A method and apparatus for rail-to-road shipping. Apparatus for powering short trains, said apparatus comprising: a rail car, said rail car comprising a frame, said frame having a front, a rear, and a deck, said frame supported by a first bogie and by a second bogie, said first bogie having a first rail axle and a first pair of flanged main rail wheels, said first bogie located at or near the front of said frame, said second bogie having a second rail axle and a second pair of flanged main rail wheels, said second bogie located at or near the rear of said frame; a first gear system, said first gear system comprising a plurality of gears configured to receive motive power supplied from external rail driving gears; a first over-the-road tractor, said first over-the-road tractor comprising a first drive axle and first and second sets of dual wheels on opposing sides of said first drive axle; and first and second external rail driving gears, wherein said deck includes apertures therein to accommodate therethrough said first and second sets of dual wheels, so that when said first over-the-road tractor is placed on said deck, said first and second external rail driving gears are located in meshing engagement with said a first gear system for supply of motive power thereto from said first over-the-road tractor.