Railcar Rental & Leasing
Whether you call it renting or leasing, RTEX can put railcars to work for your operation. We offer short-term, long-term, and fleet agreements for covered hoppers, gondolas, tank cars, flatcars, boxcars, and locomotives across North America.
In the rail industry, short-term or long-term use of a railcar you do not own is called a lease — but the concept is identical to renting. You pay a monthly rate, RTEX owns the car, and you use it for your freight. Terms can be as short as a few months or as long as several years, and we offer both full-service arrangements and net leases depending on your needs.
Industry note: Railcar “rental” and railcar “leasing” refer to the same thing. The North American rail industry uses the term lease for all arrangements where a shipper or operator uses equipment owned by someone else in exchange for a monthly payment — regardless of term length. RTEX structures these agreements to fit your operation.
Equipment Available to Rent or Lease
Covered Hoppers
Dry bulk commodities — grain, fertilizer, plastics, DDG, and more. Multiple GRL ratings.
View Covered Hoppers →
Open Top Hoppers
Coal, aggregate, scrap, and bulk minerals. Aluminum and steel body options.
View Open Top Hoppers →
Gondolas
Coil steel, scrap metal, pipe, and open bulk freight. Various lengths.
View Gondolas →
Flatcars
Lumber, steel, machinery, and oversized loads. Bulkhead and standard configurations.
View Flatcars →
Tank Cars
Chemicals, ethanol, petroleum, food-grade, and LPG. DOT-compliant specifications.
View Tank Cars →
Boxcars
Packaged goods, paper, lumber, auto parts, and general freight. 50′ and 60′ configurations.
View Boxcars →
Locomotives
Switchers, general purpose, and road units. Sourced across all HP classes.
View Locomotives →
Lease Structures
Modified full-service, net, short-term spot, and per diem arrangements available.
Explore Lease Types →
Common Questions About Renting a Railcar
Can I rent a railcar for just a few months?
Yes. Short-term arrangements — sometimes called spot leases — are available, typically starting at 3 months. Short-term rates are higher per car per month than long-term agreements, but they offer flexibility when you need capacity quickly or on a seasonal basis. RTEX can also help identify sub-lease opportunities through our network, which can reduce mobilization costs.
What does it cost to rent a railcar?
Monthly rates vary by car type, configuration, condition, market conditions, and lease term length. Covered hoppers, gondolas, and tank cars all price differently. Contact RTEX with your car type, quantity, and approximate term and we will provide a current quote quickly — typically within one business day.
What is the difference between renting and leasing a railcar?
Nothing — they are the same arrangement. In the rail industry, the word “lease” is used universally for any agreement where you use a railcar you do not own in exchange for a monthly payment. There is no separate “rental” product. Short-term spot leases are the closest equivalent to what most industries would call renting.
Does RTEX handle maintenance on rented railcars?
Under a modified full-service lease (the most common structure), RTEX manages running repairs including wheelsets, trucks, and brakes. The lessee is responsible for damage caused by loading and unloading operations such as hatches, gates, and lining. Net lease arrangements place more maintenance responsibility on the lessee in exchange for a lower monthly rate.
Can I rent a single railcar or do I need a fleet?
RTEX works with shippers needing a single car as well as those requiring larger fleets. There is no minimum fleet size — we structure terms around your volume, commodity, and operational needs.
Ready to rent or lease a railcar?
Our team responds quickly — every inquiry is handled by a principal, not a call center.
Contact RTEX → 
