A Delaware Business Now Chat GPT concept of the proposed coast-to-coast train that would combine tractor-trailer, passenger and passenger car transport services. While the Grand Canyon is shown in this image, the transcontinental route runs south of the national park, with a tourist railroad transporting passengers to the natural wonder.
A Delaware Business Now Chat GPT concept of the proposed coast-to-coast train that would combine tractor-trailer, passenger and passenger car transport services. While the Grand Canyon is shown in this image, the transcontinental route runs south of the national park, with a tourist railroad transporting passengers to the natural wonder.
Wilmington-based AmeriStarRail wants to work with Amtrak in operating a cross-country train that would carry passengers and big rigs.
The train would operate between Los Angeles and New York.
The Transcontinental Chief will revolutionize rail passenger service and express logistics by carrying passengers, truck drivers and their tractor trailers coast-to-coast in less than 72 hours, a release stated.
At RailPorts along the route, truckers will be able to drive their entire tractor- trailers onto railroad flatcars and then rest and onboard Amtrak Coach, Sleeper and dining cars as they travel 200 - 500 miles during their federally mandated 10-hour rest period
Passengers will also be offered transcontinental auto train service for cars, vans, motorcycles, RVs and charter motor coaches serving New York, Chicago, the Grand Canyon and Los Angeles.
According to the release, AmeriStarRail’s proposal to turn Amtrak’s money losing long distance trains into profit makers has also been shared with President Trump, DOGE, USDOT Secretary Sean Duffy, the Federal Railroad Administration and members of Congress
According to the release, AmeriStarRail’s proposal to turn Amtrak’s money losing long distance trains into profit makers has also been shared with President Trump, DOGE, USDOT Secretary Sean Duffy, the Federal Railroad Administration and members of Congress
Subject to operating agreements with the host railroads (BNSF, Norfolk Southern and New Jersey Transit) the train could start operations on
May 10, 2026 to begin serving tourists for America 250 celebrations and the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Amtrak has blamed freight railroads on routes it uses for its less-than-stellar record of frequent delays. Other nations have done more to separate passenger and freight tracks.
Amtrak operates AutoTrain, which runs between northern Virginia and central Florida, but never added the service from other major metro areas.The service was acquired from a bankrupt company that attempted the service from other destinations.
The Transcontinental Chief can be privately operated and funded, without new Congressional legislation or additional federal apending, the rail start-up stated.
In the letter to Amtrak President Roger Harris, AmeriStarRail Chief Operating Officer Scott Spencer said, “The Transcontinental Chief will be a great opportunity for Amtrak to team up with the private sector to confront the challenges of its money losing long distance trains and create opportunities to usher in a profitable Golden Age of rail travel for passengers and truckers, with the ingenuity of free enterprise, as we celebrate our great nation’s 250th birthday next year.”
The coast-to-coast train is a departure from AmeriStarRail's long-running effort to operate Amtrak's Northeast Corridor with all Acela high-speed train sets.
The start-up saw encouraging signs when former DOGE government efficiency chief Elon Musk pitched the idea of privatizing Amtrak.
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