Understanding Your New Car's Destination Charge

When you're looking at the price of a new car, it's important to understand all the line items that make up the final cost. One of the most common, and often misunderstood, fees is the destination charge. At Malloy Ford Alexandria, we believe in transparent pricing, so let's break down what this fee is and why it's a standard part of your purchase.

What Is a Destination Charge?

A destination charge, sometimes called a freight or delivery fee, is a cost set by the manufacturer to cover the expense of transporting your new vehicle from the factory to the dealership. This fee is not set by the dealership; it is a mandatory charge from the manufacturer that covers the complex logistics of getting a vehicle to the sales floor, which can involve transport by truck, train, and/or ship.

The fee also typically includes the cost of pre-delivery inspections and handling to ensure the vehicle arrives in perfect condition.

Why Is This Charge Non-Negotiable?

It's a common question, but destination charges are consistently considered non-negotiable. Because the fee is set by the manufacturer and is applied evenly, dealers simply pass this cost directly to the customer without markup. This means the fee is the same whether the dealership is right next to the factory or across the country, as manufacturers average the delivery costs nationwide.

What to Expect for Destination Charges
F-150
 XL - $2,595 XLT - $1,995Lariat - $2,595 
Tremor - $2,195  STX - $2,595Platinum - $1,995 
 Raptor - $2,195 Lightning - $2,195King Ranch - $2,595 
 
Bronco Sport
 Big Bend - $1,995Heritage - $1,995 Outer Banks - $1,995Badlands - $1,695 
 
Super Duty
 XL - $2,095 XLT - $2,595Lariat - $2,595
Platinum - $2,095 Tremor - $2,595King Ranch - $2,595
 
Ranger
 Raptor - $1,695XL - $1,895XLT - $1,895Lariat - $1,895
 
Transit
150 - $1,495250 - $2,095350 - $2,095
 
Bronco
 Raptor - $1,995 Badlands - $1,995Outer Banks - $1,995
Big Bend - $1,995 Heritage - $1,995Stroppe - $1,895
 
Maverick
 Lobu - $1,595Lariat - $1,595 XLT - $1,695XL - $1,695 
 
Explorer
 Active - $1,695Tremor - $1,695ST-line - $1,595
ST - $1,695 Platinum - $1,695 
  
Expedition
 Active - $2,195Tremor - $2,595Platinum - $2,595King Ranch - $2,595
 
Escape
 Active - $1,495PHEV - $1,495Platinum - $1,495
ST-line - $1,495ST Elite - $1,495
  

Hours

  • Monday9am-9pm
  • Tuesday9am-9pm
  • Wednesday9am-9pm
  • Thursday9am-9pm
  • Friday9am-9pm
  • Saturday9am-8pm
  • Sunday11am-5pm

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Smart Shopping at Malloy Ford Alexandria

While you can't remove the destination charge, you can be a prepared buyer. Always review the full window sticker and focus on the vehicle's total "out-the-door" price when budgeting. Our team at Malloy Ford Alexandria is always ready to provide clear, upfront pricing and answer any questions you have about your new vehicle purchase.

  1. Malloy Ford Alexandria

    6510 Little River Turnpike
    Alexandria, VA 22312

    • Sales: 703-256-5000
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Get in Touch

  • Contact our Sales Department at: 703-256-5000
  • Monday9am-9pm
  • Tuesday9am-9pm
  • Wednesday9am-9pm
  • Thursday9am-9pm
  • Friday9am-9pm
  • Saturday9am-8pm
  • Sunday11am-5pm