AmeriStarRail, the private firm previously focused on enhancing service along the Northeast Corridor, has dramatically shifted gears with a groundbreaking new vision. The company now proposes an expansive coast-to-coast rail line connecting New York City to Los Angeles in under 72 hours, catering not only to regular passengers but also to truck drivers and their vehicles.

In a letter dated June 30, 2025, addressed to Amtrak President Roger Harris, AmeriStarRail Chief Operating Officer Scott Spencer detailed the company's latest initiative: the “Transcontinental Chief.” This ambitious project would enable long-haul truckers to load their rigs directly onto trains, offering them the opportunity to rest in Amtrak’s coaches, sleeper cars, and dining compartments while still en route to their destinations.

Modeled somewhat after Amtrak’s Auto Train, the Transcontinental Chief is designed to accommodate not just passenger cars and motorcycles but also charter buses and tractor-trailers. It will also include a service split between Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C., further expanding its reach.

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According to AmeriStarRail, the new service would replace both the current Southwest Chief and Pennsylvanian routes. Utilizing TTX flatcars and vehicle carriers, along with Amtrak’s existing locomotives and passenger coaches, the company envisions a relatively swift deployment. With most of the journey taking place on double-track railways, they’ve projected a possible launch date of May 10, 2026 — just in time for the celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

Operational plans are still contingent on securing agreements with host railroads, including BNSF, Norfolk Southern, and NJ Transit. Nevertheless, AmeriStarRail is confident that its proprietary methods will minimize the delays and inefficiencies that plagued Amtrak’s past attempts at mail and express cargo services on long-distance trains.

The company is also working on a next-generation, bilevel train design expected to be ready by October 1, 2025. These upgraded trainsets aim to provide enhanced comfort, style, and convenience, positioning the Transcontinental Chief as the premier choice for modern American rail travel.

Spencer’s closing remarks in the letter emphasized the historic potential of the project: “This is an incredible opportunity for Amtrak to collaborate with private innovators, offering a sustainable and profitable future for long-distance rail. As we prepare to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, let’s also celebrate a bold new era for rail travel.”

Photo: ameristarrail.com

He further encouraged Amtrak to consider this venture as a collaborative, privately funded solution to reinvigorate long-distance rail service, turning what has often been a financial drain into a forward-thinking enterprise.

Although Amtrak chose not to issue a formal response to the proposal, AmeriStarRail stated that they’ve shared their vision with President Donald Trump, Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, Congressional members, and the Federal Railroad Administration.

While combining passenger service with freight — especially trucks — may sound novel for American railways, Europe has experimented with similar systems. For instance, RAlpin, a Swiss operator, provided drive-on services for truckers traversing the Alps. However, such services in Europe were exclusively intermodal and did not include passenger amenities. Notably, RAlpin is scheduled to cease operations this year as new rail tunnels have rendered its services redundant.

AmeriStarRail's proposed Transcontinental Chief represents a daring fusion of comfort, logistics, and cross-country efficiency. If brought to life, it could mark a transformative chapter in the story of American railroads.