Household Goods Transport by Train: Process, Charges, and Tips

Do you have got a job transfer? Thinking of moving to a new city? Thinking of transporting your goods by train (Indian railways)? If so, then I have covered you. In this article, you will learn everything about transporting goods from one city to another by train.

If you are moving from one city to another, then you have a lot on your plate.

Undoubtedly, shifting possesses several challenges. Packing, transporting, loading, unloading, and unpacking are the core tasks that come with shifting.

There are professional packers and movers that can help you pack and transport your belongings. Employing professional packers and movers can be an expensive affair, but the reward is great – a safe and hassle-free move.

If you are thinking of an alternative to professional moving companies, then household goods shifting by train is an option. By using train luggage and parcel facilities, you can send your goods from one city to another at cheaper rates.

If you wish to transport household goods by train, you need to pack them yourself. You will need to buy packing supplies and boxes so that you can securely pack items to avoid damage. You will need to complete the packing assignment earlier to avoid last-minute hassles. However, you can get rid of this by hiring professional packers to complete the packing job on time.

How to Transport Household Items by Train

When choosing a rail transport option to send your goods, you must understand how you can send your goods. Indian railways provide two kinds of luggage transport facilities – 1. Parcel and 2. Luggage.

Parcel: If you choose the parcel option, then you don’t travel in the same way. Indian railways will transport your goods as a parcel.

Luggage: If you choose the option of luggage transport by train, then you shift the goods on the same train that you are traveling. Luggage transport is the best option for a few items. If you have a pet, bicycle, or bike, then luggage transport by train would be the right choice.

How to Transport Goods as Parcel by Train

Goods transportation as a parcel by train – it is the most popular method to send goods from one city to another. If you need to transport your luggage or items as a parcel by train, you can book the same in advance at the railway parcel office. You just need to fill out the details in the booking form, pay the required fees and hand over the items to the parcel office. Collect the parcel from its destination station. In general, parcel transport by train takes 5-7 days. You can also book the parcel in train by online at the comfort of your home.

Process of parcel booking in the train to transport goods

Steps for Manual Booking of Railway Parcel

Pack the items securely using good-quality packaging materials. The packing facility is also available at the railway parcel office.
Visit the parcel-booking office (source)
Fill out the parcel booking form (forwarding note) with the correct particulars
Submit the completed Forwarding Note along with the parcel.
The parcel will be weighed, and freight charges will be calculated at the booking counter
Deposit the freight charges and collect the railway receipt
Go to the parcel office at the destination railway station
Submit the original railway receipt to the parcel office to collect the items
Remember to bring the parcel booking receipt, as authorities will not hand over your goods without the receipt.

Steps for Online Booking for Parcels in Train

Log on to www.parcel.indianrail.gov.in

user login form at railway parcel website

Fill in the origin and destination stations in the online form.
The system will suggest to you the list of trains. Select the train from the list through which you wish to send your goods.
Fill out the correct particulars in the Booking Form (Forwarding Note) and submit.
The system will calculate the approximate freight charges.
Submit a system-generated e-forwarding note in the godown.
Take a print of the e-forwarding note and hand over your parcel at the origin station.
The system will weigh the parcel and calculate the actual freight charges at the booking counter.
Pay the freight charges, collect the railway receipt (RR) and receive the tracking number.
You can track and trace your parcel online.
You will receive a notification once your parcel reaches its destination.
Reach the destination station with the original railway receipt.
Submit the railway receipt to the delivery counter and collect your package.

Check: List of Terminus for Online Railway Parcel Booking
Calculate Freight Charges: Freight Calculator
Check: List of Latest Parcel Express Trains

Forwarding Note:

A forwarding note will include the following particulars:

Full name and address of the consignor (sender)
Full name and address of the consignee (receiver)
Description of the goods that you need to send
Total weight of goods
Total number of packages
Marks on the packages
Destination station name
Freight paid or freight to pay
Owner’s risk or railway risk

Download: Forwarding Note

Railway Receipt:

The railway receipt will include the following details:

Full name of the consignor (sender)
Full name of the consignee (receiver)
Brief description of the goods.
Forwarding station name
Destination station name
Freight charges (paid or to pay)

Process of luggage transport booking in train

The second option to use a railway transport facility to transport your goods is luggage booking. You can send your goods as luggage if you have a few items. With this option, you will travel on the same train your goods are on board. Therefore, you need to have a valid reservation ticket. Here are the steps that you need to follow for luggage booking on the train.

Visit the parcel office with your reservation ticket.
Fill out the luggage booking form and make the payments.
The official will give you a luggage booking receipt.
On the day of travel, reach the station at least 4 hours before with your luggage.
Go to the parcel office and show them the luggage booking receipt.
The official will arrange for transferring the luggage to the platform and load the same in the luggage van.
Contact the parcel office at the destination station to offload the luggage from the train.
From the parcel office, receive the gate pass.
Show valid identification proof while collecting luggage along with the gate pass.
Afterward, take your belongings out of the station complex.

