Shipping a Car or Autotrain

[Mpyankees]

Dear Group:

We live in New York and are returning to Marriott Beachplace Towers in January. We drove last year (19 hours), but this year we are considering either shipping our car or taking the autotrain. Can anyone recommend a company that will ship a car from New York to Florida? Alternatively, we would consider the autotrain, just to reduce the number of hours we are in the car (it's just me and my wife). Anyone have an opinion on the autotrain (I think we would pick it up in the DC area and it would get us to the Orlando area)?

Any tips about the above are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Luanne]

We have used Car Go several times and have been very pleased. We used them to ship a car from California to New Mexico, and another time to ship one from California to Florida (and then back). They do not have their own fleet, they find someone who will be going the route you want. It's been quite a few years since we used them, so I would check recent reviews, but from our experience I would recommend them.

Trusted Car Shipping Company | Car-Go Auto Transport

Car-Go Auto Transport has been a trusted nationwide car shipping company since 1979—delivering fast, reliable transport for cars and trucks.

cargoautotransport.com

 

[elaine]

I've taken the autotrain many times. It was always a fun time for our family going to WDW. As an adult trip ... esp. as you've got a bit of waiting on each end and still a decent drive from NY and then to FLL. If you are in regular seats, it's a rough night's sleep. Even in roomettes (or bedroom), sleep is not great, as you feel motion and hear the train. There is only 1 stop midway to refuel/switch crews. The Lorton station is 30 minutes south of DC right off of I95.
Your choice is:
1. upper level--regular Amtrak seats with lots of people (80 seats?), this is also the walk thru to other cars and dining and some people stay up all night talking, playing cards, etc;
2. lower level--bathrooms are here, large entrance on/off train, and 16 regular Amtrak seats taking up 1/3 of the car (far less people, so less chance of commotion/noise). Some seats equipped for handicap, but the others are open for anyone to book. Plus is no walk-thru people and usually quiet;
3. Roomettes-a set of 2 seats in enclosed very small room that converts to a bed with a pull down bunk. Bathroom with shower down the hall; and,
4. bedroom accommodations with bathroom.

 

[Mpyankees]

We have used Car Go several times and have been very pleased. We used them to ship a car from California to New Mexico, and another time to ship one from California to Florida (and then back). They do not have their own fleet, they find someone who will be going the route you want. It's been quite a few years since we used them, so I would check recent reviews, but from our experience I would recommend them.

Trusted Car Shipping Company | Car-Go Auto Transport

Car-Go Auto Transport has been a trusted nationwide car shipping company since 1979—delivering fast, reliable transport for cars and trucks.

cargoautotransport.com

Thankyou!!

 

[Mpyankees]

I've taken the autotrain many times. It was always a fun time for our family going to WDW. As an adult trip ... esp. as you've got a bit of waiting on each end and still a decent drive from NY and then to FLL. If you are in regular seats, it's a rough night's sleep. Even in roomettes (or bedroom), sleep is not great, as you feel motion and hear the train. There is only 1 stop midway to refuel/switch crews. The Lorton station is 30 minutes south of DC right off of I95.
Your choice is:
1. upper level--regular Amtrak seats with lots of people (80 seats?), this is also the walk thru to other cars and dining and some people stay up all night talking, playing cards, etc;
2. lower level--bathrooms are here, large entrance on/off train, and 16 regular Amtrak seats taking up 1/3 of the car (far less people, so less chance of commotion/noise). Some seats equipped for handicap, but the others are open for anyone to book. Plus is no walk-thru people and usually quiet;
3. Roomettes-a set of 2 seats in enclosed very small room that converts to a bed with a pull down bunk. Bathroom with shower down the hall; and,
4. bedroom accommodations with bathroom.

Thankyou!!

