Intermodal rail cars carry freight by containers that can be transferred to another form of transportation, such as truck or ship. Intermodal rail car transportation allows freight to be transferred faster and reduces freight handling costs.
Flat, spine and well are the three main types railcars used in intermodal transportation. Flat rail cars can carry containers or trailers. Spine cars are a lighter weight version of flat cars. Well cars have a depression that lowers the clearance and allows double-stacked containers. When choosing train cars for sale or lease, you need to consider the following options:
1. Flat railroad cars carry one or two containers that are at least 40 feet long.
2. Well cars have more carrying options because the containers can be stacked.
3. Spine cars are weigh less and are more fuel efficient to operate.
4. Some rail cars have supports at either end of the rail car to minimize load shifting.
5. Articulated railcars carry containers on multiple platforms.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Locate intermodal rail cars for sale
Most railroad car manufacturers make more than one type of intermodal rail car. Look for a manufacturer with extensive experience in the design and construction of quality rail cars that weigh less and carry more.
I recommend: FreightCar America manufacturers articulated bulk containers, 89-foot flat cars and well cars.
National Steel is a rail car manufacturer of intermodal spine cars and well cars. The spine car carries a 48-foot or 53-foot container and the well car capable of carrying up to 226,000 pounds.
Lease intermodal rail cars
Leasing agreements vary in length and can cover new or existing equipment. Depending on the agreement, the lessee may or may not be responsible for maintenance and insurance on the rail cars.
I recommend: First Union Rail offers a variety of customized long-term and short-term leasing options on flat cars and well cars.
GE Rail Services offers a host of leasing programs with the option of a comprehensive maintenance agreement.
GATX Rail leases single-stack and double-stack rail cars.
Locate a company that refurbishes intermodal rail cars
When you have invested a significant amount of money in an intermodal rail car, often refurbishing it is a more cost-effective option than replacing it.
I recommend: FreightCar.com sells an all-purpose spine car with five articulated platforms. They also have used intermodal railroad cars for sale.
Greenbrier Rail Services has a network of refurbishment services throughout the U.S. Their refurbishment services cover routine maintenance and wreck repairs.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- A sale/leaseback is another popular leasing option some companies offer. The leasing company purchases all or some of the railcars in your fleet, and then leases the cars back to you. This frees up cash for more strategic investment into other areas of your business and your company doesn't have to worry about getting rid of used equipment.
The official source of Intermodal Rail Cars is the Intermodal Rail Cars page at Business.com
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