How do you transport a car by train? A lot of people are unaware of this, but shipping a vehicle by train can often be a cost-effective alternative to other transport options. In the following article, Caravan Auto Transport discusses the advantages and disadvantages of train transport, as well as the steps involved with shipping your car by train.
Advantages of Shipping By Train
Though maybe not as obvious as an alternative to other car transit choices, a train offers a multitude of benefits that will have you seriously considering it for your next auto delivery.
Money Savings
Shipping by train can be a particularly cheap option if you’re shipping multiple vehicles. Compared to standard road carriers, a train uses less fuel per vehicle. Those savings are often passed down to the car owner. Keep in mind, however, that some rail transport companies require more than one vehicle for transport.
Options for Transport
As with road hauling, trains offer two main options: open transport and enclosed transport. Open transport is the cheapest option, but it does leave your car exposed to the elements. If there’s a severe storm or debris along the trip, this can cause damage to your ride. Enclosed transport provides much greater protection for your auto.
Low Likelihood of Damage
This pro is especially true if you opt for an enclosed delivery. One of the main advantages of a train, unlike truck transport, is that it does not have to contend with other vehicles on the road. This can provide a huge amount of peace of mind.
Eco-Friendly Option
Since a train can carry many vehicles in one trip, it has a lower carbon footprint than other car shipping options. Plus, since you don’t have to drive the car, there’s the added bonus of not putting a ton of miles on your odometer (as well as all that wear and tear).
Take the Same Train
Unlike with a professional hauler, you can travel with your car if you ship by train! If you’ve ever wanted to travel the rails and see more of the country, this is a fantastic opportunity to check it off your bucket list. There’s nothing quite like chugging along in a locomotive. The views, the food, the conversations… it’s definitely well worth the trip.
Move Your Belongings
Trains can haul just about anything, including cars and your personal possessions. If you’re making your way to a new home, you might as well kill two birds with one stone. And as previously mentioned, you can also travel along with your vehicle and belongings.
Disadvantages of Shipping By Train
As with any other form of transport, train travel has its downsides.
Cost Considerations
Okay, so we mentioned how cost-effective going with a train can be. The drawback is that major savings typically comes from shipping multiple vehicles. Yes, you can still find providers for a single car, but the cost may be about the same as road transport (though you can also find deals that are lower than that of a truck hauler).
Lack of Flexibility
Again, some train carriers may require more than one car for transport. Oftentimes, it’s required that the car owner travels on the train. Unlike with other transit services, you’re limited to dropping off and picking up your vehicle at specific railroad stations. You will have to arrange additional transport to and from the station if you are unable to deliver or pick up the vehicle yourself.
Accessibility and Availability
The bottom line is that there are fewer companies that offer train services, especially when compared to standard road travel. Depending on your location, it might limit your choices (if you have any) when it comes to convenient train shipping.
Transit Time
Train delivery offers many advantages, but speed generally isn’t one of them. It can take up to two weeks (or longer) to get from point A to B. If you require expedited shipping, you’ll want to consider truck or even airplane freight. If time isn’t an issue, however, the locomotive option can offer personal travel, shipment of household belongings, and car delivery all in one.
Unable to Stow Items Inside Car
It’s one thing to haul household belongings alongside your vehicle, but in most cases, you can’t put anything in your vehicle. This is not the case with some road carriers who often allow you to ship up to 100 pounds of personal belongings in the trunk of your vehicle. If you absolutely need to stow items in your vehicle, then it might be a good idea to look at the alternatives.
Steps to Shipping a Car By Train
Now that we know the pros and cons of auto shipping by railway, let’s look at the logistics involved with actually getting the train (and your ride) moving.
1. Book Shipper By Train
There are several major rail operators – Burlington Northern, Amtrak, CSX, and Pacific Northern – but you’ll need to go through a car shipping company in order to hire a service. That’s where Caravan comes in. We connect you with available carriers with ease, providing several convenient options for a seamless, hassle-free experience.
From choosing open transport vs. enclosed transport to exploring your options for transporting household belongings, your car transporter will help you understand your choices. Take into account your particular needs and choose accordingly. For instance, open transit is cheaper but also exposes vehicles to higher risks of potential damage.
2. Prepare Your Car
Take the necessary steps to prepare your vehicle for transit:
- Clean Vehicle: Along with looking good and arriving at its new destination shinier than before, cleaning your car offers several benefits. These include the opportunity to remove important items and making sure you spot any previous damage (see below for more info).
- Remove Items: As well as taking out any valuables or items you’ll need during transit, railways typically don’t allow you to ship a car with any cargo stowed inside the cabin. Of course, you can always ask your service provider about details.
- Inspect Car: Damage is an unfortunate possibility (particularly with open containers). You’ll want to document the current condition of your auto prior to loading it on a train. Take plenty of pictures, as well as a written record of any blemishes and other types of damage. Also, be sure to have your transporter make an official note of this info. That way, you have documented proof if anything happens during transportation.
- Check Battery, Tires, and Fluid Levels: The last thing you want is to have a non-operable car. This can prove to be more than a pain when loading and unloading. Check the battery and make sure your vehicle is running properly. Look over tire condition and replace if needed. Also, check all fluids to ensure normal operation.
3. Transport To and From the Station
Finally, it’s time to get your car to the train station:
- Take Car to Depot: If you’re close to the train station, it should be fairly easy to get it over there. Ask a friend or family member for a ride home. If the station is quite a distance away, you might need to make arrangements for a car hauler to take it to the pick-up location. Keep this added cost in mind when determining your transport options.
- Delivery From Station: Remember that you’ll be dealing with a specific drop-off depot. Account for factors like the distance between your new location and the station. Again, as with drop-off, you might need to hire a hauler to pick up your vehicle.
Whether by train, truck, plane, or boat, Caravan Auto Transport streamlines the process. We work with a network of fully qualified, licensed & insured auto transport carriers ready to offer you outstanding services. Click here to get more info and request your free quotes today!