Trucking Meets Rail In New Coast-to-Coast Proposal

Transcontinental Chief Rail Plan Could Impact Trucking

New Rail Proposal Could Shift Long-Distance Trucking

A private company is pitching a cross-country rail service that could bring major changes to long-haul trucking. AmeriStarRail, a startup based in Delaware, has proposed a high-speed rail line from Los Angeles to New York. The project, called the “Transcontinental Chief,” would complete the trip in under 72 hours.

The service would move both passengers and vehicles, including commercial trucks. The idea is that truck drivers could board the train with their rigs and rest in passenger accommodations while the train does the driving.

Trucking Meets Rail: Ride with Your Rig

This new model could help truckers comply with federally mandated rest periods. Instead of parking at truck stops, drivers would rest in Amtrak-style sleeper, coach, and dining cars during the journey. Their rigs would ride on TTX flatcars and auto carriers.

According to Railway Supply, the route would include stops in Harrisburg, Chicago, and Los Angeles, as well as the Grand Canyon. There would also be a connection from Harrisburg to Washington, D.C.

This plan would replace Amtrak’s Southwest Chief and Pennsylvanian routes. Most of the journey would use existing double-track rail lines operated by BNSF, Norfolk Southern, and New Jersey Transit.

Private Rail Plan Highlights Trucking Opportunities

AmeriStarRail wants Amtrak to join in the venture. The goal is to launch the Transcontinental Chief on May 10, 2026. That date lines up with America’s 250th birthday and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In a letter to Amtrak President Roger Harris, AmeriStarRail COO Scott Spencer said the project offers a new future for both passengers and truckers. “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,” Spencer wrote, as reported by Newsweek.

The company says no new legislation or extra government money would be needed. AmeriStarRail says private investors can fund the entire project. Officials like President Donald Trump, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, the Department of Energy, the Federal Railroad Administration, and members of Congress have been briefed.

Trucking Industry Could Benefit from Rail Support

For the trucking industry, the proposal could offer new tools. Long-haul truckers often face tight schedules, fatigue, and a lack of safe parking. This rail plan could give them a way to stay compliant with hours-of-service rules while continuing to move freight.

The Transcontinental Chief borrows from the European model of “truck transport trains,” but adds something new. In Europe, only cargo is moved. This plan would move both drivers and cargo—making it a hybrid of freight and passenger rail.

Railway Supply notes that AmeriStarRail has developed its own train-handling methods to avoid service delays. The company aims to complete design work on new bilevel trainsets by October 1, 2025.

A Privately Funded Rail Plan

Unlike many other high-speed rail plans, AmeriStarRail’s proposal would not need taxpayer funding. The company says private capital will cover everything from equipment to operations.

A spokesperson told Newsweek, “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 FRA and Members of Congress.”

They continued, “Subject to operating agreements with the host railroads (BNSF, Norfolk Southern and New Jersey Transit) the Transcontinental Chief can start operations on National Train Day, Sunday, May 10, 2026 to begin serving tourists for America 250 celebrations and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”

Looking Ahead

So far, Amtrak has not responded to the proposal. AmeriStarRail has made similar efforts in the past that did not move forward. But this time, the focus on private funding and national celebrations may help generate support.

The potential effect on trucking could be significant. The Transcontinental Chief would offer long-haul drivers a safer, more efficient way to rest while staying on the move. If the plan goes forward, it could mark a turning point in how trucking and rail work together in the United States.