Transport Your Vehicle By Train Across the Country | AutoStar Transport Express

When it comes to single-car shipping across the country, many people think of traditional methods like open or enclosed car transport. However, there is another reliable and efficient option that you might not have considered: shipping your car by train.

AutoStar Transport Express, a leading car shipping company in the USA, offers this convenient service to make your cross-country car shipping experience even smoother.

In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of shipping a car by train, how to prepare your car for transport, the cost of transportation by train, the Pros and Cons of shipping a car by train, and what to expect during the shipping process.

How to Ship Car By Train?

Train car shipping mostly operates according to plan. You transport your vehicle from one place to another, but instead of hiring a truck delivery service, you load your car onto a train and travel alongside it. A passenger ticket is required. If you don’t take the train as well, you can’t send the vehicle. These are the steps to follow when shipping a car by train:

1. Research Train Companies – To send a car by train, the first step is to look up a train company that provides car shipping services. Seek out a company with an excellent reputation in the sector and positive customer feedback. To choose the solution that best suits your needs, you can also compare prices and services.
2. Get Your Car Ready for Transportation – There are a few measures you should take to get your car ready for travel before shipping it. This includes washing your vehicle to make sure any damage is visible, taking out any personal goods, turning off any car alarms, looking for leaks, documenting any damage, and assembling the relevant papers for the vehicle. (Details will be in the next portion)
3. Set up a delivery and pickup time – You’ll need to arrange for the pickup and delivery of your car after selecting a railway company. You will be given a specific date and time for both collection and delivery from the railway company. To ensure a quick and efficient operation, make sure to be present at both pickup and delivery.
4. Load Your Car Onto The Train – Loading your car onto the train: Normally, the train company will do the loading for you. In order to guard against damage during shipping, they will secure it.
5. Trace Your Delivery – Most Train roads provide shipment tracking, allowing you to track the movement of your car online.
6. Get Your Vehicle at the Destination – Your car will be delivered to you or the designated receiver after it has been unloaded from the train and brought there.

Remember to choose a reputable train company, prepare your car for transport, and track your shipment to ensure a successful and timely delivery.

Why it Might Be a Good Option for Some People?

There are a number of reasons you might think about shipping your car by train:

• Cost-Effective: Compared to other shipping options, such as hiring a reputable auto transport company, shipping a car by Train may be less expensive. Trains can provide lower prices than individual auto carriers since they can move many cars at once.
• Effective and More Reliable: Trains are a quick and reliable means of moving products across long distances. It may be quicker to send your car by Train than to drive it yourself, depending on the distance.
• Environmentally Friendly: Compared to other shipping options like flying or driving, trains are a more environmentally friendly choice. They consume less fuel per car moved and generate fewer pollutants.

How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Car Across Country by Train?

A number of variables, such as the distance of the shipment, the kind of vehicle being carried, and the particular train company being used, can affect the price of moving a car across the country by train. However, compared to other shipping options like using a reputable auto transport company or driving the car yourself, shipping a car by train can typically be more affordable.

Just as commercial car shipment by train is popular, it’s hard to locate Train companies that ship trucks across the country cars for private individuals. One exception is Amtrak, which runs the Amtrak Auto Train between the Washington, D.C., and Orlando, Florida, regions. Snowbirds that travel to the south during the winter and then return in the spring frequently take this route.

Amtrak’s auto train typically costs $497 to transport a car from Lorton, Virginia, to Sanford, Florida. Your passenger ticket class and any optional priority offloading will affect the cost. The least-priced passenger ticket is $89, and shipping for standard-size autos is $208.

How to Get Your Car Ready for Transport by Train?

Before you ship your car by train, there are a few steps you should take to prepare it for transport:

• Before shipment, properly wash your car to make sure that any damage is evident and that it is in good working order.
• Taking personal items out of the car such as Electronics, valuables, and other loose items that might move while being transported should all be taken out of the car.
• Turn off any car alarms to prevent them from sounding while you’re driving.
• Before transport, look for any fluid leaks and have them fixed.
• Before shipment, take pictures of your car from all sides and note any existing damage, such as dents or scratches.
• Ensure that you have the car’s registration, insurance, and any other shipping documentation that the railway company may require.
• Make sure to lock your car before shipping. This is a safety feature and can minimize the chance of theft.

