RTEX Railcar Leasing & Sales provides boxcars for secure, enclosed rail transportation across North America. Boxcars are one of the most versatile railcar types in freight service, offering full protection from weather, contamination, and cargo damage. They are ideal for palletized, packaged, and high-value commodities that require protection throughout transit.
With flexible lease structures and strategic fleet positioning, RTEX works directly with rail shippers, manufacturers, and distribution networks to provide reliable boxcar capacity where and when it is needed.
What Is a Boxcar?
RTEX boxcars in service — fully enclosed for all-weather freight protection.
A boxcar is a fully enclosed freight railcar with a rectangular body, solid roof, and side-sliding doors. The enclosed design protects cargo from rain, snow, dust, and theft — making boxcars the standard choice for any commodity that cannot be exposed to the elements during transit.
Boxcars are loaded and unloaded through large side doors, typically by forklift or pallet jack. They can carry palletized, strapped, or loose freight and are widely used for manufactured goods, packaged products, and distribution freight across North America.
Interior dimensions, door opening width, and floor configuration vary by car and significantly affect what can be loaded and how. RTEX helps shippers confirm car specifications before placing a lease.
Boxcar Configurations
Boxcar selection depends on your freight dimensions, loading method, and door width requirements. The three most common configurations in North American service are:
Boxcar Sizes & Specifications
Boxcar interior dimensions directly affect how freight can be loaded. Key specifications by configuration:
| Configuration | Interior Length | Interior Height | Door Opening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50’ Standard | ~50’ 6” | ~9’ 2” | 6’–10’ wide |
| 60’ High Cube | ~60’ 9” | ~10’ 6” | 8’–10’ wide |
| Plate F High Cube | ~60’ 9” | ~10’ 6” | 10’ wide |
| Insulated/Ventilated | Varies | Varies | Varies |
Not sure which boxcar configuration fits your freight? Call RTEX at 904-241-4176 — we'll confirm door widths, interior dimensions, and floor equipment for any specific car.
Commodities Shipped in Boxcars
Boxcars serve a broad range of industries across North America. RTEX has experience sourcing and leasing cars for the following commodity types:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Forest Products | Lumber, plywood, OSB, paper rolls, paperboard, tissue, newsprint |
| Packaged Foods | Canned goods, bagged flour & sugar, packaged snacks, bottled beverages |
| Agricultural | Bagged grain, seed, feed supplements, dry pet food, bagged fertilizer |
| Manufacturing | Automotive parts, appliances, electronics, industrial components |
| Building Materials | Windows, doors, flooring, roofing shingles, cabinetry |
| Consumer Goods | Palletized retail merchandise, household goods, general distribution freight |
Industries Served
- Paper mills & converting operations
- Lumber mills & wood products manufacturers
- Food & beverage manufacturers
- Automotive parts suppliers & OEMs
- Consumer goods distributors & 3PLs
- Building products manufacturers
- Agricultural cooperatives & processors
- Retail distribution centers
Lease or Buy a Boxcar Through RTEX
Flexible Leasing. Personal Service. Fast Decisions.
At RTEX, every lease is structured around your specific needs. We work with shippers and rail-served facilities of all sizes — and every transaction is handled directly by a principal with the authority to get the deal done.
- Short-term, long-term, and multi-year lease agreements
- Customized rate structures based on fleet size and commitment
- Cars sourced from our network across North America
- You deal directly with decision-makers — never a call center
- Sales, brokerage, and remarketing also available