How to Ship a Car on a Freight Train

A few years ago the option of shipping a car on a train was restricted mostly to automobile companies and other large volume shippers. As the cost of trucking has risen, a number of companies have started to allow consumers to ship a car by freight train. This is also becoming popular with people concerned with the environment because trains are far more energy efficient than trucking. If you want to ship a car on a freight train, just follow the steps below to get your car ready and choose a shipper.

Things You'll Need

• Title to the car you need to ship

Instructions

1. Make the necessary preparations to ship a car on a freight train. Inspect your car carefully and make a written list of any scratches, dents, or problems and give a copy to the shipping company you choose. This will protect you in the event the car is damaged in any way. You must remove any personal items from the car (both US and Canadian law require this).

2. Call the shipper that best fits your needs a week before you want the car picked up. Most companies will schedule a pickup two to five days in advance but suggest that a week is better. In some cases you can deliver the car to a terminal yourself and save on pickup charges. Allow 3 to 25 days for delivery depending on the destination.

3. Consider taking your car along with you on vacation. Strictly speaking this might not be shipping your car, but it is an option Amtrak offers to people who want to avoid the hassles that can come with car rentals. Amtrak’s Auto Rail service enables you to do this along the route from the Washington, DC area south to Orlando, Florida (currently this is the only route where Auto Rail is offered). You will need to bring your car to the station with you one or two hours before the train is scheduled to depart. Use the Amtrak link at the end of this article to schedule Auto Rail shipping online.

4. Have your car shipped anywhere in the United States using Auto Transport By Rail. This company provides door-to-door pickup and delivery anywhere in the continental United States using a combination of shot-distance truck transport and rail that will save you money when you ship. You can visit their website using the link below to get free price quotes and to arrange shipment. If you prefer, call toll free at (866) 513-RAIL. You have the option of having your car shipped in an enclosed freight car rather than on an open car for an additional fee.

5. Ship your car anywhere in the US or Canada with Auto forwarders. Likee Auto transport by Rail, they offer do-to-door service. You have the choice of avoiding pickup charges by delivering your car to the terminal yourself. Get prices and schedule a car shipment online using the link below or by calling [phone]. This company is one of the oldest shippers of cars by rail and has recently added to their services to businesses and government by marketing to individual consumers.

Resources

• Amtrak Auto Rail
• AutoTransport By Rail
• Auto Rail Forwarders