May 2012
- Washington Produce Railcar usage continues to grow. Since the start of the program in August 2006, 790 refrigerated rail car shipments have been made. More than 73 percent of shipments made have been frozen fruit and vegetables. Seventeen percent were fresh and frozen potatoes. Frozen meat and seafood account for 10 percent of the shipments.
- In 2010, the average utilization rate of the Produce Rail Cars was 47 percent. Utilization rate equals monthly carloads shipped vs. monthly cars available.
Why is WSDOT
establishing a pool of refrigerated railcars for Washington's agricultural community?
There is a shortage of refrigerated railcars, leaving Washington growers with an inadequate supply during peak seasons.
The End Result
A pool of refrigerated railcars will be available for Washington's agricultural community.
Project Benefits
- Rebuilt refrigerated railcars will be available to shippers for the 2006-2009 seasons.
- Railcars minimize the added wear and tear on state roadways caused each year by thousands of heavy truckloads.
What is the project timeline?
In August 2006 WSDOT signed a contract with Rail Logistics, LC to lease refrigerated railcars and to manage the fleet. The current contract expires June 2011.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources:
- Federal funds - $1.984 million
- State funds 2005-2015 - $200,000
- Total Funding From All Sources - $2.184 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Ron Pate
State Rail and Marine Office
PO Box 47407
Olympia, WA 98504-7407
Phone: 360-705-7950
E-mail: PateRD@wsdot.wa.gov
Rail Logistics, LC. is managing the railcars for this project. For ordering information, contact Mike Begnaud at 913-491-0050.
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