Managing RV dealership inventory requires highly specialized commercial logistics. Standard auto haulers cannot accommodate the height, width, and weight of modern recreational vehicles. Our professional rv dealership transport solutions keep your sales floor stocked with zero operational hassle. We move motorhomes and towables across state lines safely and efficiently.
Tempus Logix coordinates reliable car dealership shipping services and commercial fleet logistics for dealerships nationwide. We are a fully licensed and bonded transport broker holding USDOT #3117533 and MC #86120 credentials. Our Better Business Bureau accredited team maintains a thoroughly vetted network of heavy-haul carriers. Shippers can read Why Choose Tempus Logix to see our complete commitment to safety and compliance. We specialize in shipping motorized coaches, travel trailers, and multi-unit dealer trades.
Booking your commercial shipment online is completely free. We do not require credit card details or upfront deposits to reserve your transport slot. You only pay after our coordinators match your load with a vetted, insured driver. This transparent system prevents unexpected costs and hidden booking fees on your commercial invoice.
Our dedicated coordinators manage every detail of your commercial shipment. We verify active FMCSA authority and check cargo insurance limits before dispatching any truck. Our team tracks regional weather, road closures, and clearance limits along your transit route. We ensure your high-value inventory arrives on your lot in showroom condition.
Get a Free Quote or Call +1 (866) 607-8459 to speak with a commercial transport specialist.
What is RV Dealership Transport?
RV dealership transport refers to specialized commercial logistics. It is used to move recreational vehicles between manufacturers, auction sites, dealership lots, and direct-to-consumer buyers. These vehicles include motorized motorhomes and towable trailers. Unlike shipping a standard passenger sedan, hauling a commercial-grade recreational vehicle requires heavy-duty equipment and professional routing. These vehicles have extreme vertical profiles, substantial weights, and delicate interior layouts. Consequently, standard multi-car carriers cannot accommodate dealership inventory. We recommend dealer auto transport carriers that understand the specific demands of oversized hauling.
This sector of logistics services a diverse range of recreational vehicles. It covers motorized units like Class A coaches, Class B camper vans, and Class C cab-over units. It also includes towable inventory like Fifth-Wheel Trailer configurations, Travel Trailer models, Toy Hauler units, and lightweight Pop-up Camper trailers. Each vehicle type presents unique shipping challenges. For instance, a Class A diesel pusher requires high-clearance step-deck trailers. Meanwhile, towable campers often utilize specialized tow-away dually trucks equipped with heavy-duty weight-distribution hitches.
Volume-shipping dealerships rely on commercial rv shipping to balance inventory levels across multiple locations. If a customer in another state purchases a specific layout, dealers must execute a prompt transfer. Managing these transfers internally strains dealership staff and adds unnecessary mileage to the vehicles. Outsource this work to professional brokers to save valuable labor and maintain vehicle value. We handle the carrier vetting, routing, and insurance checks so your team can focus on closing sales.
Manufacturers also utilize these services to transport new models from production facilities directly to dealership showrooms. Indiana serves as the central hub for national RV manufacturing. Shipping thousands of units from Midwestern factories to coastal dealerships demands massive, scalable carrier networks. Professional brokers bridge this gap by coordinating multi-unit shipments on heavy-haul flatbeds. This high-volume coordination keeps shipping rates competitive and ensures steady inventory flow.
Auctions represent another critical source of dealership inventory. Dealership buyers frequently acquire pre-owned RVs from wholesale vehicle auctions. However, auction yards impose strict pickup windows and require precise release documentation. For auctions like Copart or IAA, we require your lot number or stock number along with the pickup PIN. For standard dealerships, we need the release number or the last 6 digits of the VIN. Providing this exact data prevents pickup delays and storage fees at the auction gate.
Private direct-to-consumer delivery is also a growing segment of rv dealer shipping services. Many modern buyers purchase high-value RVs online from dealerships located hundreds of miles away. Delivering these premium units directly to the customer’s driveway requires professional white-glove handling. Our carriers manage the final mile with extreme care. We verify that the delivery driver conducts a comprehensive check of all structural and cosmetic features upon arrival.
