How to Transport a Car by Train

Shipping a car by train is not all that complicated. Take some time to ensure you know the regulations and fees for shipping your car before you start. Once you know the rules, it’s smooth sailing, and in no time at all, your vehicle will be delivered to its destination without a hitch.

Getting the Car Ready for Transportation 

Prior to shipping by train, you’ll need to make sure that your car is safe and secure, both on and off the train. Most of the time, the only thing many people think about when shipping a car by rail is getting it to fit. There are a few other things that need to be taken into consideration.  

Ensure you have secured the car’s tires and rims onto the wheels and that they will not slip or break off during the carriage. You will also need to secure the headlights and taillights in place of bolts or ropes. A reputable Interstate Car Carriers offering transport by train should be able to handle the logistics. 

How to Ship a Car By Freight Train

To ship a car or a truck by freight train, you’ll need to know how much it will cost and the approximate delivery date. Ensure a driver or a person of authority picks up the car at the other end.  

Where to Start

Shipping by train is generally priced lower than shipping via truck.

Once you’ve found the perfect shipper, call them up to discuss the details of your trip in greater detail. Let them know the make and model of your car and whether or not it has a standard, automatic, or semi-automatic transmission. Most importantly, let them know what date you need to have your car delivered. 

Do You Need to Pay Before The Car Is Shipped?

Some shippers will require you to pay for shipping before they begin the process of transporting your vehicle. Most will only request that you authorize the charge on your credit card and then wait until they have picked up your car before charging it. There are carriers who will make arrangements to deliver your car on the day you want it to arrive. You should make sure that the payment information is clear before deciding to work with the shipping company.

How much does Shipping a Car Cost?

The cost of shipping is usually dependent on the weight of your vehicle, which is one key factor in determining the total price. Depending on where you live and how many miles away from our dealership, the shipping rates can range. A lot of the time, shipping is a flat rate (cars shipped for a set amount regardless of weight), but this is not always the case. 

There are companies that will give you an initial estimate, so you have an idea of what to expect. It’s also possible to add extra items, like spare tires, to your order at no charge. Shipping charges cover the cost of packing, verifying that your car has no damage, and then transporting your vehicle from our facility to the train station, where they will load it on the train. 

Preparing a Car For rail Transport

Before loading your vehicle onto the train, make sure you have an inventory of all your belongings. Some of your car’s contents may not be permitted to travel by rail, so check out our list of items you should not ship with us before leaving home. You can also use the UThelp app to document your vehicle, belongings, and shipment details. A digital inventory will help reduce the time to clear your shipment at the destination and help you get back on the road faster. 

Remember to turn off your vehicle’s electrical system, including all lights, radios, and power accessories. This will extend battery life and prevent any accidental damage to electrical components. 

Before shipping a car via road or rail, it’s important to do some research and decide what’s best for your situation. Factors to consider include how far you’ll be driving and whether there are any vehicle restrictions on the roads; if you’re planning on taking your car overseas, then rail transport probably won’t be an option because of vehicle restrictions.  

Make sure you research the shipping company you’ll be using for the transportation. They should have a reputation and a track record for providing top-notch transportation services. You should look at a couple of providers to compare rates.