Auto Transport By Train 2024

Have you ever wondered how auto transport by rail works and whether you can ship your car by train? You’re not alone. Thousands of people need speed and reliability when they want to move their car from one state to another, one of the options could be auto transport by train. Keep reading to find out more.

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When transporting vehicles, you have several options, and one of them is shipping by rail. It initially seemed to be the ideal solution. By shipping by train instead of driving yourself, you save a ton of extra miles. And it’s sometimes less expensive.

In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of shipping a car by train, including cost, convenience, and flexibility. We’ll also compare auto transport by train to shipping a car by truck. While Amtrak is the only company that currently ship car by train, Compare The Carrier can help you compare rates and find the best option for your needs.

Even so, most transportation trains are used by automobile manufacturers, your only option if you want to ship your car by rail, is Amtrak. It is quick and reasonably priced. However, there is a significant disadvantage: Amtrak only operates between two cities.

Sometimes transportation companies have the option to transport your car by train, but only if you book transportation more than a month before the date of departure.

But don’t take our word for it; this article is the quick preview you need if you’re contemplating auto transport by train in 2024.

How does auto transport by train work?

The company that is offering shipping cars by train

Compare vehicle shipping companies

Train car transport rates

So what should I choose? Ship a car by train or by car hauler?

Preparing a car for the shipping by rail & The papers you need to check

FAQ

How Does Auto Transport By Train Work?

The first thing you need to know about auto transport by train is that it is convenient and offers a lower chance of damage to your vehicle than other options. People use companies that offer car transport by train for several reasons.

Families on vacation with two cars might decide to drive one and ship the second via train. Others serious about their carbon footprint on the environment also use auto transport by train.

The cost of shipping across the country depends on if you’re using features like optional priority offloading and your class of passenger tickets.

However, for the only route Amtrack from Lorton, VA (just outside of Washington D.C.), to Sanford, FL, be prepared to pay an amount starting from $407.

If you want to ship anywhere else or have a door-to-door shipment, you need to request quotes from traditional car transport companies.

Despite the obvious benefits of using rail to transport cars by train via Amtrak, there are some additional factors affecting the work of auto shipping by train:

Firstly, size limitations also exist when using auto transport by train because the width of the train’s storage area limits the size of the car you can ship. Traditional haulers do not have such limitations.

Another factor in how auto transport by train works is that you are limited by the destinations the train can access. So you have to bring your vehicle to the station and pick it up at the destination point.

Also, you pick between an open or enclosed carrier when you ship by trucks or trailers. This choice exists when car shipping by train and you will pay less for an open container than for an enclosed one.
However, you’re better off using enclosed containers if you are shipping classic or antique vehicles and don’t want your car exposed to and affected by the elements. But if affordability is your major concern or you are shipping a regular personal car, go for an open container. Just be sure to book a car wash when your car reaches your destination!

Company That Is Offering Shipping Cars By Train

If you want to ship your car by train, Amtrak is your only choice.

Amtrak Train

Amtrak is a nationwide auto-train transport service for you and your vehicle, whether SUV, jet-ski, motorcycle, or van. They are really experts in their field, as their company focuses solely on this kind of transportation. But you can only ship a vehicle by train through a single route from Washington DC to Florida, Sanford. Amtrak promises comfort, enclosed carriers, and free WiFi.

Using this shipping method to move, you can leverage lower prices and fill your car with things rather than use a moving truck.

maxresdefault2 Auto Transport By Train 2024 3

Train Car Transport Rates

Auto transport by train may not be the cheapest way to ship a car cross-country, but it is still one of the cost-effective ones that offers convenience. The train car transport rates might range from $500 to $900 but may vary depending on the type of car.

Room prices on board a train depend on the time of the year you’re shipping, and how far in advance you made bookings. A coach seat might cost you around $100 or lower, while high-end private rooms can cost around $1,200.

Vehicle Size	Pickup Locations	Drop-off Locations	Vehicle Cost	Average Cost
Standard	Washington DC	Sanford, FL	$466-516	$581-1916
Extended	Washington DC	Sanford, FL	$536-594	$651-1994
Motorcycle	Washington DC	Sanford, FL	$292	$407-1692

* Average shipping cost for shipping vice versa is the same. Prices are based on the rates from Amtrak.com in July 2022. Keep in mind that pricing and availability are subject to change.

However, you still need to ask your carrier for exact quotes as the actual cost depends on factors like the rail service you select, availability, open container or enclosed shipping, and the total distance.

Most common auto carriers offer door-to-door delivery without charging extra for it. Door-to-door saves you the time and stress of going to the train station to collect your car, with the shipping company driving it to a location you choose by truck.

However, keep in mind that rail car transport companies do not offer it, you may have to arrange with third parties to get such service when you use auto transport by train.

So What Should I Choose?
Ship A Car By Train Or By Car Hauler?

No doubt car transport by train has its benefits. You get convenience, environmentally friendly transportation, and you can ride with your car. Auto transport by rail might be cheaper than shipping it on a car hauler.

This makes a solid choice for people running on tight budgets. However, if you choose between shipping a car by train or a car hauler, the odds are stacked against train shipping, especially if you want to ship across the country.