Lowered or lifted modified recreational vehicles also require unique shipping adjustments. If a dealership sells a modified unit, the ground clearance must be checked. Lowered custom vans with under 4 inches of clearance require specialized ramps or enclosed transport to prevent undercarriage damage. Conversely, lifted off-road campers require exact height measurements to avoid low highway bridges. Our coordinators verify these dimensions before matching your load with a specialized carrier. This technical oversight prevents structural collisions on the road.
Dealerships also face unique challenges when importing inoperable RV inventory from salvage auctions. If a motorhome has a dead battery or won’t start, we offer jump-start assistance for an $80 fee. If the vehicle remains inoperable after a jump-start, we coordinate a winch service fee ranging from $150 to $300. This fee covers the specialized equipment needed to pull the vehicle safely onto the trailer bed. We must confirm that the inoperable vehicle can roll, brake, and steer. If the wheels are seized, you must arrange local towing equipment or cranes to manage loading and unloading.
The Step-by-Step Logistics of RV Dealer-to-Dealer Trades
Many inventory managers ask can a dealership ship a car to another dealership when arranging trades. The same careful logistics rules apply to recreational vehicles. First, managers finalize the vehicle swap agreement. Second, they schedule transport through a licensed broker like Tempus Logix. Third, they prepare and verify the RV’s gate release and VIN details. Fourth, they conduct a pre-transit condition report. Finally, they manage the lot delivery with a completed Bill of Lading. This coordinated approach ensures that dealership inventory moves between sales lots with zero damage or administrative delays. Failing to execute any of these steps can result in expensive transport errors or inventory discrepancies.
Here is a comprehensive breakdown of how these essential steps protect your dealer-to-dealer transactions:
1. Finalize the Swap Agreement and Vehicle Selection: Inventory managers must formalize the vehicle trade agreement before scheduling transport. Both dealerships must agree on the exact units involved and complete all necessary financial or inventory paperwork. This step establishes legal ownership and responsibility for each vehicle before shipping begins.
2. Schedule Transport and Coordinate Carrier Assignment: Contact a licensed commercial broker like Tempus Logix to organize the logistics. We analyze the vehicles’ dimensions, weight, and distance to select the best shipping method. Our team matches the load with a vetted heavy-haul driver from our licensed network.
3. Verify Gate Releases and Vehicle Documentation: Dealerships must prepare and verify the gate release paperwork and correct VIN details. Our dispatch team cross-checks these details with the carrier before pickup. Having complete paperwork ready at the lot prevents drivers from getting turned away at the gate.
4. Conduct the Pre-Transit Condition Inspection: The transport driver conducts a comprehensive physical inspection of each RV upon arrival. They document all existing cosmetic and structural details on a digital Bill of Lading. Both the driver and the dealership representative must sign this document before the keys are handed over.
5. Manage Final Lot Offloading and Delivery: The driver coordinates with the receiving dealership’s inventory manager to organize a safe delivery window. If the dealership lot has tight maneuvering spaces, the driver may arrange a nearby open space for offloading. The inventory manager conducts a final walk-around inspection and signs the completed Bill of Lading.
Reliable rv dealer shipping depends on this rigorous tracking sequence. If a dealership needs to cancel a scheduled shipment before a driver is assigned, we offer a full refund. However, if you cancel while the truck is already traveling to your pickup location, a $150 fee applies. This fee compensates the driver for their fuel and travel time. Ensuring your staff is ready for the scheduled pickup protects your operational budget.
Tow-Away vs. Drive-Away vs. Flatbed: Comparing RV Transport Methods
Dealerships can choose from three main transport methods. Tow-away services utilize heavy-duty trucks to pull towable campers. Drive-away services assign CDL-certified drivers to operate motorized motorhomes directly on their own wheels. Finally, flatbed or low-boy trailer transport is used for premium or non-running inventory. This completely eliminates road wear and mileage. Choosing the right method is essential for protecting your inventory’s retail value and your dealership’s profit margins. Each shipping option offers distinct operational advantages depending on the specific RV type and distance.
