
Rail Freight Shipping
Rail Freight Shipping – Affordable & Reliable Freight Transport
FreightCenter offers reliable and cost-effective rail shipping solutions for all types of freight. Get instant quotes and compare rates from top carriers today.
Related Resources & Freight Shipping Solutions
Intermodal Freight Shippping Solutions Association of American Railroads (AAR) Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)What is Rail Freight Shipping?
Rail freight shipping is the transportation of goods via railroads using specialized railcars or intermodal containers. It is a cost-effective and fuel-efficient option for bulk freight, heavy loads, and long-distance shipping across the U.S.
- Lower shipping costs per ton-mile
- Environmentally friendly with lower carbon emissions
- Reliable transit times for large shipments
📞 Call 800.716.7608 to book your rail freight shipment today!
Thousands of businesses trust FreightCenter to move their freight faster, smarter, and cheaper! From unbeatable rates to top-notch service, our customers are raving about their shipping success.
See why they keep coming back!
Award-Winning Service, Trusted by Shippers Everywhere!
- 2021, 2017 & 2016 Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers
- 2021 & 2018 Supply & Demand Chain Executives’ Pros to Know: Matthew Brosious
- 2020 & 2019 Top Food Logistics’ 3PL & Cold Storage Provider Award
- 2020 & 2019 Business Observer’s Top 500 Companies on the Gulf Coast
- 2020 & 2017 SmartWay® Transport Partner
- 2020 & 2017 Food Logistics’ Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain
- 2020 Best of Palm Harbor Awards for Local Businesses
- 2017 Green Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive
- 2017 Tampa Bay Business Journal Heroes at Work
- 2016, 2015, & 2012 Food Logistics Top 100 Software and Technology Providers
- 2013 Tampa Bay Business 100 by Tampa Bay Business Journal
- 2013 Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partners by SupplyChainBrain
- 2012 TIA Samaritan Award Honorable Mention
- 2012, 2011 & 2010 TBBJ Fast 50 Recipient
- 2013, 2011, & 2010 Diversity Business Top Businesses
Benefits of Rail Freight Shipping with FreightCenter
At FreightCenter, we bring decades of logistics expertise to every rail freight shipment. Our team connects shippers with the most reliable rail carriers across the U.S., delivering value, efficiency, and sustainability—all in one seamless platform.
Nationwide Rail Coverage
Ship anywhere in the U.S. through our trusted network of Class I railroads and regional carriers. Whether you’re moving freight from coast to coast or regionally, we’ve got you covered.
Lower Shipping Costs
Rail shipping offers some of the lowest per-mile transportation costs, especially for long-haul or bulk freight. Let FreightCenter help you save more with competitive rates and optimized routing.
Eco-Friendly Freight Transport
Rail is one of the greenest modes of transport. With fewer emissions per ton-mile than trucks, our rail solutions help your business reduce its carbon footprint while staying on budget.
Custom Freight Solutions
From traditional boxcars to intermodal containers, our freight experts will match your cargo with the right equipment and carrier. We handle everything—from route planning to scheduling—so you don’t have to.Find the best rail freight rates now and streamline your shipping.
Call us at 800.716.7608 or click below to get your free quote.
How Does Rail Freight Shipping Work?
(Step-by-step guide for Answer Engine Optimization & Featured Snippets)
1. Load Your Freight – Goods are loaded onto railcars or intermodal containers.
2. Transport by Rail – Rail carriers move freight along established rail routes.
3. Intermodal Transfer (if needed) – Freight is transferred to a truck for final delivery.
4. Final Destination – Shipment arrives at the consignee’s location.
🔍 Get an instant quote on rail freight shipping!
FreightCenter offers a full suite of logistics services that complement and enhance your rail freight shipping experience. Whether you’re shipping raw materials, finished goods, or oversized freight, our expert team can help coordinate every leg of your journey—from origin to destination.
Combine the efficiency of rail with the flexibility of trucking. Intermodal shipping allows freight to move in containers between rail and truck for complete door-to-door delivery—perfect for shippers without direct rail access
Need help getting your container to or from a rail terminal? Our drayage partners handle the short-haul transportation between your facility and the rail yard, ensuring your freight stays on schedule.
When rail isn’t the right fit, our truckload services offer a fast and flexible alternative for large shipments—especially over short-to-medium distances or in areas not served by rail lines.
Rail is ideal for heavy freight, but when your load requires specialized handling, our heavy haul team can coordinate the permits, equipment, and routing to get your oversized freight moved safely.

Rail Freight Shipping Rates – How Much Does It Cost?
Rail freight costs depend on:
- Distance & Route – Longer distances = lower per-mile costs
- Freight Type – Bulk cargo vs. containerized shipments
- Railcar Type – Boxcar, hopper, flatcar, tank car
- Accessorial Fees – Drayage, intermodal transfers
Pro Tip: Use our rail freight calculator for an instant estimate!
