When you’re sourcing chassis for your builds – whether it’s RVs, ambulances, shuttle buses, or other specialty vehicles – how your chassis gets delivered can impact your timeline, cost, and workflow. Two terms you’ll often hear in the industry are Ship-To and Ship-Thru. While they may sound similar, they serve very different purposes. Let’s break them down.
What is Ship-To?
Ship-To means the chassis is delivered directly to the location of your choice – whether that’s your facility, an upfitter, or a job site. This method is often used when the builder or buyer wants full control over logistics or is working outside of a certified Ship-Thru program.
Key Benefits of Ship-To:
- Flexible delivery to any U.S. destination
- Ideal for one-off or custom jobs
- Useful when your facility is not part of an OEM Ship-Thru network
- Gives you the freedom to work with any upfitter or body installer
Things to Consider:
- May incur higher transportation costs
- Logistics are often managed manually or independently
- More steps involved in tracking and coordinating delivery
What is Ship-Thru?
Ship-Thru is a more streamlined option where the OEM delivers the chassis to a pre-approved upfitter or body builder directly from the factory. It’s part of a pre-arranged logistics chain between the manufacturer and select Ship-Thru locations, often saving time and money in the process.
Key Benefits of Ship-Thru:
- Faster turnaround times thanks to integrated logistics
- Cost-effective shipping since it stays within the OEM’s transport network
- Reduced handling and fewer opportunities for damage
- OEM rebates or incentives may apply when Ship-Thru is used
Things to Condsider:
- Your facility or partner must be in the OEM’s approved Ship-Thru network
- Less control over certain delivery specifics
- May not be available for all chassis types or body builders
Which One is Right for You?
Ship-Thru if you… Want to reduce costs, streamline delivery, and are working with an approved upfitter.
Ship-To if you… Need the chassis delivered to a custom location or are not part of the OEM’s Ship-Thru program.
