The Automoto arrived from Chicago last night - the seller and I decided to give Amtrak a try.
Bike shipped fully insured from Chicago to Cincinnati's Union Terminal for $35, on an "available space" basis. Took less than 24 hours, box arrived undamaged, the people were helpful and curious "Did-ja get a new bike?", and even let me examine everything before asking me to sign for it! The bike inside was fine.
I had to drive to the station, 30 minutes away, and their business hours are based on train schedules, resulting in the strange hours of Monday thru Friday 9:30AM to 3:00PM and Tuesday thru Sunday 11:00PM to 5:00AM. !!! That's how I wound up at the station at 11:00 last night.
If you're near a station, and the other party is near a station, this could be a good alternative.
Aldo Ross