Open vs. Enclosed Shipping Car By Train

It works in much the same way as an auto transport Company does. Although open Train transportation exposes your car to bad weather, sometimes bugs on the windshield, and dirt on the side panels, it is generally a safe and secure mode of transportation.

In general, enclosed Train transport is more expensive than open Train transport since it places your car within an enclosed railway car that will shield it from all the bugs, filth, and dust that come with being outside.

If a customer has to ship a rare, expensive, precious, classic, or antique car, we propose enclosed auto shipment by train services because these kinds of cars normally can’t be exposed to the elements for long periods of time.

AutoStar Transport Express will assist you if you require auto shipment by truck or by Train. To obtain a free, no-obligation car shipment estimate right away, use our online quotation request form. Filling out the form only takes a minute, and after you’ve done so, you’ll have your quote in hand. Call our toll-free hotline at (888) 802 8250 to chat with a professional about Train transportation and other topics. They can also provide you with information on auto shipping.

Conclusion

Shipping your car by train across the country is a convenient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly option. With AutoStar Transport Express, you can enjoy a hassle-free experience, knowing that your car will be handled with care and delivered to your destination efficiently. Contact AutoStar Transport Express today to explore the possibility of shipping your car by train and experience our exceptional car shipping services.

Read what our customers say about their experience with AutoStar Transport Express at AutoStar Transport reviews. 

What are the Pros and Cons of Ship car by Train?

If you need to transport your car across long distances, shipping a car by Train can be an affordable and convenient choice. Like any shipping method, it has advantages and disadvantages of its own. The following are some pros and cons of shipping a car by train:

Pros

• Cost-Effective: Comparing shipping a car by train to other options like hiring a reputable auto transport company or driving the car yourself, it is frequently more affordable.
• Reliable: Train companies have a reputation for being trustworthy, so you may drive with confidence knowing that your vehicle will reach its destination on schedule and in good shape.
• Efficient: Since trains can carry numerous vehicles at once, they are a good choice for shipping cars because they cut down on both the time and the expense of the shipping process.
• Safe: Security measures are frequently in place at train companies to guarantee that cars are loaded, secured, and carried safely, minimizing the chance of damage during transport.

Cons

• Limited Availability: Due to limited Train lines and timetables in some places, shipping a car by train may not be a possibility in all locations.
• Longer Transit Time: While shipping a car by train can be effective in terms of overall shipping time, it may take longer than other shipping methods due to train schedules and routes.
• Limited Access to Pick-Up and Drop-Off Places: Train stations may not be as easily accessible as other shipping locations, and getting the car there and back may involve making additional transit arrangements.
• Precautionary Measures: There is always a chance of damage occurring during transit, despite the precautions taken by train companies to guarantee that vehicles are loaded and carried securely.

Overall, consumers who need to transport their car over large distances may find shipping a car by Train to be a reliable and affordable choice. To decide if it’s the right choice for you, you need to assess the advantages and disadvantages and take into account your unique situation.

Is shipping your car via train the best option?

No, not always. It depends on your specific situation whether you would find it more convenient to ship your car by trailer.

When deciding whether shipping by train is the right option for your needs, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons and consider your specific situation.

If cost and environmental impact are important factors for you, and you don’t mind longer transit times or limited accessibility, then shipping by train could be a good choice. However, if you need your car to be transported quickly or require it to be delivered to a specific location, you may want to consider other options, such as auto shipping companies.

Auto shipping companies can provide more flexibility and convenience than shipping by train, with options for door-to-door delivery and expedited shipping. Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Are you interested in finding out more about shipping a car?

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at AutoStar Transport Express! We can take a look at your shipment needs and help you find the best shipping for your vehicle.