Shipping a Car By Train

After buying a car online or from a car dealer outside the city, you need to transport it to yourself, of course. Or, perhaps you are moving and would need to ship your car to your new home. Your choice of car transportation? Shipping a car by train or by carrier truck. 

These days, shipping a car by train is fast becoming the more popular and practical choice both in the United States and Canada. This is primarily because the usual trucking transport has become very costly. Also, shipping a car by train is more energy efficient and so this is considered as the “green” option. Rail shipping through the Amtrak Auto Train used to be the only choice but today there are several shipping companies that offer rail service pick-up and delivery all over the United States and Canada.

Shipping a car by train using Amtrak has two limitations. First, its route is limited only from Lorton, Virginia to Sanford, Florida; and second, you must come on board to travel with your car.

If you do consider the Amtrak Auto Train, here are a few information you might need to know. Amtrak allows you to bring two carry-on bags on the truck or inside your own car. The long trip from Washington to Florida is good for 17 hours so it may be wise for you to pack extra clothes for yourself and a good book. Bring along some medicines as well. And if you’re riding with your children, make sure to bring something that can keep them occupied, say picture books or a hand-held videogame.

During the transport, make sure not to leave important documents inside your car. Place necessary papers such as insurance information and credit cards in your carry-on bag. Avoid bringing along unnecessary items such us jewelry or huge household items.
Needless to say, do not bring along illegal substances or smuggled items.

Also, if you need to place a few items inside the car, avoid bringing along breakable and flammable items. There could be bumps along the way that can rattle these items and damage your car. Do not leave your valuables inside your car since they will be out of your sight for a good number of hours.

You might find the term “shipping” inappropriate because shipping a car by train definitely does not involve a ship or the ocean. The more appropriate term is “transporting”. You will need transporting services when you decide to move, go on a long vacation, or purchase a car online. Internationally, the most popular mode of transport is a cargo ship, but across land the two options are shipping a car by train or by a carrier truck. The least option, of course, is driving the car yourself because not many people can drive long distances. This also means covering a great number of miles on your automobile.

The most common car shipping option is still with a truck or trailer but you might consider why shipping a car by train is fast becoming a popular choice.