Amtrak Express


Amtrak Express is Amtrak's freight and shipping service. It handles small package express service, heavy freight shipments and city-to-city freight shipping by private and commercial customers. Boxes up to 36" x 36" x 36", suitcases, and boxed bicycles are acceptable, but numerous classes of fragile, valuable and hazardous items are not permitted. Large pallet shipments of up to 500 pounds are accepted at certain major stations. Quoted transit times range from 2 to 7 days depending on distance and service frequency.
The service has been suspended since 2020.

Express service types

Service is available between most Amtrak stations that handle checked baggage. Service and hours vary widely by station, limited by available equipment and security considerations, and service is not available on all days at all stations.
  • Light Express
  • * Smaller stations with limited storage space that handle shipments of up to 250 pounds. Each piece may not exceed 36" x 36" x 36" in size or 50 pounds in weight.
  • Regular Express
  • * The majority of Amtrak stations that handles small packages. Shipments to/from Regular Express stations are limited to 500 pounds total. Each piece may not exceed 36" x 36" x 36" in size or 50 pounds in weight.
  • Heavy Express
  • * Larger stations with forklifts or pallet jacks that can handle palletized shipments. Each piece may not exceed 36" x 36" x 36" in size or 50 pounds in weight. Pallets may not exceed 60" x 48" x 60" or 500 pounds.

    Prohibited items

The following prohibited items are not acceptable for shipment under any circumstances:
Amtrak accepts human remains at many stations that handle Amtrak Express. Undertakers must make prior arrangements with the Amtrak Express Desk.