How to Ship a Car by Train

Using rail to ship automobiles is becoming an increasingly popular choice in the United States and Canada as trucking costs rise. Adding to the cost advantages is the fact that if you ship a car by train it is far more energy efficient than using trucks, making this the “green” option. There are now several companies that provide service varying from rail transport on limited routes to nationwide pick-up and delivery anywhere in the United States and Canada.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Title or other documentation of ownership of a car to be shipped

1. Prepare to ship a car by rail by selecting a company that meets your needs from the options described in Steps 2 to 5. You should arrange pick up at least 2 to 5 days in advance, although a week is better. Allow anywhere from three to 25 days for delivery (companies give you a time estimate and will keep you informed of any changes in projected delivery dates). You will need to remove any personal belongings from the car (this is required by US and Canadian safety regulations) and arrange to have the car picked up at a specified location or else deliver it to the terminal yourself.

2. Choose Amtrak’s Auto Rail service to eliminate rental car hassles on vacations. This service is currently offered only along the route from Washington, DC to Orlando, Florida. When you travel, you can take your car along using this service as long as you are on the same train. Arrange for to ship a car by train on Amtrak’s Auto Rail by clicking on the link at the end of this article. Amtrak does require that you arrive at the station at least one hour early (two hours for oversized vehicles).

3. Ship a car by train from the West coast to the Northeast (or Midwest) with the Autolog Auto Train. Use their website (see Resources below) to make arrangements. Autolog is one of a growing number of firms that offer the choice of shipping your vehicle in an enclosed rail car. They list prices starting at $750 (2008 figures) with an added $100 charge for an enclosed rail car.

4. Get nationwide door-to-door pickup and delivery when you ship by train with Auto Transport by Rail. Like Autolog, they offer both regular and enclosed shipping. You can schedule a pick up and delivery online (see Resources below) or call toll free at 1-866-513-RAIL. Auto Transport by Rail uses a combined truck and rail service that enables them to provide service anywhere in the United States.

5. Have a car shipped anywhere in the United States or Canada via Auto Rail Forwarders. This is one of the oldest companies offering rail shipment of personal and business vehicles and they provide door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal shipping. You can go to their website (see Resources below) for free price quotes and to arrange for pick up. They recommend terminal rather than residential pick up if you want to avoid residential pick up and delivery charges. For more information you can call toll free at 1-800-387-9000.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Amtrak Auto Rail
• Autolog Auto Train
• AutoTransportByRail.com
• Auto Rail Forwarders