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 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.
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.
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.
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.
| Year | Model | Destination Charge |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Trax / Trailblazer / Equinox | $1,395 |
| 2025 | Blazer / Blazer EV / Traverse | $1,495 |
| 2025 | Tahoe / Suburban | $2,195 |
| 2025 | Colorado | $1,695 |
| 2025 | Silverado 1500 | $2,195 |
| 2026 | Blazer EV | $1,495 |
| 2026 | Trax | $1,395 |
| 2026 | Trailblazer | $1,795 |
| 2026 | Equinox | $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 |
6508 LITTLE RIVER TPKE
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22312
* Indicates a required field
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 Alexandria is always ready to provide clear, upfront pricing and answer any questions you have about your new vehicle purchase.
6508 LITTLE RIVER TPKE
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22312
