What is a car carrier?
A car carrier is a specialized wagon added to a passenger train when needed. It carries vehicles such as 3–4 cars or up to 8 motorcycles, and can accommodate other gear like jet skis. Inside, it uses secure fasteners and stops to protect vehicles during transport. Cars are secured to the floor with belts in a manner similar to a tow truck, while motorcycles are held down with clamps. The space also allows for personal cargo inside the cabin and trunk, up to 200 kg at no extra charge, which helps save on moving costs. The chief responsibility of the carrier owner is to secure the payload so the interior stays undamaged; for instance, winter tire spikes could scratch upholstery, and the carrier is not liable for such wear. Important note: valuables, important documents, hunting weapons, and items requiring special government permission should not be left in the car. This type of rail vehicle is a boxcar with car fastening systems and is attached to freight or passenger trains depending on logistics.
Do you have to travel with a car
Travel by car became optional unless the journey involves transporting the car abroad. Within the country, owners may choose to ride the same train or return home by a budget airline and meet the car later. In any case, the receiving courier will load and unload the car and ensure the safety of the vehicle and the owner’s cargo en route. The motorcycle transport cost is roughly the same as moving a small car up to 1050 kg.
Can they take a car
The car must fit within certain dimensions:
- length 6500 mm
- width 2200 mm
- height 2000 mm, sometimes no more than 1950 mm on some routes
- base 3900 mm
Problems can arise if a car’s ground clearance differs significantly from normal. An SUV raised for off-road use may not fit in height, and a very low sports car may not slide onto the platform. If a vehicle has additional features that increase overall size such as a tow bar or extra lighting, it is important to alert the carrier in advance so transport can be arranged safely. The car is loaded from the tailgate through the rear doors.
Preparing your car for the trip
The vehicle should be clean and ready to move, with a charged battery and enough fuel to start and finish the trip after several days of transport. Check for brake fluid or oil leaks. Take a photo of the car before loading, especially if there are scratches or chips on the paint. Remove roof rack accessories, bike carriers, or any items on the roof that could obstruct loading. Ensure the alarm is switched off during the journey. The car is placed on the platform with the handbrake engaged, the first gear selected for manual transmissions, or park mode activated for automatics. Tire pressure is adjusted to ensure solid contact with the platform, and the owner leaves the key with the accompanying staff. A shipping agreement, car inventory, receipt of payment, and goods receipt are issued to the owner. To prevent movement during transport, the car is fastened to the floor with cables and fixed into mounting holes on the platform.
What does the price consist of
- Vehicle weight is checked against the database; heavier cars cost more, especially those over 1.5 tons. Transporting a 1.5-ton car is more expensive than a smaller car, and motorcycles are cheaper still.
- The declared value of the vehicle influences the price; higher value means higher transport cost.
- Discounts can apply when documents for transport are prepared for both directions together, typically about 15%. For example a Class B car from Moscow to Adler might cost 22–26 thousand rubles.
Arranging transport is straightforward: submit an application on the official railway website with travel dates, route, and contact details. For the contract, a passport, vehicle registration document, and power of attorney may be required if the owner will not collect the car personally. Rail delivery proves efficient for long winter journeys; adverse conditions can strain a vehicle’s suspension less when transported by rail.
Where can the car be transported
Current routes include Moscow to Adler, Moscow to Saint Petersburg, Moscow to Kazan, Moscow to Rostov-on-Don, Adler to Rostov-on-Don, Saint Petersburg to Adler, Saint Petersburg to Adler, Saint Petersburg to Vorkuta, and Khabarovsk to New Urgal. The eight months in 2022 showed the south as the most popular direction, with thousands of cars and motorcycles moving to Adler and Rostov-on-Don. SUVs, sports cars, motorcycles, luxury cars, minivans, and even jet skis were among the customers traveling on these trains. Source attribution: Russian Railways.