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Guide to Rail and Intermodal Equipment and Supplies

Use rail equipment to establish your own intermodal shipping system


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Using rail and intermodal equipment and supplies to supplement your existing delivery systems can establish your business as a distribution powerhouse. Many large companies already have an over-the-road distribution system. By using rail as well, you can cut costs and increase your distribution area. Using your own equipment to transport your goods insures that your product is handled the way you want and will save money.

Intermodal rail equipment basically falls into three categories: shipping containers, loading and offloading equipment and rail transport systems. The initial investment isn't as high as it seems. Several companies will lease rail products. You can try it out for a period before you buy into the system. Keep the following in mind while looking into rail and intermodal equipment and supplies:

1. Intermodal rail equipment is available for lease from many suppliers.

2. Railcars are the backbone of the intermodal railway system.

3. Loading and offloading railway equipment is essential to maintaining your hold on the product.

4. Shipping containers are available from several locations.


Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Lease intermodal railway equipment from many prominent shippers


Many established intermodal shippers lease their unused equipment. If you already have an intermodal shipping company that you work with, see if they have equipment you could rent. If you don't, there are many places where a new shipper can look for equipment.

I recommend: When leasing loading and offloading equipment, you can check with the depot you use but leasing containers and railcars is much easier. Both GE Rail Services and RSI Logistics offer lease options on their unused equipment. Leasing containers is even easier, as most intermodal companies have them as well. If you want an independent source, try One Way Lease. They have many different containers available.

Find railroad equipment suppliers selling new and used railcars


Railcars form the main part of any intermodal railway system. The size and configuration of your engine determine the number of cars you can pull, while the types of cars determine what kinds of cargo you can carry. Locating the right equipment from the beginning is the key to a successful operation.

I recommend: RailCarDeals is a website specializing in matching railcar buyers and sellers. They usually have a wide selection of offers available. Southwest Rail specializes in buying, selling and leasing railcars of all types. They even buy back old railcars if you don't need them anymore.

Locate rail equipment for sale and take charge of your own shipping


If your take great care with your cargo at every point in shipping, it would be a shame for something to happen at a loading dock. It is essential to perform as much of the loading and unloading of your product as possible. Buying your own railroad equipment is an often overlooked part of the intermodal chain.

I recommend: Try GREX for a selection of specialized railway equipment or Andress Engineering for a wide selection of intermodal transportation supplies.

Buy shipping containers, an essential piece of intermodal equipment


There are many different types of shipping containers, and most seem very basic. Having a well-maintained selection of containers will keep your intermodal system running smoothly. Damaged or faulty containers can ruin shipments and delay deliveries.

I recommend: Buy customized shipping containers from the RCS Group or Mikinney Container. Both companies offer a wide variety of sales and customization options.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

  • Don't jump into intermodal railroad gear too quickly. Start out small and lease things before you buy so that you always know exactly what you need. Only increase your owned equipment when necessary and look for well-maintained used equipment.

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