I am moving to Davie, Florida next month and am looking for a way to
ship my car down so I can fly.  How much would it cost me to ship from
the Boston, MA area around August 18, 2004.

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Request for Question Clarification by smudgy-ga on 13 Jul 2004 08:23 PDT

Hi allyb,

There is automobile shipping service via rail between the DC area and
the Orlando area. Would you be willing to consider getting the car
down to DC, about 8 hours from you? The fare is about $275 and takes
about a day. (It also includes a passenger, so if you haven't booked
your ticket yet you might consider this instead.)

Thanks,
smudgy.

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Clarification of Question by allyb81-ga on 14 Jul 2004 05:26 PDT

Does this service only exist in DC???  I would think that it would
come further north than that...Even so, I would consider doing
that...to me it's time and money well spent!

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Request for Question Clarification by smudgy-ga on 14 Jul 2004 07:03 PDT

Hi allyb,

For some reason, the only stations that are served by Amtrak's
auto-by-rail service are Lorton, VA and Sanford, FL. But it is quite
cost-effective if you are willing to make the initial drive and to
take the train instead of flying (you do have to travel with the car,
it seems). If this sounds like something that would work for you, let
me know and I will post the information as an answer.

Meanwhile, if this option won't work for you, some more information
would be useful in getting car shipping quotes. The make, model, year,
number of doors, and estimated value of your car would be helpful in
gathering quotes. Also, would you prefer open or enclosed transport?

Thanks,
smudgy.

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Request for Question Clarification by smudgy-ga on 14 Jul 2004 19:24 PDT

Hi again allyb,

For your reference and consideration I've gotten a quote for trailer
shipping of a car from Boston to Davie, using my own car as the
"guinea pig", just so you could get an idea of what price range we're
talking about. My car, a 1997 full-sized sedan, was quoted at about
$660 with a 4-8 day transit time. Based on my previous experience with
tracking down shipping quotes, this number may vary considerably
depending on the carrier, but it should give you an idea of around
what you might expect to pay.

(For comparison's sake, here's some more information on the
auto-by-rail service. For a standard automobile the fare is $278 for
passenger and car, or $384 for passenger and car with a sleeping cabin
(sleeping cabin purchase also includes complimentary meals in the
dining car). The trip is overnight and takes about sixteen hours.)

Let me know what you think about these options.

Thanks again,
smudgy.

I believe the request for clarification is a bit misleading.  The
researcher is referring to Amtrak's Auto Train where you and your car
board the train in Lorton, VA and the final destination is Sanford,
FL.  It is a way to avoid driving part of I95 from the Northeast to
Florida.  Also, the final fare for you and your car (you can't just
send a car) will be significantly higher than the fare mentioned.

I am also moving to South Florida and would like to know more
information on the above mentioned topic.  Were there other options? 
Is this the cheapest?  I would like to speak to a live representitive
because I have particular questions.  Where could I find this contact
information?

I just found out the truth.  All of the following info can be found on
the Amtrak website.  Or at 800.usa.rail
From Lorton,VA to Sanford,FL daily the auto train leaves at 4:00pm and
arrives in Sanford at 8:30am the next morning.
The earlier you buy the ticket the better.  If your car is under 65"
in height you will pay anywhere from $140-$281(just car) over 65" =
$228-$455.  For each passenger is anywhere from $77 - $161.  Which
includes one dinner and one continental breakfast. In addition there
will be a movie shown, a lounge car and sleepers available.