 

[2rebecca]

We took the Auto Train 11 years ago. We had a Family Room (2 adults & 3 little kids under 5). It is located at the back of the car and spans the entire width of the train, so there was plenty of room. Bathrooms were located on the other end of the car. The ride was bumpy, so it wasn't the best night's sleep, but it was a lot of fun with the little kids. The roomettes/rooms come with dinner, which helps break up the time. I would take the train over the drive any day the budget allows!

 

[Cornell]

I've done a lot of this the past few years.

The car shipping company I've used is Ship-a-Car Direct. Montway is another one. Have you shipped a car before? Most of these places are brokers so it doesn't matter which broker you use. They put your pickup / drop off information into some kind of bidding system where trucks bid on the offer. I have found it to be kind of stressful b/c the pick up & drop off dates are somewhat variable so you never really quite know how it's all going to play out. Also, in my instances of dealing w/it, the broker kind of low balls you into what it's going to cost. Then none of the trucks "bite" on the offer so you wind up paying more (the broker says "hey - let's offer more") to get your car picked up. Last time I did it it was stressful as I was moving OUT , leaving town , and my car still wasn't picked up. Had to make arrangements with someone else to deal with the car in my absence. The downside too is that you really aren't supposed to load up your car with stuff. If you do this, put an Airtag in the car so you can see it's whereabouts.

I believe you can find car shippers where they own their own truck. You pay a premium for this.

Auto Train: My daughter did it last August and had a good experience. Basically fell asleep and woke up in Florida. She paid extra to have her car as an "early unload". She had a "roommette" and was happy with the experience. Found it to be super relaxing and got a good night's sleep. You can fully load up your car. She was moving from point A to B so her car was jam packed. The earlier you book, the cheaper it is (at least that's what we were told).

 

[JudyH]

I currently use the autotrain a lot. We drive an hour and a half from MD to Lorton and get food at the nearby shopping center. After arriving in Sanford it is a 3-4 hour drive to our house on the Gulf Coast.
If you have a roomette you get dinner. You have to arrive at Lorton early enough to get an early dinner time. The latest is 9 pm.
No dinner if you are coach but you can bring food on board or get something in the cafe car.
During Covid we got the roomettes. I liked laying flat to sleep. DH hated being in the top bunk however.
Lately we just ask for an all adult car and go coach.
Take your pillow and a light blanket. I take a Xanax and that helps me sleep. Also one of those neck pillow things.
We are going north again in July. Sometimes I pay for early car delivery. Depends on my schedule.
For me flying, driving, or the train, none of it is really fun but I go north a lot to see the grandkids.

 

[Mpyankees]

I've done a lot of this the past few years.

The car shipping company I've used is Ship-a-Car Direct. Montway is another one. Have you shipped a car before? Most of these places are brokers so it doesn't matter which broker you use. They put your pickup / drop off information into some kind of bidding system where trucks bid on the offer. I have found it to be kind of stressful b/c the pick up & drop off dates are somewhat variable so you never really quite know how it's all going to play out. Also, in my instances of dealing w/it, the broker kind of low balls you into what it's going to cost. Then none of the trucks "bite" on the offer so you wind up paying more (the broker says "hey - let's offer more") to get your car picked up. Last time I did it it was stressful as I was moving OUT , leaving town , and my car still wasn't picked up. Had to make arrangements with someone else to deal with the car in my absence. The downside too is that you really aren't supposed to load up your car with stuff. If you do this, put an Airtag in the car so you can see it's whereabouts.

I believe you can find car shippers where they own their own truck. You pay a premium for this.

Auto Train: My daughter did it last August and had a good experience. Basically fell asleep and woke up in Florida. She paid extra to have her car as an "early unload". She had a "roommette" and was happy with the experience. Found it to be super relaxing and got a good night's sleep. You can fully load up your car. She was moving from point A to B so her car was jam packed. The earlier you book, the cheaper it is (at least that's what we were told).

Thankyou! I think we are going to try the Autotrain.

