When planning a move, one of the key decisions is how to transport your car from one location to another. While driving it yourself may seem like the most straightforward choice, circumstances may call for alternative modes of transport. In such cases, transporting a car by train is an appealing option, particularly for budget-conscious movers. Although limited to Amtrak’s Auto Train service for personal vehicles, this method offers significant advantages beyond affordability. This article will explore why transporting your car by train is worth considering for your next move. Furthermore, we will discuss expected costs and provide valuable tips to ensure a seamless and hassle-free process.
Can I ship a car by train?
Yes, it is possible to transport a car by train in certain situations. One option for shipping a car by train is to use the services provided by Amtrak. Currently, Amtrak offers a specific route between the Washington, DC, area and Sanford, Florida (or vice versa) for car shipping purposes.
While rail transportation is commonly used for shipping automobiles, most of the railway companies in the United States primarily serve commercial clients such as car dealerships. However, Amtrak stands as the exception to this rule, offering daily car shipping services exclusively on their designated route along the East Coast.
How car shipping by train works
Car shipping by train is a convenient and efficient method of transporting vehicles. Rather than relying on traditional truck-based shipping services, this approach involves placing your car on a train and accompanying it during the journey.
It is important to note that purchasing a passenger ticket is mandatory when choosing car shipping by train. This means you cannot solely ship your vehicle without being a train passenger.
While some auto transport companies claim to offer rail transport, the truth is that only one company provides this service: Amtrak. As a reputable railroad company, Amtrak ensures reliable and specialized car shipping by train.
Limited locations as a downside
The limited locations available for pickup and drop-off can be seen as a drawback when considering shipping your car by train. This lack of flexibility applies to individual consumers and businesses involved in car shipping. It can pose a problem if you find yourself in an area with few rail stations along the line. Certain regions, such as the East Coast, benefit from a well-developed rail infrastructure, while other areas and states may not have the same level of accessibility. Furthermore, trains typically pass through major cities, which is advantageous if your departure and destination points align with these urban areas. However, if you are relocating from or to a non-major city, the time and expenses incurred in driving to the train hub at the starting point and from the arrival point to your final destination may outweigh the benefits.
Consumer car shipping
When it comes to transporting personal vehicles, Amtrak’s Auto Train is currently the primary option available. However, it is primarily designed for commercial users, and the service is limited to the East Coast, specifically between Lorton, VA (near Washington D.C.) and Sanford, FL (near Orlando). Therefore, shipping your car by train is likely only possible if you reside near this route and are moving to a destination along it. On the other hand, commercial clients have a more comprehensive range of choices.
Amtrak’s Auto Train
Amtrak’s Auto Train operates daily trips for travelers and their vehicles, serving the route between Lorton, VA, and Sanford, FL. As part of their standard package, Amtrak offers enclosed shipping containers to ensure the safety of the vehicles. For more information on the logistics of moving your car using this service, you can refer to Amtrak’s Auto Train boarding and vehicle requirements.
It’s worth noting that the train can also accommodate smaller vehicles such as motorcycles, jet skis, and boat trailers. With Amtrak, you can pack your car like a suitcase but remember to bring a carry-on bag. Each Auto Train traveler is allowed two personal items weighing up to 25 lbs. each, with dimensions of 14 x 11 x 7 inches, and two carry-on items.
Cost of train shipment
Shipping a car on Amtrak’s auto train from Lorton, Virginia, to Sanford, Florida, averages around $497. The total cost depends on various factors, such as the passenger ticket class and optional priority offloading. For standard-size vehicles that have yet to be modified from their original factory length, the shipping cost is $208. Additionally, the cheapest passenger ticket available is priced at $89.
When transporting a car, you can choose between open transport, which exposes the vehicle to the elements, or fully enclosed transport. However, for train shipments, Amtrak exclusively uses enclosed carriers.
How do the rental rates of Home Depot’s Load’ N Go trucks compare to the rates of a traditional auto carrier for a distance of 855 miles?
In our research, we contacted uShip, a well-established online marketplace specializing in vehicle transportation. With an extensive track record of over two million car transports, uShip provided valuable insights into the average cost of shipping a car along a distance of 855 miles. According to their data, the average price was approximately $1140, a baseline comparison to the Amtrak auto train option.
Interestingly, a notable price difference emerged when comparing the uShip quote to the Amtrak auto train. The rail option offered by Amtrak stands out as the more economical choice, with prices starting at $300. In contrast, the higher-end option, including amenities like a comfortable bed and priority offloading, reaches up to $760.
It is important to note that the uShip quote represents an average cost, meaning it’s possible to find transporters offering lower prices. Nevertheless, it is improbable to come across an auto transporter that can offer rates as low as the lower end of Amtrak’s car shipping prices.
