Several transport options can be considered when moving your car from point A to point B. But car transport by train by far is the easiest and most budget-friendly proposition in India. Owing to its well-established network, and excellent connectivity Indian railways have made the transportation of the four wheelers rather effortless. Indian Railways is not only the fourth-largest railway network in the world but also the biggest mode of transportation of goods and luggage within the country. Like any other cargo shipping a car by train too involves loading the vehicle onto the train, transportation to the destination, and then unloading.
Car shifting by train is the age-old trusted method of vehicle transportation in India. With passing years the reliability quotient has grown because of its cost-effectiveness and time prudence. Well-established rail carriers partner with Indian railways to facilitate vehicle transportation through a verified and trusted mode. Besides, if you are someone who is on the lookout for environment-friendly options, transporting your vehicle via train is a great option because shipping via railways checks the emission of substances that can cause harm to the environment.
While planning a car transport by train in India there are a few regulations which one needs to abide by.
- Specific guidelines regarding packing are there which ought to be followed. Packing of the vehicle is the sole responsibility of the owner. He may choose to either do it himself or get it done by professionals. People make use of the best available packing material like bubble wrap, foam, etc which guards the vehicle against dents and damages.
- Ensure that there is no trace of fuel left in the car’s tank before it gets packed. Railway officials examine the vehicle considered for transportation closely and if at all fuel in any form is discovered strict action is taken by the railway authorities. You may have to pay a hefty fine or in an even worse scenario, there may be a case filed against you.
- The address on the vehicle in the form of its originating station’s name and the destination station’s name in big, readable characters has to be mentioned.
Considering the following tips while contemplating car transportation by train can help one make an informed decision:
Research reputable rail carriers:
One needs to do a little leg work by researching and identifying reputable rail carriers that specialize in car transport. Look for carriers with a proven track record of their service/performance. Do not miss to check their websites, browse through authentic reviews. This will help you to gather a fair idea about the quality of service offered.
Recommendations and references:
Solicit recommendations from trusted sources, such as friends, family, or industry professionals who carry first-hand experience of using rail carriers for car transport. This will make you cognizant and their valuable inputs will help in narrowing down your search.
Check for licensing and insurance:
Ensure that the rail carriers you consider for the transportation of your vehicle are registered. They hold licenses, necessary permits, and certifications in sync with the established industry standards to dispense services. Also, they must be insured to transport vehicles. Gather enough information about their Insurance coverage, and liability limits so that any damage or loss can be claimed for later.
History checks:
While following up on the track record of the rail carriers do not miss out on checking history of accidents, delays, damages, and customer dissatisfaction. You can also bank upon online forums and industry websites to get a better insight into the credibility of different carriers
Network and coverage:
While opting for the rail carrier gathers sufficient information on their network and coverage area. Check that they serve the specific locations you require for pickup and delivery. It is better to opt for a carrier with an extensive network as it assures more flexibility for car Carrier.
Equipment and security measures:
Investigate the type of railcars and equipment used by the carrier. Make sure that they have GPS tracking and surveillance systems. In addition, it has all industry-specified mechanisms to protect the vehicle during transportation.
Check Timelines and transit times:
Draw clarity about the estimated timelines and transit times with the rail carriers. Question them on their schedules, frequency of departures, and anticipated delivery timeframes also discuss potential delays or contingencies that may result in delay of the transportation process.
Pricing and quotes:
Collect quotes from multiple players for comparison. Consider the mentioned and the hidden costs like additional fees or surcharges. Assess the value for money and then decide upon the best service provider.
Customer support and communication:
Clear communication is the key. Select a rail carrier that extends excellent customer support. It should be transparent, responsive, informative, and proactive in addressing your queries or concerns. Clear communication eases the transportation process manifold.
Contractual agreements:
Before finalizing the agreement read through all the clauses and conditions of the contract in detail. Ensure that it covers all the agreed-upon services, insurance coverage, timelines, and any additional requirements or special considerations.
Car transportation by train is one of the most efficient and controlled modes of transporting four-wheelers. By considering these tips and conducting thorough research, you can choose a reliable rail carrier like carbikemovers that will be capable of providing end-to-end solutions that will save both time and money. This ready reckoner will assist you in selecting the most dependable rail carrier that can promise a hassle-free transition of your vehicle.
