How to use Amtrak Express Shipping to Move Cross Country

Update: As of 2020, Amtrak Express Shipping has been suspended “until further notice.”
Want to save money on your cross country trip? After some research I found out that Amtrak can ship your stuff for you. I share my moving tips and experience using Amtrak Express Shipping for the first time. I shipped my items from Chicago's Union Station to Fort Lauderdale's Amtrak station.
To learn more about Amtrak Express Shipping: www.amtrak.com...
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Artist: Jonathan McReynolds, Make Room Album
I do not own rights to the music.
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Enjoy your journey!
#journeythrough30 #moving

[@MrKdown]

Unfortunately we stopped doing Amtrak express

[@journeythrough3087]

Thank you for letting us know! Much appreciated

[@MrKdown]

@@journeythrough3087 no problem

[@Lanae8199]

Do you know if they started back again? I will be moving next month, and I’m trying to figure the best way to ship. My belongings.

[@MrKdown]

@@Lanae8199 not at my location

[@Lanae8199]

@@MrKdown Thank you. Do have any suggestions? I heard that Gray Hound is really bad.

[@carlieglaze7158]

This video is exactly what I've been looking for! People mention Amtrak in travel tip videos but never go through the process. And you included the prices on everything--so so helpful! Thank you!!! This video needs more views and way more likes! This was amazingly helpful and everyone should know about this!!!

[@journeythrough3087]

Thank you so much, Carlie!! I wanted to make the video as detailed as possible to help people. I appreciate your feedback😄

[@leavitrisethomas5254]

Thank you for this video because I just called amtrak 5 times and no-one who works there knows anything smh

[@janicew9]

@@leavitrisethomas5254 you have to call a special number! Not just the regular Amtrak line :) look on their website for express ahipping

[@cryorig_transit05]

It's so cool that Amtrak has this service

[@forward876]

Why do i have a smile on my face from the start of this video to the end of this video?

[@MrKdown]

I was the security officer who signed u in

[@journeythrough3087]

@K-Down awesome, hey!👋🏾

[@MrKdown]

👋🏾👋🏾

[@khanhchanto3128]

nice to see you surfing!

[@TammyDeLaRosaUtube]

Thank you for sharing your moving experience. I live in Orlando Florida. I'm moving my mom from Los Angeles, Ca and just recently heard that Amtrac has shipping service. I came across your video and found it very helpful. I hope you are loving Florida.

[@journeythrough3087]

Thank you, Tammy! I’m enjoying it so far!

[@parentingadventureswithmia6659]

As of March 2020, they are only allowing you to ship 250lbs at a time. It’s $105 for the first 100lbs and .95¢ each additional lb. They also no longer allow plastic containers: cardboard boxes and luggage only. ☹️ Freight quote was $700 so we went that route instead. Since they pick up the pallet at your home and driver to your new home.

[@journeythrough3087]

Parenting Adventures with Mia and Lu Armstead thank you for sharing this update!

[@Wiseash2023]

Who did you use. I’m moving

[@tanawajabailey267]

Greetings. What freight company did you use to move?

[@amto87]

Omg I'm so happy I found this!! I'm moving from FL to CA and I was so stressed about shipping my stuff across country bc it was so expensive!!! Thank you so much for this!!

[@journeythrough3087]

Amto 87 you’re so welcome! Have a blessed moving experience! Remember they don’t ship furniture 🤗📦📦📦

[@nicholewilliams1632]

Hey! How did your move go? Im moving from Seattle to Orlando and I think Ill use either Amtrak or Greyhound! (Amtrak has reduced its amount it will ship due to COVID but Greyhound hasn't FYI)

[@amto87]

@@nicholewilliams1632 I haven't moved yet! Actually packing right now lol. Stressing out about how much my boxes weigh bc I have no way to figure it out. Do you know how much Greyhound charges?

