Modes of Car Transport – Train-based Shipping vs. Truck-based Shipping
Posted By admin on December 28, 2011
Learn the better option between train vs. truck car transport, including its differences, functions, pros and cons.
For years, trucks have been the most common choice of transporting vehicles. However, shipping a vehicle by car transport train can be a great option for your auto transport needs, particularly for long distance trips. To know which type is better for your vehicle, you have to understand both methods, including their functions, benefits and drawbacks.
In the past, vehicles were mostly shipped by rail, but now cars are largely transported using vehicle transport trucks. However, that does not mean that train car shipping no longer exists. A popular train shipping example today is the Amtrak, the only existing auto train in the US.
A train for car transport is one of the cheapest ways to ship your car over long distances. However, its major limitation is that it has a very inflexible itinerary. For instance, in the case of Amtrak Auto Train, if you are not shipping your car between Sanford, Florida and Lorton, Virginia, then you have no choice but to look for other options.
One advantage of car transport by train is protection from elements. Driving your car or shipping it by open truck exposes the vehicle from damaging elements. But with train carriers, the vehicle is often loaded in a covered container, protecting the paint job from dust, hailstorm and weather.
Besides protection, it is also a greener way to ship as trains are more energy efficient then trucks, emitting less carbon dioxide. Trains are cost-efficient as they can load a large amount of cargo in just a single load. You can save a lot when shipping multiple cars.
However, trains have their fair share of drawbacks. If the vehicle is not in a covered container, it is susceptible to possible damage from flying debris. Moreover, you have to deliver and pick up your car at the train freight depot, since door-to-door service is not a standard in this industry.
On the other hand, trucks have been the standard means of car transport for many years. Truck-based transport provides great convenience as most companies pick your vehicle up from your home and deliver it to your door on the other end. This saves you precious time, especially when moving.
However, truck-based auto transport is never cheap. It costs more compared to rail shipping and obviously much more than paying someone to drive it or driving it yourself. The car is also susceptible to damage due to rain, hail and debris as well as the possibility of the truck getting into accident.
So between the two options, who wins? Although there is a certain dramatic aspect of using auto train, perhaps the fastest, safest and most convenient option is to ship your vehicle by truck. Why?
Rail-based car transport usually takes 10 to 21 days while truck-based transport can take as little as 7 days across the United States. Auto hauler trucks are capable of shipping not only in major urban areas but also in small, remote places. The driver can also keep an eye on the load as a truck can only carry small number of vehicles, meaning better monitoring.
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