Actually, it is possible to serve the Autoport without having to raise clearances, the biggest obstacle. Wabash has made RoadRailer autocarriers before. This is one option most people are not aware of. Since NS is the RoadRailer king, it surely would be the ideal situation for a NS/PAS auto service to the Boston Autoport.
SOME INFO: As customers began buying RoadRailer, Wabash introduced modified versions for new purposes including the AutoRailer, a trailer that could fully enclose up to six autos for transport. With AutoRailer, an automaker or shipper could drive three vehicles onto a rack in the trailer, placing them end to end. When an electric system then raised the rack to the top level and locked it, three more cars could be driven in under the top level. With AutoRailer's air-ride suspension, autos did not have to be tied to racks, but could be locked into place with a nylon belt wrapped over one tire. The AutoRailer was then shut, and the cars were ready for shipment to dealers via railroad or highway. Since cars were not tied to racks and were totally enclosed from the factory until their final destination, damage to the vehicles was minimized. When the vehicles arrived at their final destination, moreover, dealers could simply drive the cars out of AutoRailer.
The AutoRailer is Wabash National's latest entry in the intermodal marketplace. With a 117-inch interior height, it can carry six full-size automobiles (based upon a vehicle size of 210 inches in length and 58 inches in height). Automobiles are stacked three on three. AutoRailer is a dual-purpose vehicle, says Wabash National. Automobiles can be transported in one direction, and dry freight (such as auto parts) can be transported on the backhaul. The vehicle's upper rack retracts and stows in its roof to give 110 inches of vertical clearance for backhaul loading.
The 53-foot ultra-high-cube AutoRailer is described as being a totally self-contained system that can carry automobiles direct from factory to dealer without exposing them to the elements. Automobiles can be driven directly in and out, and the rear end lowers for easy drive-on and drive-off. The trailer's air-ride suspension offers good over-the-road ride quality.