[@lovemywife698]

Omg...why would you wanna come to this dump full of dope fiends and criminals EVERYWHERE ? TRASHY and Dirty. Ughhhh... DONT DO IT

[@nicolemyles7597]

I'm going the opposite way lol. From CA to FL. Wanted to just ship my car only but was trying to figure out what's the cheapest way 🤔

[@dragonflyy920]

This is actually perfect for me but they say its still suspended on their website. Enjoyed your video and how you showed everything.

[@journeythrough3087]

Thank you for watching! I hope they bring that service back!

[@miche6471]

Very helpful! I’m about to move to Arizona from Michigan so thank you for making this video!!

[@janicew9]

I'm rewatching this video as I'm moving next week from Chi to Seattle and am planning to ship two heavy suitcases via amtrak. Thanks again for the information and experience!

[@journeythrough3087]

janicew9 no problem and best wishes on your move!!💕

[@diskattek]

How much did it cost you??

[@janicew9]

@@diskattek 85 I think?? My brother had to pick them up at my destination in the middle of the night because they would only hold them for so long, (and because our station is only open from 10pm to 5am) which was a bit inconvenient, but everything arrived in good condition!

[@angelareese1665]

Thanks so much for sharing this video. If there are any post move tips you thought of, please share those as well. Great info!

[@journeythrough3087]

Thank you!!

[@chadiverson9291]

Another option to consider for the future: LTL freight. It is just as cheap or cheaper than Amtrak and you have more control over your stuff. Intead of them palletizing your stuff you can do it on your own with no restrictions of what you put on the pallets as long as they fit. Many industrial companies give pallets away for free and you can buy shrink wrap from uhaul or home depot to wrap down the pallets. Bonus is then that the company will pick up the pallets from outside your house and drop them off at your new location as you tell them. You just need to specify residential pick-up and delivery along with lift gate service.

[@journeythrough3087]

I had no idea about that, so cool! Thank you for sharing, Chad!

[@janicew9]

Omg NO I used LTL frieght twice and both times all my stuff was completely ruined and we weren't able to get our money back. Paid 800+ for have jerks with a forklift smash our pallet at every opportunity 😞😭

[@JudiJoseph]

What’s the second best option? Cause they’re not doing this currently.

[@flyingeagle3750]

This is great 👍 thanks. Amtrak express shipping is suspended until further notice. I guess a lot ppl were moving during the pandemic 😂.

[@06Amruta]

Good luck on your new phase of life! Did all your items reach ok?

[@journeythrough3087]

Amruta P thank you so much!! Yes, they all arrived just fine! I packed my items in moving boxes and plastic containers.

[@jams4041]

Thank you very much for your video. I'm moving in a few months across country and I don't want to drive a Uhaul. I will be shipping via amtrak. Thanks

[@journeythrough3087]

jams4041 you’re welcome and best wishes on your move!

[@unburriedtalents599]

Thank you! This is so helpful! Bless you!!!

[@journeythrough3087]

Thank you so much!

[@jewelthompson4210]

Wow, so you CAN move more than 500lbs worth of things, you just have to pay extra? Amazing video ith such helpful tips. Thank youuu!

[@journeythrough3087]

Jewel Thompson no problem!!

[@nikki8391]

What’s the biggest size box you got from Home Depot?? I know Amtrack have a 3ft x 3ft x 3ft limit . But I’m about to get boxes from Home Depot

[@journeythrough3087]

The. Offset box I used was max 3ft long. It worked out for me for shelving I needed to ship. I know Home Depot has those wardrobe boxes that are tall but I didn’t need those for this move.

[@lizhaydon2250]

Great video

[@goople273]

Hey, thank you so much for your awesome helpful video! Do we need to reserve or register anything with them ahead of time we take our stuff to the Amtrak station? Thanks so much!

[@journeythrough3087]

Pannapat Chanpaisang you’re so welcome! no registration required-we just showed up during their hours of operation 👍🏾 Double check your station for their hours and restrictions.

[@goople273]

@@journeythrough3087 Thanks so much for your response!