The table below outlines the core differences between these three shipping methods:
| Transport Category | Tow-Away Services | Drive-Away Transport | Flatbed & Low-Boy Hauling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Mileage | Zero odometer miles added to RV | Adds exact road mileage to motorhome | Zero mileage added to odometer |
| Tire & Component Wear | Complete wear on trailer tires and bearings | Complete wear on engine and tires | Zero road wear on any component |
| Required Equipment | Heavy-duty commercial dually trucks | No carrier trailer required | Specialized step-deck or low-boy trailers |
| Driver Qualifications | Experienced commercial tow operators | CDL-certified professional drivers | Specialized heavy-haul transport drivers |
| Best Suited For | Fifth-wheels, travel trailers, toy haulers | Motorized Class A, B, and C coaches | Premium, modified, or inoperable units |
| Relative Pricing | Highly cost-effective for towables | Economical for single motorized units | Premium pricing due to heavy equipment |
Towed transport represents the industry standard for towable inventory. We match your travel trailers or fifth-wheels with professional hotshot haulers operating commercial-grade trucks. These operators utilize specialized fifth-wheel, gooseneck, or weight-distribution hitches. This equipment ensures stable towing and compliant braking across interstate highways.
Drive-away transport serves as a practical, flexible option for driveable motorized coaches. This method avoids the physical height restrictions associated with loaded flatbeds. Instead, a professional, CDL-certified operator drives the motorhome directly. This approach is highly efficient for shipping Class A or Class C units over moderate distances.
Flatbed or low-boy shipping is the absolute safest method for premium, brand-new, or high-value inventory. Placing the RV entirely on a trailer bed isolates it from highway vibration, flying road gravel, and unpredictable weather. This protection is vital for dealerships delivering custom, luxury, or newly manufactured models. It ensures they arrive on the showroom floor in flawless condition. Our heavy-haul carriers handle these premium shipments with maximum care.
Evaluating Clearance, Weight, and Permit Rules for Oversized RV Shipping
Shipping oversized Class A motorhomes requires strict compliance with federal height and weight standards. We manage several key compliance factors during oversized transport. First, we verify the RV’s exact travel height to remain under the 13-foot-6-inch legal limit. Second, we secure state-specific oversize load permits when dimensions exceed legal boundaries. Third, we plan transit routes to avoid low bridges, utility lines, and restricted roadways. Finally, we select low-profile step-deck or low-boy trailers to safely lower vertical clearance. Failing to carefully plan these clearances can result in severe collisions or significant delay fines on state highways.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the critical clearance elements we manage for your commercial shipments:
Accurate Ground-to-Peak Measurements: Dealerships must provide precise height measurements from the ground to the absolute highest point. This measurement must include aftermarket AC units, satellite dishes, and solar panels. Standard manufacturer specs do not include custom roof additions.
Low-Profile Trailer Matching: Many Class A motorhomes exceed 12 feet in height on their own wheels. Loading these tall units onto standard flatbeds pushes the overall height beyond the legal 13’6″ limit. We match oversized RVs with low-profile step-deck or low-boy trailers to reduce vertical height.
Over-height Routing and Permits: If your loaded transport exceeds federal height or width boundaries, we must secure specialized state permits. These permits require carriers to follow pre-approved highway routes that avoid low bridges. Our coordinators secure all necessary permits before transit.
Route Hazard Mitigation: Low-clearance overpasses, narrow urban streets, and low-hanging tree branches pose major risks to oversized shipments. Our experienced heavy-haul carriers plan routes that utilize designated commercial corridors. This proactive approach prevents structural damage and ensures safe delivery.