Auto shipping costs: Train vs. truck
Regarding auto shipping costs, there are two main options: a train or a truck. Among train services, Amtrak tends to offer the most affordable rates. On the other hand, if you opt for Amtrak’s premium services, you can expect higher prices.
Alternatively, uShip, an average marketplace for shipping services, provides another pricing perspective. On average, customers on uShip pay around $297 for auto shipping. However, Amtrak’s most expensive service can cost up to $761 for those seeking premium options, while the highest rate on uShip reaches $1140.
Timing of car shipping by train
The Amtrak auto train offers a significantly faster alternative to shipping your car by truck. With a nonstop rail route from Lorton, Virginia, to Sanford, Florida, the travel time is approximately 17 hours and 29 minutes. This is about a week and a half quicker than other car shipping companies’ typical timeline.
When it comes to estimating the delivery timeline for auto transport:
- Train: Less than one day
- Truck: 11 days
It’s important to note that Amtrak car shipping is limited to only two locations in the entire country. If you happen to reside near one of these two Amtrak rail car hubs, you’ll enjoy both the speed and affordability of their services. However, more viable options exist for individuals residing elsewhere than shipping your car by train.
Purchasing a passenger ticket
When choosing a car shipping on the Amtrak car shipping train, purchasing a passenger ticket and traveling on the same train is necessary.
The ticket cost varies based on the level of comfort you desire.
The prices for Amtrak Auto Train per passenger are as follows:
- Coach Class: $89
- Business Class: $115
- First Class: $280
- Superliner Roomette: $296
- Family Bedroom: $424
- Superliner Bedroom: $488
Please note that the above information is accurate as of April 8, 2020. Availability may differ depending on the location and are subject to potential changes.
While Coach Class may offer the least comfort, it still presents a favorable alternative to driving for long hours. Additionally, considering the expenses of covering nearly 1,000 miles by car, such as fuel costs, the train is more comfortable and cost-effective.
Premium seats are available for those who prefer a higher level of comfort. However, you will likely find the lower-priced Amtrak seats satisfactory if you have endured an 18-hour flight in Coach Class before.
Living near Amtrak
Living near an Amtrak hub in either Lorton, VA, or Sanford, FL, is a prerequisite for utilizing the convenient Amtrak auto train service. This service sets itself apart from other railroad companies such as CSX, Union Pacific, and Sante Fe, as they exclusively cater to commercial entities like car dealerships, thereby excluding regular customers from shipping their vehicles via train.
Alternatively, car shipping via freight truck is a viable option in most cities across the United States. You can easily determine if your specific route is serviceable by contacting your chosen auto transport company.
There are several notable distinctions when comparing the Amtrak auto train service to car shipping companies. Amtrak operates in two states, while car shipping companies cover a much wider range of 48 to 50 states. Amtrak’s auto train service is available in only two cities, whereas car shipping companies serve a vast network of over 15,000 cities. Lastly, while Amtrak’sa single company provides Amtrak’s auto train service, there are over 2,000 companies offering car shipping services, providing customers with a wide array of options.
Why transport a car by train?
Transporting a car by train offers several advantages, making it a viable option for many individuals and businesses. Here are some reasons why people choose to transport cars by train:
- Efficiency: Trains are an efficient mode of transportation, especially for long distances. They can cover vast distances relatively quickly, which can be beneficial when moving cars between different regions or even countries.
- Cost-effective: Train transportation is often more cost-effective than other methods, such as trucking or driving the car to the destination. Trains can carry multiple vehicles simultaneously, reducing the overall cost per car compared to individual shipments.
- Reduced wear and tear: Shipping a car by train minimizes the wear and tear that may occur when driving the vehicle over long distances. It eliminates the need for the car to endure road conditions, weather elements, and potential accidents that can occur during a long journey.
- Increased safety: Trains generally provide a secure mode of transportation for cars. They have specialized car-carrying wagons or autoracks designed to securely hold vehicles in place during transit, reducing the risk of damage or theft.
- Environmentally friendly: Trains are considered a more environmentally friendly mode of transportation than trucks or individual car trips. They consume less fuel per car and emit fewer greenhouse gases, contributing to reduced carbon emissions and environmental impact.
- Convenience: Car shipping by train offers convenience, especially for individuals who do not want to drive their cars long distances. It can be particularly useful for people moving to a new location or businesses transporting multiple vehicles for distribution.
- Accessibility: Train networks often cover vast areas, including remote regions where other forms of transportation may be less accessible or more expensive. This accessibility can be advantageous for transporting cars to areas with limited road infrastructure or for reaching distant destinations.
It’s important to note that the availability and viability of car transport by train can vary depending on the specific region, infrastructure, and logistical considerations. Therefore, it’s recommended to research and consult with transportation companies to determine the best option for your specific needs.