Pros and Cons of Household Transportation by Train

Benefits of transporting household items by train.

1. Budget-friendly: Household goods transportation by train is cheaper than transport by packers and movers.

2. Safety: When you choose the train, you will find it safer because the chances of accidents and breakdowns are minimal. If you compare the same with roadways; you will find rail transport safer. Also, there is no chance of falling into the trap of a moving scam if you use rail transport to send your goods.

3. High speed: Trains operate at high speeds. No other mode of transport may travel at this rate, except for the airways. In fact, this is the best choice for a long-distance move.

Drawbacks of freight transport by rail.

1. No door-to-door services: When you are moving the goods by train, you need to drop your goods at the station and pick them up from the station. Intermediary transport may cause more headaches and the chances of wear and tear.

2. Flexibility is missing: When you transport your goods through the railway, the schedule depends on their timetable. You cannot choose as per your preferences. This is a big issue.

3. Not good for a short distance: It is not a good mode of transportation for you to go nearby.

4. Centralized administration: As the central controls this, so providing the services as per the local needs is missing. This presents enough problems. But when you shift through roadways, you find the support as per your needs and requirements.

5. Lack of services for rural areas: If you need the services in rural areas, then you may find that the railway cannot provide the services. This inconveniences people who stay in rural areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whom to consult to book parcels through railways.

To book parcels through railways, I recommend that you approach the Chief Parcel Supervisor of the concerned Railway Station where you want to book the parcel.

Can I send household items by train?

Yes, you can transport your household items by train. Indian Railway offers you two options to transport your goods – 1. Luggage 2. Parcel

Which option is better?

If you have a few items and want to carry them on the same train you are traveling to then luggage is the right choice. If you have a lot of goods, then I recommend you go with parcel transport.

At what time can I book a parcel on the train?

You can book the parcel up to 4 hours before the departure of the train.

How should I pack my belongings for parcel booking on the train?

Indian railways require parcels to be securely packed in boxes, trunks, strong baskets, and strong gunny. Make sure packing of parcel meets the requirements of railway parcel booking.

What are the train parcel charges?

Parcel rates on Indian railways vary depending on the coach of the train. Parcel charges are categorized into three scales – 1. P-scale 2. R-scale, and 3. S-scale.

How can I track my train parcel?

At the time of parcel booking, you will receive a railway receipt. The PRR is mentioned on that receipt. You can keep track of your parcel.

What is the railway receipt (RR) and what is the purpose of it?

When you book a parcel, then you get an acknowledgement receipt that is called a railway receipt (RR). The purposes of this receipt are the following:

1. This is the receipt of the goods that you want to send using the Indian railway parcel facility.
2. It is a written contract between the sender of the goods and railways.

What if I cannot take goods within a fixed time from the parcel counter?

The consignee must take the delivery of the goods by showing the railway receipt. If you fail to take the goods within the time agreed, railway authorities may levy a penalty to you.

What are the prohibited items in luggage or parcel transport by train?

Indian railways do not allow hazardous things to be transported as luggage or parcels in train. You cannot carry or send the following things on a train.

1. Offensive articles such as a gun, knife, etc.
2. Inflammable items such as explosives, empty/full gas cylinders, stoves, etc.
3. Dead poultry
4. Acids, chemicals, wine, corrosive substances, etc.

Can I carry dogs on a train?

Indian railways do not allow dogs to be carried by AC sleeper coaches, ACC chair car coaches, sleeper classes, and second class coaches. If authorities find you with a dog in an ac, sleeper, second-ac, or acc chair car coach, they will immediately remove the pet to the brake vane and levy six times the luggage scale rate.

Which is the good choice between ‘household shifting by train’ or ‘household shifting by packers and movers?

It is always better to go with trusted packers and movers of your city. There are several reasons behind it. If you choose a railway parcel to transport your goods, then you will have to pack your belongings yourself. If you cannot, then you will have to hire a professional packing service. Also, door-to-door service is not included in train transport. Bring your goods to the origin railway station and take the delivery from the destination station. But if you employ professional packers and movers, then you will have peace of mind. You won’t have to do anything. The experts will pack your belongings and transfer them to your desired location. You will also get unpacking help in your new home.

What is the best way to hire the best packers and movers in India?

If you want to hire the best packers and movers in India, then you can rely on Movingsolutions.in. This is the right portal that will offer you free quotations from the top 3 nearby packers and movers. It is up to you which moving company you choose. Comparing rates will give you an idea of choosing the right services at affordable prices. You don’t need to worry about the credibility of packers and movers if you book the same through Moving Solutions. Every company partnered with this portal is licensed, registered, and experienced.