Across the United States, if you think of shipping a car, you might be considering the options you have. The most common forms of shipping a car are over-the-road (OTR) methods like open and enclosed transport using trucks. Alternatively, car trains are another possible option. But is it practical? What about the cost comparison with other methods of car shipping?
We’ll analyze the Amtrak motor vehicle transportation, the advantages and disadvantages of this option, and compare it to other automobile shipping services. At the end of this article, you will know whether shipping your car by train is the right option for you.
Can You Ship a Car by Train?
Shipping a car by train is possible, but is doesn’t come close to the popularity of shipping by truck. The United States national rail company, Amtrak, provides limited vehicle transport services called Amtrak Auto Train. This service operates only between some selected towns on the East Coast, starting from Lorton Virginia to Sanford Florida.
The Amtrak Auto Train operates on a relatively flexible schedule, however, service restrictions do exist. The auto train does not operate at a national level, just regionally focused on customer needs to and from the northeast to Florida. The country’s coast-to-coast transport is still most practically done via truck.
What is referred to as the auto train is a unique example of car transport services by rail across the United States. The following is a description for customers new to Amtrak or interested on how the service operates step by step:
- Make Your Booking
– Scope: The Amtrak Auto Train operates only between Lorton, VA, and Sanford, FL. In order to use this auto train, these two endpoints must be starting regions.
– Reservations: Pre-purchase is a must for the auto train. You will have to secure an additional reservation for your vehicle alongside your ticket.
– Vehicle Requirements: Customers with standard cars like sedans and SUVs can book, but units with more agile vehicles such as large trucks, RVs, or custom vehicles will be denied service.
- Drive Your Car Off
– On the day of departure, you will drive your vehicle to the appointed Amtrak Auto Train terminal. Your vehicle will undergo an inspection and will be prepared for being put onto the train.
– You will also have to sign documents verifying the status of the automobile and the insurance policies accompanying it.
- Travel via Train
– Your automobile will be transported with other vehicles in a special rail car created to carry automobiles.
– In case the passengers traveling via the Auto Train will be put in a separate, comfortable coach and in all likelihood, the train will take around 17-18 hours to reach the destination depending on the route taken.
- Pick Up The Automated Car
– After the train or the auto train gets to the Sanford, the FL terminal, you will be able to access your vehicle. At this point there will be another inspection to check that your vehicle is in the same condition as it was on the train.
Advantages of Transporting a Vehicle Using Trains
Unlike shipping a car by truck, transport by train has a few advantages that make it stand out. Some of them include:
Unlike shipping a car by truck, transporting a vehicle by train offers several benefits that make it a favorable choice for many. Here are some key advantages:
- Lower Risk of Damage
Rail transport often results in reduced exposure to the wear and tear of road conditions. Since trains follow fixed routes and avoid unpredictable road traffic, vehicles are less likely to suffer from debris, potholes, or stop-and-go driving. This makes rail shipping a safer option, especially for long-distance hauls.
- Ideal for East Coast Travel
Train shipping is especially effective for moving vehicles along the East Coast, where railway infrastructure is robust and well-connected. It can serve as a reliable and consistent alternative to highway-based transportation for routes between major cities.
- Eco-Friendly Transportation
Rail transport is more environmentally friendly compared to truck shipping. Trains consume less fuel per vehicle transported and can move dozens of cars at once. This bulk movement significantly reduces overall carbon emissions, making train transport a greener solution for vehicle shipping.
Disadvantages of Transporting a Vehicle Using Trains
In comparison to the advantages, there are significantly more restrictions that may cause concern:
- Limited Availability
- The Amtrak Auto Train service only operates between Lorton VA and Sanford FL. For individuals planning on shipping their cars from or to other locations or cross country, there are no other train services available.
- Scheduling and Availability
- Travel on the Amtrak Auto Train is not flexible as it operates on a specific timetable. Amtrak’s service may require you to be more flexible than other modes of transport in order to align with the scheduled dates.
- Not Ideal for All Vehicles
- Due to standard vehicle specifications, the Amtrak Auto Train may not accommodate oversized vehicles. Additionally, its service areas are limited, making other modes of transport necessary for certain routes.
- Less Control
- A customer’s ability to oversee and make changes while the car is being transported through the train is limited, which some consumers may view as a disadvantage. A truck shipment, on the other hand, allows tracking and adjustments.
Alternatives to Train Shipping
If you are searching for greater access due to Amtrak’s restrictions or need to transport a vehicle outside of trains scheduled lines, the following methods could serve you:
- Open-Air Transport (Truck)
– Transporting a vehicle using an open carrier is the most widely used and inexpensive transportation option for long distances. Although exposure while crossing the country can pose safety risks, it remains a cost-effective option.
- Enclosed Transport (Truck)
– Enclosed transport is ideal for luxury, exotic, or classic cars as it offers extra protection by fully enclosing the vehicle. It is more expensive, however enclosed transport shields the car from weather conditions and road debris during the journey.
- Door-to-Door Shipping
– Shipping your vehicle without you having to drive it to a terminal allows the convenience of the car being picked up from your location and taken to your desired destination. This is especially helpful for individuals who are unable to drive the car to the terminal.
Conclusion
Amtrak Auto Train offers shipping cars by train for certain routes along the East Coast, but it poses a challenge for cross-country travel, and isn’t suitable for every car. Those who wish to transport a car outside of the limited Amtrak routes will still find it’s most commonly and flexibly done with a truck, open or enclosed.
If you’re located on the other side of the country and looking to ship your car with truck or a different, dependable transport method, Carson Shipping can be catered toward your needs.