How to Prepare Dealership RV Inventory for Safe Shipment
To prepare dealership RV inventory for transport, follow these key steps. First, completely slide in and mechanically lock all expandable slide-outs. Second, physically secure all exterior awnings, roof vents, solar panels, and access doors. Third, disconnect house batteries and turn off propane tanks and valves. Fourth, drain all fresh, grey, and black water tanks to reduce weight. Finally, document the pre-shipment condition with high-resolution photos for the Bill of Lading. Following these procedural guidelines prevents expensive transit-related damage on high-speed interstate routes.
Here is a detailed checklist to secure your dealership inventory before the carrier arrives:
1. Lock All Slide-Outs and Moving Panels: Verify that all expandable slide-out units are completely retracted. Double-check that all mechanical locking mechanisms are fully engaged. This step prevents slide-outs from shifting or sliding loose during transit.
2. Secure Exterior Elements and Rooftop Gear: Fasten down all solar panels, rooftop vent covers, and satellite dishes. Check the mounting brackets on all exterior awnings to ensure they are locked shut. High highway winds can tear loose vents or awnings off the RV body.
3. Shut Off Propane Gas and Disconnect Batteries: Close all main propane valves tightly at the storage tank regulator. Turn off the 12-volt master power switches and disconnect the leisure house batteries. This prevents electrical shorts and gas leaks during transit.
4. Drain Fresh and Waste Water Tanks: Empty your grey, black, and fresh water holding tanks completely before loading. Liquid sloshing inside half-full tanks shifts the center of gravity and causes trailer instability. Draining the tanks also reduces overall shipping weight.
5. Conduct and Document a Pre-Shipment Inspection: Inspect all sides of the RV, including the roof and undercarriage. Take high-resolution, dated photos of any existing cosmetic blemishes or structural details. These photos serve as essential evidence on the Bill of Lading.
Evaluating Cargo Insurance and Carrier Vetting for High-Value RV Fleets
Reputable RV transport brokers verify that all assigned carriers carry comprehensive commercial cargo insurance. This coverage typically starts at $250,000 and goes over $1,000,000 for multi-unit shipments. Our compliance process covers several crucial aspects. First, we check active FMCSA operating authority and MCS-150 filings. Second, we ensure policies cover both motorized and towable RV classes. Third, we validate liability limits for transit-related structural damages. Finally, we verify that any interior commercial dealer inventory remains fully protected under the cargo policy. Maintaining this rigorous level of insurance vetting protects your dealership assets throughout the entire shipping process.
Our compliance team enforces strict safety standards before assigning a driver to your shipment:
Active Operating Authority Auditing: We cross-check every carrier’s Department of Transportation credentials. We only dispatch heavy-haul carriers with active FMCSA operating authority and an established safety record. Our team continuously monitors USDOT filings to verify current fleet operations.
Comprehensive Cargo Liability Verification: Commercial dealership inventory represents a substantial capital investment. We verify that each assigned carrier holds active cargo insurance coverage matching your load’s value. This verification protects your assets from highway collisions and physical damages.
Specialized Class Coverage Checks: Standard cargo insurance policies can exclude heavy towables or motorized RV coaches. We confirm with underwriters that our assigned carriers are fully covered for your specific RV class. This attention to detail protects your business from expensive claim denials.
Understanding RV Dealership Shipping Costs and Quotes
The cost of RV dealer shipping generally ranges from $1.50 to $4.00 per mile. The exact rate depends on the vehicle’s dimensions, weight, and distance. Your selected transport method, such as tow-away, drive-away, or flatbed, also affects the price. Tempus Logix provides instant, competitive commercial fleet quotes. We secure certified carriers under USDOT #3117533 and MC #86120. We require zero upfront deposits to reserve your spot. We ensure complete pricing transparency from the initial estimate to the final lot delivery.
Several key variables directly affect your total commercial rv shipping costs:
Vehicle Dimensions and Weight: Larger units like Class A diesel pushers require specialized low-boy flatbeds. These oversized loads consume more fuel and require custom route planning, which increases overall rates.
Total Relocation Distance: Long-distance interstate transport has a higher total price but features a lower rate per mile. Short-distance regional transfers have a higher rate per mile to offset loading overhead.