[@sosha4050]

Thanks for this!! Moving from San Diego to Fort Lauderdale in a month

[@journeythrough3087]

Sosha congrats and safe travels!

[@sosha4050]

Journey Through 30 Thank you!

[@atxgurl00]

This is the best video I’ve found on the process, thanks! One question- I noticed your total weight was above the 500 lb limit, did they allow it all in one shipment?

[@journeythrough3087]

atxgurl00 thank you for watching! I was able to make two shipments that day.

[@ez2cyunvtee]

Glad I stumbled across your video. I am making the move from Chicago to Orlando in the 3-5 months. I just begun looking for moving companies and/or quotes. So this was very helpful. I see on the website it has weight limit for each shipment is 500 lbs but yours was 928 lbs, so was this extra by going over 428 lbs. Just curious in case I need to do two separate shipment/pallets?

[@journeythrough3087]

That’s a great question! They didn’t say anything to me about going over the 500 lbs. they just started another shipment that same day for the same train and destination. Best wishes on your move to Orlando!

[@ez2cyunvtee]

Journey Through 30 Gotcha, that's even better I was wondering if I needed to make more than 1 trip down to Union Station which it's not a big deal if I do. Its amazing that you have to hear through word of mouth about this Amtrak shipping and that it doesn't get publicly advertised. Thanks so much, I'm just trying to make it through this last winter. I utilized all of last year to save, save, save as well as doing extensive research. I've met my goal and now Im ready. How are you loving Ft Lauderdale so far? That was on my list but I settled for Orlando instead.

[@journeythrough3087]

ez2cyunvtee I’m enjoying it more than I thought! I like that I live close to Miami as well so I get two big cities in one! Orlando is constantly developing so you’re moving to a good place! Stay warm this winter in Chicago, I definitely don’t miss that part, lol!

[@natthebratster]

This video was great and has very helpful tips. Can we talk for a moment about stunningly beautiful Journey through 30 is during what is known as one of life's biggest stressors? I hope you're doing well in Florida and have given me some hope for my big upcoming move. Blessings to you and your family!!

[@journeythrough3087]

Thank you so much! I’m enjoying Florida and staying safe😷 Praying for a successful move for you, Natt!

[@MarcusAP3]

i’m moving from chicago to north carolina in the following months good looks lol

[@leavitrisethomas5254]

I notice you have plastic bins but when I called earlier today they told me that's not allowed.

[@journeythrough3087]

Yeah, they didn’t say anything to me about the plastic containers for my move. It may depend on the specific station if they are strict on the rules for Express Shipping. But if you are moving items that you want to protect, wrap them in some plastic wrap before putting them in cardboard boxes.

[@tessa4181]

Im from Chicago too and I’ll be going to Florida, that’s so wild😂 thanks for making this video, almost like you made it specifically for me haha

[@journeythrough3087]

Aww yay! Best wishes on your move!🙏🏾✨

[@tessa4181]

@@journeythrough3087 thank you, I’m just going for college but still very excited

[@journeythrough3087]

@@tessa4181 not just needed! You're blessed to get to pursue an education

[@tessa4181]

@@journeythrough3087 thank you so much!

[@Matchbox36]

Great Vid, thank you! i'm from ft. laud and thinking of moving to NY!

[@journeythrough3087]

Matchbox36 no problem!!

[@reneeamaya]

We're moving from NY to Ft. Laud!

[@tsumi_the_hapa4009]

I'm moving from Washington state to Florida. Would you recommend shipping the boxes and driving or shipping the boxes then taking a plane. Also (sorry for the longness) how much should I save before moving. I'm 18 btw

[@journeythrough3087]

Tsumi_the_ hapa hi there! Congrats on your move! Save as much as possible. You can probably estimate how much you move depending on how many boxes you end up packing. Check with your Washington Amtrak on their express shipping rates and restrictions. It’s up to you if you want to drive or fly. Driving would be a big adventure and safer due to Covid, but it’s a long drive. It depends on how much time you need to arrive to Florida. Either way, safe travels!

