When I was researching out purchasing a small ag tractor several years ago, I looked at some dealers in other states. One was out of N.C. When I asked what the shipping cost would be, it was roughly $3.50 a mile from N.C. to Iowa. I told them I wanted an exclusive contract to haul their tractors. I could have gotten 4 of those sized tractors on a trailer (55 horse or less sized compact tractors). Even with extra delivery stop offs, I could have returned empty for another load and still made money. I told them they were trying to rip me off and the truck owner wasn't getting that all that. Somebody was pocketing some of that money that had nothing to do with the shipping.