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 Chevrolet of Charlottesville, 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

The table below provides examples of destination charges for various 2025 and 2026 Chevrolet models. These figures are for illustration; the exact charge for your new Chevrolet will appear on the official Monroney (window) sticker.
 YearModelDestination Charge
 2025 Trax / Trailblazer / Equinox $1,395
 2025 Blazer / Blazer EV / Traverse $1,495
 2025Tahoe / Suburban  $2,195
 2025Colorado  $1,695
 2025Silverado 1500 $2,195 
 2026Blazer EV  $1,495
 2026 Trax $1,395
 2026 Trailblazer $1,795
 2026Equinox  $1,795
 2026 Traverse $1,895
 2026 Tahoe / Suburban $2,595
 2026 Colorado $2,095
 2026 Silverado 1500 / 2500 HD / 3500 HD $2,595
 2026 Silverado EV $2,095

 

Hours

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  • Tuesday9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wednesday9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thursday9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Friday9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Saturday9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Sunday11:00 am - 5:00 pm

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Smart Shopping at Malloy Chevrolet of Charlottesville

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 Chevrolet of Charlottesville is always ready to provide clear, upfront pricing and answer any questions you have about your new vehicle purchase.

  1. Malloy Chevrolet Charlottesville

    2150 SEMINOLE TRAIL
    CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA 22901

    • Sales: (434) 326-1102
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  • Contact our Sales Department at: (434) 326-1102
  • Monday9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tuesday9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wednesday9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thursday9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Friday9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Saturday9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Sunday11:00 am - 5:00 pm