[@kaitseb8053]

This was so unbelievably helpful!!! Thank you!

[@journeythrough3087]

Kaitlyn Sebastian you’re welcome, Kaitlyn!✨

[@KizzysoKizzy]

I used them in 2017 but I heard after the pandemic they no longer offer shipping services. Can anyone confirm?

[@D.fromthe9]

Hi! I love this video. Ironically, my girlfriend and I are moving to L.A from Chicago July 27th, 2020 and I’ve been struggling to see how to save money on moving her things from her bedroom. Is there any way you can speak to us and walk us through this process directly? I would appreciate it

[@journeythrough3087]

Hey! You can email me at [e-mail]! I can answer questions that way. Also, check with your local Amtrak station for their specific rules and restrictions on what you can ship.

[@Reese_NY]

Thank you for sharing.

[@HumbleKiller]

Do you have to label each of your boxes? or will they do that for you? Like sender and destination info.

[@journeythrough3087]

They label the boxes with that information, but it’s a good idea to put your name and mailing address on them before you bring them to Amtrak just in case📦

[@HumbleKiller]

@@journeythrough3087 Thank you

[@scottmonett4900]

Thank you, a very helpful video!!

[@AJ-lf2tz]

How do you go about shipping a mattress. I just bought mine and paid over 1000 for it. Sudden move from WI to GA

[@journeythrough3087]

A J you can possibly ship the mattress via freight. I haven’t tried that before, but Amtrak doesn’t ship furniture like mattresses. Safe travels!

[@AJ-lf2tz]

@@journeythrough3087 thanks! I called ups freight the quoted me 3k 😭 I hope that was an error because I’m calling Amtrak next lol I feel like it’s a lose lose situation either way

[@misst1586]

Ty for video. Going to move my stuff from Florida to Washington state.

[@diskattek]

How much did it cost?

[@misst1586]

@@diskattek think it was about $800 I shipped USPS

[@diskattek]

It probably would have been alittle bit cheaper if you went with the amtrak shipping but i guess it depends on how many items ypu have

[@misst1586]

@@diskattek possible I'm disabled so I just packed the boxes and took them as I filled them and sent them over the course of a couple days

[@jalovlie]

Great informative video

[@journeythrough3087]

Thank you!

[@hello1tucker]

thank you for this video, it's super helpful!

[@journeythrough3087]

Thank you! I wanted to make the video I needed when I was moving!

[@06Amruta]

Also they were ok with the plastic containers? They mentioned on website that they are not allowed

[@journeythrough3087]

They didn’t say anything to me about the plastic containers.

[@Bryan-Family]

Why is not wrapped? I'm so afraid that something gets lost

[@journeythrough3087]

That's a valid concern! I marked my containers with my own system and then Amtrak labels the items and wraps them together with plastic wrap. I noticed that happens after everything is put on their crate for shipping.

[@MrBigangry]

So Amtrak is telling me I can not ship anything with a power cord....... they also said no rubber made moving boxes. They also told me a bicycle would be a seperate cost. Trying to move San Antonio back to Chicago. I was told all my boxes would be searched.........

[@MrBigangry]

I've ridden Amtrak and even was randomly stopped and questioned boarding t he strain..... but even then I wasnt searched just pulled aside and questioned.........

[@journeythrough3087]

I’ve heard about the power cord thing as well so if that particular station is cracking down on this rule then you may have to ship it another way. I paid for my bike box, but there was not additional fee for moving a bike at my station.

[@martiluvx]

Journey Through 30 Does the bike need to be disassembled? I have my child’s bike but no box for it.

[@journeythrough3087]

Martina H. Hi Martina! Yes it will need a box. You can confirm with your Amtrak station if they have bike boxes there or you can get one from a local bike shop. The shop may be able to fit it in the box for you as well. I had to pay for my bike box from a local shop.

