Here is an illuminating article by Genius Auto Trans on the benefits and disadvantages of shipping a car by train. Besides, we have stated why our services, as well as other alternatives, are better options for your vehicle transportation.
Why Should You Ship a Car by Train?
Enclosed vs. Open Rail Transport
Rail transport services comprise two prime kinds, encompassing enclosed one, in which, just like closed trailers, there is added protection provided to vehicles that are being transported. This way, your car stays safe from debris or changing weather. Nevertheless, it is slightly more expensive than the other.
Open rail transport is for sure economical but cannot provide elevated protection. For this purpose, there is the use of an open rail car or open bi-level auto rack railcar. Enclosed auto-rack boxcar, box trailer, and van were the terms we found for the carrier of enclosed rail transport.
Environmentally Friendly
Compared to trucking, yes, this approach is safer for the environment. This is because of the lesser greenhouse gas emissions per mile, which results in a smaller carbon footprint. Moreover, trains can carry more than one car. Therefore, you will notice no traffic congestion, which obviously reduces the emissions as well as fuel consumption.
Although diesel is still a fuel type that trains use, it is shifting towards electrification, which can further minimize carbon footprint. Another advantage is relevant to noise pollution. Trains do produce some noise, but it is less disruptive as compared to continuous traffic noise.
More Security
One more major pro of using trains for shipping your car from one location to another is the added security. By this, we mean the use of cameras at rail yards, which can minimize the chances of anything unpleasant happening to your car.
Moreover, there is fencing and access control, not allowing unauthorized people to enter. And hence, this is much safer than truck stops or parking lots.
What Are the Disadvantages & Alternatives of Shipping a Car by Train?
No Door-to-Door Service
This demonstrates that a lot of effort and time from your side is essential for bringing your vehicle to the train terminal. There are some options to consider for this matter but pick us for enhanced convenience.
Inflexible Schedules & Routes
Unlike truck or trailer shipping, you will notice fixed routes and timetables, which do not offer much flexibility. In order to ship a car somewhere else, make sure you are ready and at the train terminal as per the train timetable to avoid any hassle. Instead, various of our services, including expedited auto transport, not only are fast but offer the smoothest experience as per your terms. It is best to book in advance to avoid unavailability issues.
Expensive for Shorter Distances
Train shipping involves a number of expenses, and mainly, they are fixed costs that prevent this transportation from being the most affordable for shorter distances, such as fuel as well as loading and unloading prices.
Moreover, there are terminal fees at both the origin and destination. Instead, driving your car yourself or using our wide-ranging services can be much more economical.
Enhances Complexity
Now, the train shipping process is complex, too. As already said, the train is not the only mode of transportation you will use to ship your car. You first have to take your vehicle to its terminals. This means you will be in contact with both rail as well as truck transport providers, making things complicated.
Delays & Thefts
Although this shipping service is dependable, weather conditions can disturb the schedules, leading to delays. Also, the latter can happen due to mechanical problems. The modification in the timetable is also possible due to track maintenance. Some other reasons include labor strikes and accidents.
Additionally, there is the risk of thefts as well, no matter how safe the terminals are, especially because of vulnerabilities in the transport process.
Wrapping Up
The aforementioned article explained the positive aspects of transporting a car by train. We also highlighted its drawbacks as well as how our services can act as better alternatives. For instance, for shorter distances, shipping a car by train is not a wise decision as it is expensive.
Moreover, if your aim is flexibility in routes and schedules, trucks or trailers are more efficient carriers.
FAQs
Yes, this is one way of transporting your cars. However, it has its own benefits and disadvantages.
There are pros and cons of both types, and the value of an option depends on what you need. For instance, train transport is faster than the other, while ocean freight is good for bulk shipment.
We cannot answer it in yes or no. In fact, it depends on different factors, such as distance, service type, time of year, and vehicle size. Nevertheless, ocean shipment is inexpensive as compared to this transportation. For longer distances, train transport is more affordable than truck transport.
Start by knowing about the damages. The cleaning process aids a lot in such an inspection. Ensure to carefully clean it internally and externally. Take pictures of any damages for your records. Also, it is best to disable the alarm systems so as to not let them activate during the journey.
No, we do not provide train shipping services for vehicles. However, we can help a lot in using such transportation or even if you are looking for alternatives. For instance, we can take your car to the train terminal, enhancing your convenience with the help of door-to-door auto transport.