Selected Transport Method: Tow-away and drive-away options are generally more economical for single vehicles. Utilizing heavy-haul flatbeds or step-deck trailers carries a premium pricing structure.
Seasonal Shipping Demand: Rates fluctuate during peak seasonal migrations, such as the late autumn snowbird rush. Shipping along popular north-to-south corridors during high-demand months can elevate carrier pricing.
Booking your commercial transport online through our website is completely free. We do not require credit card details or upfront deposits to reserve your carrier slot. You only pay after our dedicated coordinators finalize your transport schedule with a vetted driver. Booking by phone with an agent is also available and may involve an initial processing charge. This flexible structure helps dealerships manage their cash flow efficiently.
Get a Free Quote or Call +1 (866) 607-8459 to secure your commercial fleet pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions About RV Dealer Shipping
Q: Is booking my dealership RV transport online with Tempus Logix completely free?
Yes, booking your rv dealer shipping online through our website is completely free with zero upfront payments. We do not charge reservation fees or require credit card details to secure a transport slot on a carrier’s schedule. You only pay after our dedicated coordinators assign a vetted driver and finalize your pickup window. Booking by phone with an agent is also available and may include an initial processing fee.
Q: What documentation do you require to pick up a vehicle from an auction or dealership?
We coordinate shipping for units purchased at salvage or wholesale auctions like Copart or IAA. For these pickups, we require the lot number, stock number, and the official pickup PIN or release gate pass. We also handle dealer-to-dealer trades or standard dealership pickups. For these, we require the official release number or the last 6 digits of the vehicle’s VIN. Providing this exact data to your transport coordinator prevents delays and storage fees at the loading gate.
Q: Can you transport inoperable or modified RV inventory?
Yes, we specialize in shipping both modified and inoperable RV units. If the vehicle is inoperable, we must confirm that it can safely roll, brake, and steer. If it cannot, you must arrange specialized cranes or heavy winches for loading and unloading. We also ship modified vehicles like lifted campers or lowered custom vans. For these, we require accurate ground clearance and height measurements. This ensures we assign the correct step-deck or flatbed trailer.
Q: Can the transport carrier enter my dealership lot directly?
We must confirm that a large semi-truck and trailer can safely access and maneuver inside your dealership lot. Your facility may have tight turning radiuses, low clearances, or restricted gate access. In these cases, the driver will coordinate a nearby open space like a public parking lot for loading and offloading. This safety precaution prevents structural damage to both the carrier’s equipment and your inventory.
Q: Can we leave personal belongings or dealer gear inside the RV during transport?
Yes, you can include up to 100 pounds of dealer equipment inside the RV cabin at no extra charge. However, please note that these items are not covered under the carrier’s commercial cargo insurance policy. All items are shipped entirely at the owner’s risk and must be secured below window level.
Q: What happens if I need to cancel my shipment order?
If our coordinators have not assigned a carrier to your order, you get a full refund with no cancellation fees. If you cancel while the assigned truck is already traveling to your pickup location, a $150 dry run fee applies. This fee directly compensates the driver for their fuel and road time.
Related RV Transport and Dealership Shipping Guides
Reviewing our comprehensive logistics resources helps you make the absolute best decisions for your commercial transport needs. We coordinate reliable shipping solutions for all types of recreational vehicles nationwide.
RV Transport: Return to our main RV shipping hub for a complete overview of specialized trailers, carrier networks, and national routing guidelines.
Class A RV Shipping: Learn about shipping larger motorized coaches, height clearance rules, and heavy-duty low-boy flatbed requirements.
Travel Trailer Shipping: Review our specialized hotshot towing, bumper-pull trailer connections, and setup guidelines.
Fifth Wheel Shipping: Explore specialized fifth-wheel coupling, heavy dually towing, and lot delivery protocols.
Door-to-Door Car Shipping: Discover how our convenient door-to-door vehicle delivery process works for standard fleet vehicles and cars.