Cost to Transport a Modular Home: Price Guide and Estimates 2026

How much does it cost to transport a modular home? The price depends on distance, route restrictions, load size, and required permits. This guide outlines typical costs, per-mile rates, and practical budgeting tips for U.S. buyers.

Typical costs cover base transport, specialized equipment, and any mandatory permits or escorts. The main drivers are distance, home dimensions, and state or local regulations that affect routing and timing.

Item	Low	Average	High	Notes
Base Transport Fee	$3,000	$7,000	$12,000	Fixed charge for dispatch, crew, and basic mobilization.
Distance Rate	$2.50/mi	$4.50/mi	$6.50/mi	Applies beyond the base fee; long hauls increase cost per mile.
Escort & Permits	$800	$2,000	$4,000	Over-width or over-height routes require police escorts and state permits.
Routing & Logistics	$500	$1,500	$3,000	Permits, pilot cars, and timing coordination.
Delivery & Set-up at Site	$1,000	$3,000	$8,000	Includes crane or so-called “crane-on-tailer” setup if needed.
Delivery Add-Ons	$200	$1,000	$3,000	Staging, tarping, or weather-related protections.

Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.

Overview Of Costs

Understanding the total project range helps buyers plan budgets and compare quotes. For a typical modular home, total transport costs usually fall in the broad range of $5,000 to $25,000 depending on distance and load complexity. Short-distance moves under 50 miles generally land on the lower end, while cross-country moves or routes with strict permits push to the upper end. The per-mile component often dominates after the base fee, with highway routing, bridge and tunnel clearances, and seasonal constraints adding to the bill.

Assumptions behind ranges include a standard 2- to 3-bedroom modular unit, road-legal trailer configuration, and standard staging at the origin and destination. The table above shows a practical mix of total project ranges and per-unit considerations so buyers can estimate both the overall price and the cost per mile or per mile plus base charges.

Cost Breakdown

Costs	Low	Average	High	Notes
Materials	$0	$0	$0	Generally not charged as a separate line item for transport; included in base fee in most bids.
Labor	$500	$3,000	$6,000	Crews for lifting, securing, and positioning at site. Durations depend on site access.
Equipment	$1,000	$3,000	$7,000	Specialized trailers, cranes, or multipoint lifting gear.
Permits	$300	$1,500	$4,000	State, county, and municipal permissions; permit renewals if required.
Delivery/Disposal	$200	$1,000	$3,000	Waste, debris handling, or site clean-up after unloading.
Insurance & Permits	$150	$1,000	$2,500	Coverage for transport and site risk; varies by company policy.
Taxes	$0	$0	$0	Usually included in invoices; local taxes may apply in some states.
Contingency	$250	$1,000	$2,500	Budget for detours, weather delays, and unforeseen restrictions.

data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> Costs above reflect typical job-time ranges and equipment needs. In some routes, the per-mile rate is combined with a base fee and environmental or weight surcharges.

What Drives Price

Distance, load size, and route complexity are the core price drivers for modular home transport. Longer hauls increase fuel and labor hours, while wider or taller units trigger escorts, widen permits, and even route closures. A 12- to 14-foot-wide home may require special permits and pilot cars, while a heavy modular unit (over 60,000 pounds) can necessitate multiple trucks or engineered load plans. Weather constraints can also add time, and thus cost, to the move.

Regional variations matter too. States with stricter permitting processes or higher road taxes typically push transport quotes higher. Additionally, site accessibility—driveways, turn angles, or terrain at the drop location—can add crane time or equipment rental fees.

Regional Price Differences

Prices vary across regions due to permitting, labor availability, and road infrastructure. In the Northeast, tighter regulatory regimes can raise permit and escort costs, while the Midwest may offer shorter travel corridors with fewer border checks. The West Coast can incur higher fuel or peak-season surcharges, and rural areas may require longer mobilization times that increase the base fee. Typical regional deltas range from -10% to +25% relative to national averages, depending on distance, route complexity, and availability of specialized carriers.

Labor, Hours & Rates

Labor costs reflect crew size and time spent on loading, securing, and unloading the unit. For many moves, a small crew works 6–12 hours on-site, with travel time adding to the total. Rates often fall in the $80–$140 per hour range per crew, depending on local market conditions and required certifications. If heavy equipment or crane operators are needed, hourly rates can increase to $150–$300 per hour with additional mobilization fees.

Ways To Save

Smart planning and timing can reduce transport costs without sacrificing safety. Consider the following strategies: schedule moves during off-peak seasons to avoid surcharges, request combined shipments when feasible to share transport costs, and ensure site access is prepared (clear driveways, level ground, and turning space) to minimize on-site rigging time. Obtain multiple quotes that itemize permit, escort, and contingency fees to compare true total costs rather than base estimates.

Other practical steps include confirming unit dimensions early, choosing standard height and width within regulatory limits, and negotiating with carriers for bundled services (routing, permits, and delivery) when possible. Independent inspectors or third-party verifiers can help ensure your plan avoids costly last-minute changes.

Real-World Pricing Examples

Three scenario cards illustrate common project profiles with realistic cost implications.

Assumptions: regional permits obtained, standard staging at both ends, no weather-related delays.

Price By Region

Regional differences influence the bottom line by roughly ±20% in typical scenarios. For example, a 100-mile move might cost $5,000 in one state and $6,000 in another due to permit requirements, labor rates, and escort needs. Urban routes often incur higher permit and pilot car costs, while rural routes may have lower fees but longer travel times. When comparing bids, look for consistent line items and verify whether escort, permit, and staging costs are included or billed separately.

What If You Consider Alternatives

Comparing transport along with alternative site preparation can affect overall cost efficiency. If a modular home arrives at a staging yard, you may reduce on-site rigging costs by arranging a local crane operator for final placement. In some cases, moving the shell closer to the site and completing interior fit-out locally can lower overall spend, though it may trade off convenience and timing.

FAQs

Q: Do I need permits for modular home transport? A: Most moves require state and local permits, especially for wide or tall loads, with escorts in many jurisdictions.

Q: Can the price change after quoting? A: Yes. Changes in route, weather, or access can affect final costs; expect adjustments for contingencies.

Q: What is included in the delivery?” A: Typical delivery covers placement, securing, and final positioning, with additional charges for crane work or site preparation if needed.