Rail is relatively not an effective way to transport your car because the rail system isn’t as flexible as car haulers. Though train transportation is mostly cheaper than using a car hauler transportation.

But the fact that there is only one route that is available for transportation makes it less appealing.

Car haulers have a variety of routes and can make multiple stops that allow them to divide the cost among the multiple car owners rather than one customer and offer better service with more delivery options for almost the same price. And with space limited on trains, there is little room for negotiations.

What’s more, the risk of vandalism is more when you take auto transportation by train than when you entrust your vehicle to car haulers. This is because cargo rail cars aren’t adequately secured, making it an unenthusiastic choice for shipping classic vehicles or antique cars.

Also, the rough ride of the train tracks can mess with fragile, antique vehicles, so you might be better off sticking to car haulers.

Preparing Car For the Shipping by Rail
& The Papers You Need To Check

Want to ship your car by rail? You need to finalize some details and preparations before your car gets on the train. Below are some things to look out for:

#1. Find a Train To Ship Your Car
As we already mentioned, Amtrak is the only company that transports vehicles by train. If you are satisfied with the route on which they transport, we advise you to contact them. But if you want to quickly and efficiently ship your car across the whole USA, fill out a form on our website. Compare The Carrier is an auto transport broker that people looking for carriers can use to get dozens of quotes for free. The platform is a great way to avoid fraudulent and unreliable companies while saving time and $100s. While searching, don’t settle for the cheapest option or the first one you find. Compare prices, features, and research about their insurance and licensing.

#2. Check Your Battery’s Health
Another way to prepare your car for car shipping by train is to check your battery’s health and ensure it is fully charged and in good shape. This is especially important so you don’t end up with a car you might not drive off the train because of a dead or poorly charged battery.

#3. Purchase Your Ticket
After getting a suitable train operating auto transport company, buy a ticket in advance, so you don’t miss your travel date. This helps in case of unexpected delays that may warrant a change in shipping plans.

#4. Take Out Valuables From Your Car
You need to remove anything of value from your car before putting it on a train for shipment. Possessions like documents, personal effects, medical supplies, money, and anything that has value to you. Even though auto transport by train allows you to fill your car with some properties, the best thing to do is keep such valuables or documents on your person when in transit.

#5. Check Your Vehicle’s Tires
After checking batteries and removing valuables from the interior, it’s best to check the car’s tires before shipping. Ensure that all four tires are in top shape and are adequately inflated.

#6. Take a picture of Your Car
This might seem obvious, but it skips some people’s minds, and they end up with light vehicle damages that they can’t prove, especially when they use an open container. You can’t file a claim with the rail shipping company or your insurance provider without proof of damage.
So for starters, remember to take a picture of your car before they load it into the train. In addition, find out what your train shipping provider covers before you patronize them in case of damages that require you to file a claim with evidence.

As we already mentioned, Amtrak is the only company that transports vehicles by train. If you are satisfied with the route on which they transport, we advise you to contact them

List item

Just like shipping your car using car hauling services, you may need some documents or papers. Here are some of the ones that are likely to come up, with some optional:

Title and Registration: A car’s title shows ownership, and the registration signifies the car has all the relevant legal documents in the owner’s home state. While most companies won’t ask for these pieces of information, you should ask your auto carrier for their document requirements regarding auto transport by train.

Auto Transport Bill of Lading (BOL): The bill of lading is proof of delivery for the vehicle. It also documents the condition of your vehicle at both pickup and delivery and is considered the most important piece of paperwork when shipping cars. Failure to take note of the damage to your car on the bill of lading will leave you and, by extension, your insurance company with no proof to pay for repairs.

Photo ID: You may not necessarily need to use a photo ID when shipping a vehicle, but if an auto transport company requests it for their internal database, you may need to provide one. A driver’s license is usually the go-to document for photo identification.

Proof of Insurance: This is another document you may not need to present to ship a car. Most auto transport providers don’t request insurance information, but you need to have it ready if they do.

While shipping by train is one option that most don’t consider, it’s the perfect choice for some and a good idea for first-time shippers looking for affordability. And if you’re looking for convenience when you ship, you’re better off using this means of shipping.

Shipping a car by train can be a good option for those who are looking for an affordable and environmentally friendly way to transport their vehicle. However, it is important to be aware of the limitations of train transport, such as the limited route, slower shipping times, and size restrictions. If you are flexible with your shipping timeline and your car meets the size requirements, then train transport may be a good option for you.

Compare The Carrier can help you compare rates from different auto transport companies, so you can find the best option for your needs. With Compare The Carrier, you can be sure you’re getting the best possible price on your auto transport.

FAQ

Can you ship a car by train across the country?

No, you cannot ship a car by train across the country because there are no regular train routes allowing auto transport by train across the U.S. But if you need to ship a vehicle across the country in a fast and reliable way, you can use auto transport by truck or car haulers.

How long does it take to ship a car by train?

It takes approximately 17 hours to ship a vehicle by train via the Amtrak route. This route runs from Sanford, Florida, that’s near Orlando to Lorton, Virginia, just the outskirts of Washington D.C.