Is $825 for 90-100 Miles Inland Freight Fair for Shipping a SV400TF Sakai Roller from Washington D.C to Port of Baltimore?

Question:

I recently purchased a SV400TF Sakai roller near Washington D.C and now need to have it transported to the Port of Baltimore for export. The quote for inland freight came in at $825 for a journey of approximately 90-100 miles. Is this a reasonable cost? I was expecting a rate of $4-$6 per mile, which seems more standard, whereas $8.25 per mile feels like an attempt to overcharge. I understand the need for a service provider to make a living, but excessive pricing raises concerns. What are your thoughts on this? Where do you believe the price should realistically fall? Help me out, please!

Top Replies

The price of Lumber 61 may appear high, but it is not vastly overpriced. One contributing factor to this cost is the transportation to the Port, which can be expensive. To access the port, a driver typically needs a TWIC card. Though escorts were an option in the past, it may come at a cost and is inconvenient to arrange. The location outside of Washington DC also plays a role in determining the overall cost of the transportation. Local equipment movers in the Washington area charge between $500 to $700 for a local job, excluding port fees. It is crucial to have all the necessary paperwork in order before sending a driver to the port, as incorrect documentation can lead to delays or additional expenses. Consider the time frame for transporting the equipment to the port as well. These are just a few key considerations when dealing with the Port of Baltimore. Feel free to contact me for further assistance.

Ten years ago, I worked for a company that handled their own moving services, charging $300 per move. It was essentially just a transfer of funds within the company. Dealing with international moves can be challenging, as errors occasionally occur causing delays in the process. This can result in items being held up, causing frustration and extended waiting periods.

Thank you for the information, guys! I was not aware of the extensive paperwork required for buying and selling internationally. While I have experience with transactions in Japan, I am now venturing into buying from America for export. The unexpected expenses in the US are quite challenging. The roller I am interested in is currently located in Manassas, Virginia.

I am happy to assist you with this. Manassas is located approximately 100 miles away from Prince William County's point of beginning (POB), requiring a circuitous route of about 1 1/2 rotations to reach it. There are multiple challenges and obstacles to contend with along the way.

rigandig provided a thorough explanation, but it's important to note that local hauls in urban areas are typically charged by the hour rather than by the mile. The hourly rate usually covers the entire journey from the starting point to the destination and back, with additional fees for permits, escorts, and any port-related expenses. When factoring in port fees and other costs, a haul involving the port can easily consume 6 to 7 hours of truck time. Therefore, a rate of $825 seems reasonable in this case.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: 1. Is $825 a fair price for shipping a SV400TF Sakai roller from Washington D.C to the Port of Baltimore?

Answer: - The quoted price of $825 for a journey of 90-100 miles seems high compared to the standard rate of $4-$6 per mile. It's reasonable to question if this cost is justified.

FAQ: 2. What is the average rate for inland freight transportation of heavy equipment like a Sakai roller?

Answer: - The average rate for shipping heavy equipment like a Sakai roller typically ranges from $4 to $6 per mile. Any deviation from this range may warrant further investigation.

FAQ: 3. How can I determine if the $825 quote is reasonable for transporting the Sakai roller?

Answer: - To assess the reasonableness of the $825 quote, you can compare it with industry standards and seek additional quotes from different freight service providers for a similar distance.

FAQ: 4. What factors can influence the cost of inland freight for heavy equipment like the SV400TF Sakai roller?

Answer: - Factors such as distance, weight, size, route complexity, fuel prices, and demand for transportation services can impact the cost of shipping heavy equipment inland.

FAQ: 5. What should I do if I suspect that I am being overcharged for the inland freight service?

Answer: - If you suspect that the quoted price is inflated, you can negotiate with the service provider, request a breakdown of costs, seek alternative quotes

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