 

[Mpyankees]

I currently use the autotrain a lot. We drive an hour and a half from MD to Lorton and get food at the nearby shopping center. After arriving in Sanford it is a 3-4 hour drive to our house on the Gulf Coast.
If you have a roomette you get dinner. You have to arrive at Lorton early enough to get an early dinner time. The latest is 9 pm.
No dinner if you are coach but you can bring food on board or get something in the cafe car.
During Covid we got the roomettes. I liked laying flat to sleep. DH hated being in the top bunk however.
Lately we just ask for an all adult car and go coach.
Take your pillow and a light blanket. I take a Xanax and that helps me sleep. Also one of those neck pillow things.
We are going north again in July. Sometimes I pay for early car delivery. Depends on my schedule.
For me flying, driving, or the train, none of it is really fun but I go north a lot to see the grandkids.

Understood. Thanks for the info!

 

[Mpyankees]

I've done a lot of this the past few years.

The car shipping company I've used is Ship-a-Car Direct. Montway is another one. Have you shipped a car before? Most of these places are brokers so it doesn't matter which broker you use. They put your pickup / drop off information into some kind of bidding system where trucks bid on the offer. I have found it to be kind of stressful b/c the pick up & drop off dates are somewhat variable so you never really quite know how it's all going to play out. Also, in my instances of dealing w/it, the broker kind of low balls you into what it's going to cost. Then none of the trucks "bite" on the offer so you wind up paying more (the broker says "hey - let's offer more") to get your car picked up. Last time I did it it was stressful as I was moving OUT , leaving town , and my car still wasn't picked up. Had to make arrangements with someone else to deal with the car in my absence. The downside too is that you really aren't supposed to load up your car with stuff. If you do this, put an Airtag in the car so you can see it's whereabouts.

I believe you can find car shippers where they own their own truck. You pay a premium for this.

Auto Train: My daughter did it last August and had a good experience. Basically fell asleep and woke up in Florida. She paid extra to have her car as an "early unload". She had a "roommette" and was happy with the experience. Found it to be super relaxing and got a good night's sleep. You can fully load up your car. She was moving from point A to B so her car was jam packed. The earlier you book, the cheaper it is (at least that's what we were told).

We took the Auto Train 11 years ago. We had a Family Room (2 adults & 3 little kids under 5). It is located at the back of the car and spans the entire width of the train, so there was plenty of room. Bathrooms were located on the other end of the car. The ride was bumpy, so it wasn't the best night's sleep, but it was a lot of fun with the little kids. The roomettes/rooms come with dinner, which helps break up the time. I would take the train over the drive any day the budget allows!

Thankyou! I think we are going to try the Autotrain. Driving 19 hours last year was brutal.

 

[Mpyankees]

I've done a lot of this the past few years.

The car shipping company I've used is Ship-a-Car Direct. Montway is another one. Have you shipped a car before? Most of these places are brokers so it doesn't matter which broker you use. They put your pickup / drop off information into some kind of bidding system where trucks bid on the offer. I have found it to be kind of stressful b/c the pick up & drop off dates are somewhat variable so you never really quite know how it's all going to play out. Also, in my instances of dealing w/it, the broker kind of low balls you into what it's going to cost. Then none of the trucks "bite" on the offer so you wind up paying more (the broker says "hey - let's offer more") to get your car picked up. Last time I did it it was stressful as I was moving OUT , leaving town , and my car still wasn't picked up. Had to make arrangements with someone else to deal with the car in my absence. The downside too is that you really aren't supposed to load up your car with stuff. If you do this, put an Airtag in the car so you can see it's whereabouts.

I believe you can find car shippers where they own their own truck. You pay a premium for this.

Auto Train: My daughter did it last August and had a good experience. Basically fell asleep and woke up in Florida. She paid extra to have her car as an "early unload". She had a "roommette" and was happy with the experience. Found it to be super relaxing and got a good night's sleep. You can fully load up your car. She was moving from point A to B so her car was jam packed. The earlier you book, the cheaper it is (at least that's what we were told).

Thankyou! !