How to Ship Your Car by Train

Relocating is a major life event, and moving trends show it’s still a very active part of many Americans’ lives. In 2022, about 12.6 % of Americans moved and relocated to a different state. Even though overall mobility has been slowly declining in recent years. Yet, interstate moves remain substantial. Individuals and families are relocating for better job opportunities, affordable alternatives, and due to the growth of remote work. 

According to the U.S. Census’ American Community Survey, in 2023, 12.1 % of the population changed residences, with 9.1 % moving within their own state and 2.3 % moving across state lines. One option gaining attention is train transport. It is a method that combines efficiency, safety, and cost advantages under the right circumstances. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to ship a car by train: benefits, cost drivers, procedural steps, and how to choose a reliable provider.

How to Ship Your Car by Train

Car transport by train has gained quite prominence as an attractive option for people who are looking to relocate or buying vehicles across long distances. Shipping a car by train is eco-friendly and cost-effective, especially over long routes. This guide looks into the process of shipping your car by train. Furthermore, it also outlines the benefits, costs, and steps to prepare for car train transport, so you know exactly what to expect.

Key Takeaways

• Train transport is often more affordable, saving $200+ compared to truck shipping.
  
• It’s safer and more eco-friendly, producing 75% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than trucks.
  
• Preparation matters — clean your car, remove valuables, and ensure it’s in good working condition.
  
• Choosing the right provider helps ensure a smooth, secure transport experience.

In This Guide:

• Car Transport Rail Shipping Benefits
• How Train Transport for Cars Works
• Types of Rail Shipping Options
• How to Choose a Credible Train Transport Company
• Cost of Train Shipping
• How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Train Shipping
• Bottom Line
• Ship Car by Train FAQs

Car Transport Rail Shipping Benefits

Shipping a car by train has unique benefits. These advantages attract individuals and families who are planning to relocate across the country. 

Unlike trucks that share congested highways, trains follow dedicated routes, making them more reliable and efficient for long-distance moves. One of the major reasons for such inclination towards car train transport is that trains have dedicated routes that they can follow. This approach makes them reliable and efficient for long-distance moves. 

• Cost savings: Trains are fuel-efficient and can move hundreds of vehicles at once.
• Eco-friendly option: If you ship car by rail, it produces fewer emissions when compared to trucking which eventually reduces environmental impact.
• Safety: Cars shipped by rail are safer since they are less exposed to road hazards and accidents. The enclosed containers offer added protection from weather and debris.
• Reduced wear and tear: Instead of driving thousands of miles, if you ship car by rail, your vehicle arrives in the same condition it was shipped.

How Train Transport for Cars Works

Usually, vehicle check-in starts a few hours before departure. It is recommended to arrive early to avoid any last-minute issues. If you come properly prepared, it can make the entire shipping process much smoother and stress-free.

The journey does not end at drop-off. Upon arrival at the destination terminal, you will be required to pick up your vehicle. Terminals are equipped to handle the unloading process efficiently. They make sure your car is ready to drive away as soon as it arrives.

Types of Rail Shipping Options

When shipping by train, there are two options you can choose from, and the option you choose depends on your budget and protection requirements.

Enclosed Rail Transport

Vehicles are loaded into enclosed rail cars, providing maximum protection. It shields your car from weather, debris, and potential damage during transit. An enclosed transport is recommended for luxury vehicles, classic cars, or any car you want extra protection for.

Open Rail Transport

Open rail transport loads vehicles onto open carriers, similar to standard truck shipping; it is a more cost-effective option. Although your car is exposed to the external elements, it remains securely fastened during the journey. This is the most common choice and recommended to transport everyday vehicles.

How to Choose a Credible Train Transport Company

Selecting the right company is key to a stress-free train auto transport experience. Here’s how to find a credible train transport provider:

• Check licensing and registration: Make sure you verify that the company is registered with the Department of Transportation (DOT) or Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
• Read reviews and ratings: Never miss on customer feedback on platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or Trustpilot. Researching for reviews and ratings can speak about the reliability and service quality.
• Ask about insurance: Make sure the company provides enough coverage in case of damage during car transport by train.
• Compare pricing and services: It’s always best to have a market survey and collect quotes from multiple providers and compare what’s included. It would be easier to select between enclosed vs. open transport, priority unloading, and customer support.
• Transparency in communication: A company that has credibility will clearly explain timelines, costs, and preparation steps upfront.

Cost of Train Shipping

Understanding the cost factors in train auto transport can help you budget. Generally, car transport by train costs around $400 to $1,500. For instance a standard-sized vehicle usually costs between $500 and $600 whereas larger vehicles like SUVs may incur additional fees due to their size.

However, the above-mentioned costs are dependent on factors such as:

• Priority offloading
• Door-to-door delivery
• Choice of transportation method, enclosed vs open.
• Seasonal trends, where costs often rise during peak moving periods.

How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Train Shipping

Shipping your car by train requires following a series of steps. To start preparing your vehicle to drop off, make sure to:

1. Clean your vehicle: A clean car makes it easier to spot and document any existing damage.
2. Remove valuables: Take all your personal items out including electronics (which are not permanently attached)
3. Disable alarms: Make sure you disable all alarms to prevent accidental triggers during car transport by train.
4. Check fluids and battery: Make sure your vehicle is in working order. It should not have any leaks, and that the battery should be fully charged.
5. Inflate tires properly: When there is proper tire pressure, it helps keep the vehicle stable during loading and unloading.
6. Document condition: Make sure to take detailed photos of your car from multiple angles, including the interior. This would help keep a record of the car condition, before and after car transport by train.
7. Arrive early for check-in: Allow yourself time to complete the inspection process before departure.

Bottom Line

Shipping a car by train is an affordable, safe, and eco-friendly solution for long-distance moves. Car transport by train may not be as fast or flexible as truck transport but it’s an excellent option for cost savings and reducing wear and tear on your vehicle. For hassle free shipping of your car Sherpa Auto Transport is here to help. We provide nationwide coverage, top-notch customer service, and transparent pricing. At Sherpa, we make sure your vehicle reaches its destination in a simple, stress-free way.

Ship Car by Train FAQs