 Ship Car by Train |
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Ship Car By Train
There are many reasons for shipping a vehicle by rail. You might have sold or purchased a used car online. You could be a dealer in Ohio who found a car for a client in Washington. You might be a snowbird heading south for the winter and want to fly, but still want your car when you get there. Now shipping your car by train has become a less expensive option. It’s also advertised as being more “green” since you aren’t driving the car or truck to its destination. Don’t have a train station near you? Many companies will do a combination of rail and truck to get the vehicle to you. Dropping a car off and picking it up at the terminal is the most cost effective way to go. When you start adding trucking and door to door expenses, it can quickly become more complicated and add up to more expense than a truck auto transport. There are two ways to ship a car by train. One is an open rail car transporter built specifically for automobiles. You’ve probably seen one on before, stacked with cars moving along the rail. You have to worry about the weather and flying debris with this option. However if you have an expensive car, and you want it protected, you can opt for an enclosed rail car. It may cost a little more, but then again, so did your expensive car! Whether your car is transported inside or out, you’ll want to know exactly how the transporter protects it.
The boom in internet used car sales has brought auto transporters out of the wood work. It’s best to do your homework and make sure the company you are dealing with is reliable. Most of them are rated online, so pay close attention to them. At least one company has been convicted of fraud. Make sure the transporter can give you a definite date to pick up your vehicle. Don’t deal with any company that requires you to pay up front. You shouldn’t have to pay until you pick up the car. Most have computer programs that allow you to track the location of the car as it makes its way to the final destination. If you are dealing with a broker, make sure they offer 100% refunds for cancellations. The auto transporters themselves usually offer these themselves, but not all brokers to. These customer friendly policies, but plus no complaints in online reviews, are what to look for. If you’re traveling by train, and want to take your car on vacation, Amtrak offers an Auto Train Service. Amtrak acquired the Auto-Train Corporation that runs from Lorton, VA (Washington DC area) to Sanford, FL (Orlando area) in 1983. Auto-Train moves about 200,000 people and their cars yearly from this location, but it has not taken off in other parts of the country. You have to travel on the same train as our car, but who wouldn’t want to save miles on their car and not have to drive that distance? No matter how you transport your vehicle, make sure you take pictures, do a complete inspection and make not of any damages that might already be on the car and record the mileage. Your transporter will do the same thing, and have you sign off on it. Read it carefully. Check with your car insurance company to find out about your coverage. The chances are you will be dealing with a broker, so make sure you ask to see their certificate of insurance or broker bond. Some won’t have one, because they are counting on the transporter to have one. They still should have their own insurance or broker bond. You should be covered for damage and theft on their policy. Ask if this is secondary to your own insurance policy. Find out if there are any exclusions, such as spoilers, radios or alarm systems, on either your own or their policy. Ask if the vehicle is covered while it is in a lot waiting to be loaded, or between transport trains. Any personal articles in the car will not be insured, so the transport company will discourage you, or possibly prohibit you from leaving anything. Your homeowners’ insurance may cover it, but it’s best not to rely on that. You’ll want to do a complete inspection when the vehicle in unloaded and report any damages.
You’ll have a written contract with your transporter, so don’t rely on verbal promises. Make sure everything is in writing, including pick up window and drop off window or dates. During the off season the pick up window is usually 2-3 days. Once your car is picked up you should have a drop off date. If you aren’t available most transporters will store your car for a small fee. Ask for details to be included on how and when you will be notified of any delays. If your transporter has a guarantee, you’ll want details on the rental car policy if the car does not arrive on time. Make sure everything is in writing and read the small print. Your transporter will give you information on how to prepare your car for transport. In general you’ll need to:
It may seem intimidating when you start the process of transporting a car, but if you choose the right company, it will handled in a simple and effective manner. Make sure to do your homework! Add Your Comments about Ship Car by Train: |
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