In our recent shipment, we transported a 1995 Mazda Cosmo and a 1991 Toyota MR2 from Las Cruces, NM to Rossville, GA via open trailer shipment. The cost was $1,744.00 and the distance covered was 1468 miles, which means we charged $1.19 per mile.
These cars were shipped operating condition, which means that both the cars were operational and could be driven using their own engines. This is a good comparison between a rare Japanese market vehicle and a popular American market sports car.
The Route
The 1468-mile route from Las Cruces to Rossville stretches eastward across the Southern part of the USA. Usually, carriers depart from Las Cruces and move east on I-10 until they reach I-20 in West Texas.
Then, the route will continue to follow the I-20 east from Abilene and Shreveport. Further, it will travel across Mississippi passing through Jackson and Alabama passing through Birmingham. Lastly, the route ends in Georgia, stretching northwards to Rossville, which is located close to the Tennessee border in Chattanooga.
Why the Mazda Cosmo Is a Rare Shipment
The Cosmo of Mazda was an exclusive model for the Japanese domestic market in this generation and was not exported to the U.S. via the usual channels. Such cars normally enter the U.S. under the 25-year old cars import clause that allows the legal importation and registration of cars from overseas markets that have become 25 years old.
Apart from its uniqueness, the Cosmo is famous for its rotary engine, which is different in principle from the engine in conventional piston-powered cars. It does not make any difference in how the car is loaded and tied down on the transporters trailer. But it is obvious that the cargo on board is something precious and unique.
Why the MR2 Needs Standard Sports Car Care
While the 1991 Toyota MR2, which belongs to the second generation of this mid-engine sports car, is lower to the ground than a conventional sedan, it doesn’t have the same kind of low clearance problems like those of a Corvette or other sports car in this era. Nonetheless, the transporters of the Toyota MR2 are always cautious of its front and rear overhang while loading it.
Both vehicles were secured with the four-point wheel strap tie-down, which is the usual procedure when transporting classic and collector vehicles as it avoids putting pressure on the body of the vehicle and not the frame and suspension.
Why Two Imports Ship Well Together
Using one trailer for two vehicles going to the same place means that the cost is divided between the owners of those cars instead of each of them paying individually for one journey. The Cosmo and the MR2 are also sufficiently similar in size to fit on an ordinary open trailer without using special equipment, even though they were produced in different countries and have different drive configurations.
In the case of these two collectible cars, using an open trailer will keep the cost low but still apply the proper tie-down procedure.
Transport Summary
- Origin: Las Cruces, NM 88005
- Destination: Rossville, GA 30741
- Distance: 1468 miles
- Service cost: $1,744.00
- Cost per mile: $1.19
- Vehicles: 1995 Mazda Cosmo; 1991 Toyota MR2
- Condition: Operable (both vehicles)
- Trailer type: Open
- Route: I-10 to I-20 east through Abilene, Shreveport, Jackson, and Birmingham, then north into Rossville
