In today’s highly competitive used car market, more dealers are sourcing inventory from online auto auctions often hundreds of miles outside their normal trading zones. Many are also leveraging the ability to maximize profits by using economical, multimodal auto transport for seamless door-to-door delivery of their purchases. The game-changer in multimodal transport is rail. Rail offers new opportunities for used car dealers and businesses looking for safe and efficient auto transport.

The Right Tools for the Job

• Since the introduction of AutoRacks, the first railcars designed specifically to transport cars and trucks, railroads have continued to invest in new equipment to both reduce transport cost and enhance vehicle protection.
• AutoFlex™ is the newest model in the fully-enclosed railcar fleet, designed by Union Pacific Railroad (UP), North America's largest automotive carrier. AutoFlex™ rail cars feature adjustable interior decks, which allow for faster changeovers from one to two and even three levels of vehicles, depending on the size of vehicles in the load.

Vehicle Protection

• AutoRacks are enclosed, which offer increased protection against weather and road debris, especially over long distances. Tough, lightweight resin-composite interior surfaces and shock-absorbing suspension systems provide added protection.
• Innovation systems cushion and protect critical areas such as vehicle door edges from contacting the interior of the railcar or other vehicles during loading and unloading, and while in transit.
• Both railcars and car hauling trucks use specially-engineered wheel chocks and straps, securely positioned on each wheel, which provide better securement and retention of the vehicle during transport.

On-Time Delivery

• One of the major tools used by railroads to ensure on-time delivery is Automatic Equipment Identification (AEI). This advanced, 24/7 all-weather tracking and monitoring system uses radio-frequency technology and active trackside readers to identify and report the location of railcars while en route.
• This real-time information allows rail shippers to track their shipment's progress and check updated ETA's. Some auto transport companies also provide truck status, to provide complete door-to-door shipment tracking, throughout the entire transport cycle.

Quality Processes and Standards

• Over 70% of all new vehicles are transported by rail from manufacturing and assembly plants to dealerships across the country.
• Rail transport professionals and trucking companies use the same quality processes and attention to detail when handling pre-owned vehicles as they do for new cars. Vehicles that used cars dealers and remarketers purchase online and ship cross country receive the same inspections and quality checks to ensure safe and efficient transportation.

With the advancements in rail transportation, used car dealers are discovering the advantages of multimodal auto transport. The need for safe, economical and efficient auto shipping nationwide is crucial to remain competitive. rail has raised the bar for auto transport providing dealers more options for sourcing inventory.

Learn how to ship a car by train or register now to get preferred customer pricing.