances, you can bypass this process by hiding everything that can be seen through the window of your RV, but that’s not advisable.
When it comes to the price, transporting your RV from Europe to the USA will cost you around 3000 euros. The total amount will depend on the distance, size of your RV, paperwork, and so on.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship an RV to Europe?
Shipping your RV from the USA to another country, presumably located in Europe, can be difficult. You will have to check all the laws regarding the import and transportation of RVs and vehicles. Getting your RV to a European country will also mean certain taxes that will vary from place to place.
Make sure to choose a good and reliable company that has experience in this matter. You’ll want to have everything secured and covered.
One thing that could make everything easier is to look for a company that specializes in roll-on/roll-off shipping. Transporting your RV that way will probably cost you around 40 to 45 euros for a cubic meter.
The Cost of Transporting a Travel Trailer
Calculating the cost of transporting your travel trailer will go similarly as with transporting an RV. Though they might be cheaper to transport, considering the weight and the overall size.
Now, if you really want to check the overall cost quickly, we recommend you to visit www.uship.com. On their website, you will both be able to get a free estimate and to actually arrange a transport of your trailer or RV. You will be able to provide exact information about your vehicle and get the exact expenses. They are reliable, well known, and were even featured on a TV show called Shipping Wars.
How to Ship an RV?
You must decide whether you’ll ship your RV on a carrier or let someone drive it to a certain location. That can cause a difference in costs. One thing that can also save you money is that the company can ship your RV from a terminal to a terminal, instead of delivering it at your door.
Try to hire professionals even though that may seem more expensive at first. Lower rates may have some hidden costs that will add up to the overall expenses. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to have your vehicle safely delivered and without any damages.
RV Transportation Checklist
Before you hand over your vehicle, you need to follow certain steps. Above all, make sure to check the regulations and requirements with your transportation company .
After doing that, you may proceed with securing your RV:
- Make sure that the brakes are functional, alongside tail lights, turn signal, indicator lights and the rest.
- Lock everything and secure anything that may fall off during the trip.
- Secure all doors, windows, and cabinets inside the vehicle. Basically, you’ll want to secure anything that’s hanging or that is loose.
- Most importantly, remember to turn off all electronics, appliances, disconnect the gas and power supply.
- Check the battery and make sure that it has enough power.
- Check for any leakage especially engine oil, coolant, et cetera.
- Inspect your tires. They need to be functional and safe.
- In the end, provide your transportation company with any needed information, including emergency procedures, equipment location, et cetera. Also, provide them with a full set of keys.
Shipping Your RV by Rail
There are companies that use trains for transporting vehicles. You can find them online. You can ship your RV in an enclosed compartment but at a higher price. The advantage of shipping your vehicle that way is that it would be secured from any exterior factors that could cause damage. However, if you decide on an open air transport, you will basically get the cheapest method of transporting an RV across the country. In a way, it will be the fastest too.
Is RV Transportation a Good Job?
Giving a correct answer to that question may depend on your personal preferences. Surely, not everyone can be eligible for the business. Many of them try but quit after a certain period of time.
Transporting RVs can be difficult. It will take up most of your spare time. You will spend most of your days on the road across the USA. So if you have a family, that might be a problem, since you won’t be able to see them regularly. Driving all night and day can be exhausting, and not everyone can sit behind the steering wheel for too long. Basically, getting a job in RV transportation business can be a wrong choice for people who don’t like spending their time on the road.
On the good side, you’ll be able to earn decent money. And maybe the best part of it is actually the travel itself. You will be able to see most of the continent and more. If you are a bit of an adventurer in your heart and you like to explore different places and horizons you might find this job to be very interesting.
How Much Do RV Transporters Make?
While some companies cover their workers for some trip expenses, some of them don’t. Depending on the order that you took, and if you work hard, at the end of the day, when you cover the expenses, you might have from $80 to $100 of pure profit.
How to Become an RV Transporter?
Above all, you need to have an adequate driver’s license. You can search for the jobs online, there are plenty of them. You can decide whether you want to get a job at a certain company or to work as a freelancer and bid for orders on certain platforms and websites.
What Is the Best RV Transportation Company to Work For?
It’s not all about the money. Before choosing a certain company to work for, you’ll want to consider other things, not just the wage. Working hours are very important, since driving for too long can be exhausting. Also, make sure to check what road expenses your company will cover, and all of their rules and policies. If all of that resonates with you, then that’s the best and the right company to work for.
Before applying, make sure to check out reviews from workers and ex-workers online. Though, take every piece of that information with a grain of salt. As for the best company out there, you can always start with uShip.
