Over 47,033 food truck businesses operate across the United States. Whether you’re launching a new mobile kitchen or relocating your existing food truck, finding reliable and affordable transport services is crucial.
Cost of Food Truck Transport Services
The cost of food truck shipping services in the United States can range from $2 to $4 per mile depending on factors such as the distance, the size and weight of the truck, and the mode of transportation.
| Distance | Estimated Cost |
| Cross-country (e.g., New York to Los Angeles) | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Regional (e.g., Chicago to Detroit) | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Local (within the same city) | $500 – $1,000 |
Factors Affecting Food Truck Shipping Rates:
Understanding factors impacting food cart transport rates can help you effectively budget and plan for your food truck shipping needs.
| Factor | Impact on Shipping Rates |
| Size and Weight of Food Truck | Larger and heavier machine transport costs more to ship |
| Distance of Move | Longer distances result in higher shipping costs |
| Time of Year | Seasonal demand can influence rates, with peak seasons costing more |
| Special Handling Requirements | Additional services, such as lift gates or specialized trailers, can increase rates. |
| Mode of Transportation | Flatbed trailers, enclosed trailers, and other transport options have varying costs |
5 Steps to Hire Food Truck Shipping Solutions
Besides the basics of checking DOT numbers, licenses, and online reviews, there are some more things to look for that many food cart owners neglect when hiring food trailer shipping solutions:
- Consider the vendor’s experience with food trucks specifically. Shipping a food truck is different from shipping other vehicles due to things like ventilation requirements, equipment onboard, etc. Look for vendors who have experience safely transporting food trucks cross-country.
- Ask about cleaning procedures between loads. Since food trucks deal with food storage and prep, make sure any hauler you use has strict cleaning protocols to avoid cross-contamination between loads.
- Inquire about partial disassembly policies. Some trucks, like major appliances, may need components removed to fit in certain affordable shipping solutions or containers. Know a vendor’s policies on putting trucks apart and back together.
- Check insurance coverage levels. Because food trucks represent both a vehicle and a business, ensure a hauler has adequate vehicle and cargo coverage in case of accidents or loss during transport.
- Consider tech options like GPS tracking. For long-distance affordable shipping solutions, features like real-time location updates can provide visibility and peace of mind during coast-to-coast trips. Know if a carrier offers this type of tech assistance.
Food truck trailer shipping solutions can provide a safe and reliable way to transport your business across long distances. Be sure to research vendor experience and safety policies.
Types of Food Transport Carts Shipping Services:
- Electric Food Carts Transport: Transporting electric food carts requires careful handling to protect sensitive electrical components like batteries, motors, and control systems. These components must be securely insulated during transit.
- Meal Delivery Carts Shipping: Shipping providers specializing in food service equipment can offer temperature-controlled trucks to ensure meal delivery carts used in hospitals, schools, and senior facilities arrive ready to serve with maintained food quality.
- Street Food Carts Transport: Street food cart transport involves specialized loading and securing techniques due to the unique dimensions and features of carts, like hot dog stands and mobile coffee carts.
- Food Vending Machine Transport: Experienced vending machine logistics professionals can offer specialized services like crane loading, temperature-controlled trailers, and air-ride suspension to ensure food vending machines are delivered in working condition and ready to dispense refreshments. Careful planning protects delicate internal components.
Hire a Company Offering the Best Blend of High Value & Affordable Food Truck Shipping
It is essential to choose a food truck transport service in the US that provides high-value solutions affordably. Select a provider with experience shipping various mobile food machines, from electric carts to trucks.
Look for a service that safely transports vending machines long distances using specialty equipment like temperature-controlled trailers.
This keeps your roaming restaurants, cafes, and snack operations in working order, as it is delivered nationwide at a reasonable price.