Getting a car ready for rail transport
When preparing your car for rail transport, it is important to follow certain steps to ensure a smooth journey. Amtrak can provide you with detailed information on how to prepare your car for train travel, but here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
- Remove all valuable items: While Amtrak allows you to ship belongings in your car, it is advisable to remove any valuables, important documents, medications, and sentimental items that you cannot afford to lose. It is recommended to keep these items with you personally during the journey.
- Inspect tires and battery: Before traveling, check the condition of your car’s tires and battery. Ensuring they are in good working order will prevent any issues when you arrive at your destination.
- Document existing damages: Before your car is loaded onto the rail, take photographs of any existing damages or imperfections. This documentation will serve as evidence if any new damage occurs during transit.
- Clean and declutter your car: Washing and cleaning your car before transport will make identifying any dents or damages easier. Additionally, removing clutter and securing loose items will prevent them from shifting or getting damaged during the journey.
- Disable the alarm: If your vehicle has a sensitive alarm system, it is important to disable it before the train journey. The vibrations and movements of the train can trigger the alarm unnecessarily.
- Lock your car: Ensure that your car is securely locked before transportation. This helps mitigate the risk of theft and offers additional security. Remember that you will not have access to your car during transit, so it is advisable to pack a carry-on bag with important items.
Following these guidelines, you can properly prepare your car for rail transport, giving you peace of mind throughout the journey.
FAQ’s
How much does transporting a vehicle using the Amtrak Auto Train cost?
According to the pricing listed on Amtrak’s official website, shipping a standard vehicle typically ranges from $466 to $516. For extended vehicles, the price is approximately $536 to $594, while transporting a motorcycle would amount to around $292.
Is it safe to ship my car via the Amtrak Auto Train?
Shipping your car through the Amtrak Auto Train is considered safe. It is important to adhere to Amtrak’s Auto Train boarding procedures and vehicle requirements to ensure a smooth and secure transportation process.
Can personal items be placed inside the car being shipped via Amtrak?
Yes. You can load your car with personal belongings, including boxes and other items. However, it’s important to note that you will not have access to your vehicle or its contents throughout the trip.
How does car shipping by train work?
Car shipping by train involves loading your vehicle onto a specialized railcar and transporting it to the desired destination. The rail company secures and transports the vehicle on the train.
How can I find a reputable car shipping company?
If you’re uncertain about finding a reliable car shipping company for train transportation, you can utilize our Auto Transport center to obtain car shipping quotes. Many car shipping companies offer alternative options beyond truck shipping and can guide you in selecting the appropriate service.
What are the advantages of shipping a car by train?
Shipping your car by train often presents cost savings compared to other alternatives, such as truck shipping or driving the vehicle yourself. Additionally, it may be a safer option, especially if you are moving other belongings by train. By opting for train transportation, you can save on fuel costs and tolls and minimize the risk of accidents. Furthermore, shipping your car by train can be a more environmentally friendly choice.
Is it necessary for my car to be in working condition?
Yes, your car must be operable to drive it to and from the train hub at the departure and arrival points, respectively.
Does the cost depend on the size of the car?
Yes, the shipping cost is influenced by the size of the vehicle. Generally, larger and heavier cars will incur higher shipping expenses.
Can I transport multiple cars?
Yes. You have the option to ship multiple cars of varying sizes. Amtrak trains accommodate cars, vans, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, small trailers, limousines, and jet skis. These specialized vehicles can be transported by contacting 1-877-SKIP-I-95 (1-877-754-7495) to make a booking.
Is shipping a car by train safe?
Yes, shipping a car by train is generally considered safe. Rail companies have experience securely transporting vehicles and taking necessary precautions to ensure their safety during transit. However, choosing a reputable rail shipping company is advisable to minimize risks.
How long does it take to ship a car by train?
The transit time for car shipping by train can vary based on the distance and route. It typically takes a few days to a week for domestic shipments. International shipments may experience delays due to customs procedures and the need to cross international borders.
Do I need to prepare my car for train shipping?
Yes, you should make a few preparations before shipping your car by train. These may include cleaning the vehicle, removing personal belongings, securing loose parts, and ensuring the fuel tank is not full. It’s best to check with the rail shipping company for specific instructions.
Can I track my car during transit?
Many rail shipping companies provide tracking services, allowing you to monitor the progress of your car during transit. You can inquire about tracking options with the company you choose for shipping your car by train.
Do I need insurance for shipping my car by train?
While rail shipping companies generally have insurance coverage for transported vehicles, checking the details of their insurance policy is recommended. Additionally, consider obtaining your own insurance coverage to provide extra protection during transit.
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