RTEX Railcar Leasing & Sales provides flatcars for the transportation of oversized, heavy, and irregularly shaped freight that cannot be accommodated in enclosed railcars. Flatcars feature an open deck design that allows flexible loading from above or from the side using cranes, forklifts, or other heavy lifting equipment.
What Is a Flatcar?
RTEX 300001 — a standard flatcar. Flatcars can be built with steel or wood decks in various lengths.
A flatcar is an open-deck freight railcar with no sides, roof, or enclosure. Flatcars are built with either steel or wood decks and in a range of lengths to match freight requirements. The open platform allows loading from above or from the side using cranes, forklifts, or other equipment. Many flatcars are fitted with stanchion pockets along the deck to secure pipe, logs, poles, or structural steel with chains or strapping.
Flatcars are widely used across industrial, construction, and manufacturing sectors where cargo dimensions or weight exceed standard railcar limitations. They are a staple of North American Class I and short line operations.
Flatcar Configurations
The right flatcar depends on your freight type, weight, and loading method. There are three primary configurations in common use:
Flatcar Sizes & Specifications
Flatcar selection depends on freight length, load distribution, and bridge formula requirements. Common specifications include:
| Configuration | Length | Deck Type | Load Limit | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulkhead Flatcar | 60'–89' | Steel or Wood | 200,000–286,000 lbs GRL | Lumber, steel, pipe, coil, logs |
| Standard Flatcar | 60'–89' | Steel or Wood | 200,000–286,000 lbs GRL | Containers, machinery, vehicles |
| Centerbeam Flat | 60'–73' | Steel | 200,000–263,000 lbs GRL | Lumber, building materials, wallboard |
| Log Flat / Skeleton | 60'–73' | Minimal / Open | Varies by car | Raw logs, forest products |
| Heavy-Duty Flat | 60'–80' | Steel | Up to 315,000 lbs GRL | Transformers, generators, military |
Not sure which flatcar length or configuration fits your freight? Call RTEX at 904-241-4176 — we'll help match the right car.
Commodities Shipped on Flatcars
Flatcars are used across a broad range of industries. RTEX has experience sourcing and leasing cars for the following commodity types:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Forest Products | Lumber, plywood, OSB, timber, raw logs, wood pellets |
| Steel & Metals | Steel plate, structural steel, coil, pipe, tube, rebar |
| Construction | Precast concrete, building components, utility poles |
| Industrial Machinery | Generators, transformers, compressors, manufacturing equipment |
| Intermodal & Containers | ISO containers, tank containers, swap bodies |
| Military & Specialty | Vehicles, armored equipment, infrastructure components |
Industries Served
- Sawmills & forest products processors
- Steel mills & service centers
- Construction & infrastructure firms
- Industrial equipment manufacturers
- Intermodal operators & 3PLs
- Utilities & energy infrastructure
- Military & government logistics
- Heavy haul & specialized shippers
Lease or Buy a Flatcar 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