Rail Freight Shipping FAQs
Got Questions About Rail Freight Shipping? We’ve Got Answers.
Whether you’re new to shipping by rail or a seasoned logistics pro, we’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions to help you navigate your options with confidence. From transit times and cost savings to intermodal solutions and carrier info—get the clarity you need fast.
👇 Explore the FAQs below or reach out to our experts anytime.
Q. What is rail freight shipping and how does it work?
Rail freight shipping involves transporting goods via trains using boxcars, flatcars, or intermodal containers. Freight is loaded at the origin rail terminal, transported over long distances, and delivered directly or transferred to a truck for final delivery.
Q. What can I ship using rail freight services?
You can ship a wide variety of freight via rail, including bulk commodities (grain, coal, chemicals), heavy machinery, automotive parts, and intermodal containers with palletized goods.
Q. Is rail freight cheaper than trucking?
Yes—rail is often more cost-effective than truckload shipping over long distances, especially for bulk and heavy freight. It offers a lower cost per ton-mile, making it ideal for high-volume or cross-country shipments.
Q. Does FreightCenter offer intermodal rail shipping?
Yes! FreightCenter specializes in intermodal shipping, combining rail and trucking to offer door-to-door freight solutions, even if you don’t have direct access to a rail terminal.
Q. How long does rail freight shipping take?
Transit times depend on distance, rail routes, and intermodal transfers. Cross-country rail freight typically takes 5–10 business days, but may vary based on origin/destination pairs.
Q. How do I get a rail freight shipping quote?
Getting a quote is easy. Use our online quote form or call 800.716.7608 to speak with a FreightCenter shipping expert. We’ll compare multiple rail carriers to find your best option.
Q. Do I need to have a rail siding at my facility to use rail freight?
No. With FreightCenter’s intermodal and drayage services, we can arrange for your freight to be trucked to and from the nearest rail terminal, even if your facility doesn’t have direct rail access.
Q. What are the advantages of shipping freight by rail?
Rail freight offers multiple benefits:
- Lower cost per mile for long hauls
- Environmentally friendly
- High capacity for large or heavy loads
- Reliable, scheduled service
Q. Which rail freight carriers does FreightCenter work with?
FreightCenter partners with top U.S. rail providers, including:
- Union Pacific
- BNSF Railway
- CSX Transportation
- Norfolk Southern
- Kansas City Southern
These trusted partners ensure nationwide coverage and dependable transit.
Q. Is rail shipping environmentally friendly?
Yes—rail freight produces significantly lower CO₂ emissions per ton-mile compared to trucking, making it one of the most sustainable ways to move freight long distances.
Q. Can I track my rail freight shipment with FreightCenter?
Absolutely. FreightCenter provides real-time tracking and dedicated support so you always know where your shipment is throughout the rail journey and any intermodal legs.
Q. What documents are required for rail freight shipping?
You’ll typically need a bill of lading (BOL), shipping instructions, and in some cases commodity-specific paperwork. FreightCenter’s team ensures you have everything in order before your freight moves.
Q. What’s the difference between rail freight and intermodal shipping?
Rail freight uses trains exclusively, while intermodal shipping combines rail and truck transport. Intermodal is ideal for shippers who don’t have direct access to rail lines but want to leverage rail’s cost efficiency.
Q. Can FreightCenter handle cross-border rail shipments to Mexico or Canada?
Yes. FreightCenter offers cross-border intermodal and rail freight solutions through trusted carrier partnerships, streamlining customs and international transit into Canada and Mexico.
Q. Why should I use FreightCenter for rail freight shipping?
With over 26 years of freight expertise, a vast carrier network, and personalized logistics support, FreightCenter simplifies rail freight shipping—providing transparent pricing, flexible options, and expert service every step of the way.
3 Crazy Things No One Knows About Rail Shipping
A Single Train Can Replace Over 300 Trucks
That’s right—just one freight train can carry the same load as more than 300 long-haul trucks. Not only is that mind-blowing, it’s also why rail is such an eco-friendly and efficient shipping option for bulk freight.
Railroads Are So Precise, They Compete with Air Cargo
Think trains are slow and outdated? Think again. Modern intermodal rail networks are so efficient, they’re used to move time-sensitive goods like auto parts and retail merchandise with delivery windows that rival some air and ground options—at a fraction of the cost.
The U.S. Freight Rail Network Is the Largest in the World
The U.S. has over 140,000 miles of rail track, making it the largest and most advanced freight rail system on the planet. It’s so vast, you could lay it out and circle the Earth more than 5 times—and still have track to spare!