Replacement for Amtrak Express shipping

April 28, 2023 2:24 PM

Last time I did a major move, I used Amtrak Express shipping to move a huge amount of stuff for next to nothing. Amtrak Express and Greyhound freight were killed off during the pandemic -- are there any similar services left?
posted by Hollywood Upstairs Medical College to Travel & Transportation (4 answers total)

Nothing quite like it that I found when I looked, sadly.

Depending on the stuff in question, the best option might be Less Than Load truck shipping via Uship.com. Just expect anything fragile to be treated very, very roughly and pack it accordingly. (Including having it crated in plywood, if it really matters.)
posted by snuffleupagus at 4:42 PM on April 28, 2023 [1 favorite]

If you can fill a standard shipping container that might be best; relatively cheap and secure. Main problem (IME) is making sure you've got space to set the container while you load/unload it. A freight logistics company (there are many) can help. Please note, mention that you will be wanting to rent a container -- some logistics folks (naturally) assume you already own the container.
posted by aramaic at 5:36 PM on April 28, 2023

Sadly, no, there was nothing comparable when we moved across country last year. Moving pods were too expensive. We ended up getting rid of like 90+% of our stuff because the cost to move it was more than the cost to to replace it, and used UPS Ground for the rest.
posted by Jacqueline at 8:35 PM on April 28, 2023 [1 favorite]

This is just a matter of luck, but if you are moving in the opposite direction of other people (e.g., moving into a state where more people are moving out of state), then rates for moving trucks and vans will be much cheaper because the companies need to get their equipment back to where it is in demand. It's more work and hassle than the shipping options, but can sometimes be very reasonable on cost.
posted by Dip Flash at 6:50 AM on April 29, 2023