[@nikoladaniels902]

Thank you sooo much!!

[@khanhchanto3128]

thanks for sharing!

[@19NIN76]

This would've been perfect but they no longer offer the service.

[@journeythrough3087]

I heard! So unfortunate

[@damedechatfou3832]

I believe greyhound provides the same service.

[@journeythrough3087]

I heard this as well! Hope it’s still available

[@chitchat9808]

Very helpful video! :) Thanks

[@midotvadventure504]

How much did the shipping cost?

[@journeythrough3087]

It's in the video around minute 5:50

[@vertigognome6617]

very helpful video. thanks

[@journeythrough3087]

Vertigo Gnome no problem, thanks for watching!

[@russelynwilliams9698]

Nice video!

[@kayluna24]

Hey girl!! I’m doing the same thing in the next week or so! How strict was Amtrak with you regarding the “you can’t ship anything with a cord” rule. I have blow dryers and little things that I’m trying to box up! Thanks in advance!!

[@journeythrough3087]

Krystal Glover hi and congrats on your move! I didn’t have any problems with the corded items; the staff didn’t even bring it up! The main issue for me was my huge City Sac that I thought wouldn’t make the move, but God!

[@kenishadeane1185]

@@journeythrough3087 question ? Great video btw I’ll be moving in a few weeks where did you get your city sac / fluffy bean bag ?????

[@journeythrough3087]

@@kenishadeane1185 Hey! I got it from LoveSac; the one I have is a CitySac, big enough for two people, but they have a bunch of sizes. Blessings on your move!

[@annurai1229]

Hii, can I ship suitcases full of clothes through Amtrak express shipping?

[@journeythrough3087]

That’s a good question! I’m not suit about suitcases because I brought mine via plane. You can double check with your local Amtrak station, but they recommend boxes for express shipping.

[@chitchat9808]

Journey Through 30 Can the clothes be placed in boxes and shipped?

[@journeythrough3087]

D. R. I’d recommend putting them in plastic bags or vacuum sealed bags to protect them from moisture during the trip, but they should be able to be moved in boxes

[@sunshinerays4324]

Wait so they let you shit over 900lbs? I thought the max was 500 did you have to make 2 shipments?

[@journeythrough3087]

Yes I was able to ship two shipments that same day

[@ramelleliverpool815]

What size boxes did you use when shipping ?

[@journeythrough3087]

I used the standard large moving boxes from Home Depot and some smaller ones I had from previous moves. The goal is to not overpack them so they’re 50lbs at max.

[@ramelleliverpool815]

Journey Through 30 thank u!

[@ChitownVibez]

Amtrak Express shipping is suspended until further notice

[@mildredmr79]

Sucks they only go to Florida

[@marcuslyons7249]

What was the total cost of the move?

[@journeythrough3087]

It's included in the video ;-)

[@marcuslyons7249]

@@journeythrough3087 Okay...thanks. I must have missed it. :-)

[@jazzhinds5076]

How about furniture

[@bknight6396]

Great info thank you, hopefully the service will be resumed once all covid restrictions are lifted

[@journeythrough3087]

Thank you and I feel the same way!

[@waterym1449]

Anything for daddy's little girl!

[@loveithere1287]

If you don’t mind me asking how much did they charge for all your items ?

[@journeythrough3087]

I shared my total at 5:44 😄 Pricing varies by station, so be sure to call your Amtrak to confirm the initial 100 pounds and price per pound after that.

[@Asiatic1]

Can you ship furniture?

[@journeythrough3087]

According to their site they will not ship furniture

[@bellaj5102]

You live in the same complex as my uncle nice place oh my God I love that apartment complex but Florida is complete garbage I'm sorry I live in Florida and it is complete garbage I can't wait to move

[@journeythrough3087]

Small world! I understand how you feel! Best wishes on your next move to wherever you desire!

[@s.esthetics3427]

Awesome!!! Thank you