With a total U.S. construction growth of 8.5% projected for 2025, the demand for dimensional lumber and other construction materials is expected to rise significantly.
For shippers looking to capitalize on this growth opportunity, leasing centerbeam railcars can efficiently and safely transport these essential building supplies. Here’s why:
With a central I-beam truss for structural support, centerbeam railcars offer even weight distribution and secure loading for bundled goods, such as milled lumber, wallboard and other materials for construction.
Equipped with integrated straps and tie-down mechanisms, centerbeam railcars keep construction material stable and secure, minimizing the risk of costly damage.
With their longitudinal partition and open sides, centerbeam railcars allow for quick and efficient loading and unloading with forklifts. As a result, shippers can optimize labor costs and ramp up turnaround times.
Most centerbeam railcars are 73 feet long and have a 286,000-pound gross rail load (GRL) capacity, making them compatible with rail networks across North America.
As companies look to take advantage of the potential growth in lumber and other construction materials, there’s also a cost-benefit analysis of whether it’s more financially prudent to lease railcars. Here are a few benefits of leasing railcars:
Purchasing centerbeam railcars outright requires a substantial initial investment. However, leasing allows shippers to take advantage of the railcar without a hefty upfront cost, freeing up capital for other parts of the business.
Leasing provides the flexibility to adjust fleet size based on demand. For companies with fluctuating shipping volumes or who want the ability to scale fleet size to capitalize on growth, this flexibility is a significant advantage.
Many leasing agreements include maintenance services, ensuring that railcars remain in optimal condition without burdening shippers with additional repair costs or logistical challenges.
When leasing railcars, shippers can return them instead of having idle railcars taking up space on their balance sheets, eliminating storage costs associated with unused equipment.
If you have questions or are looking to lease centerbeam railcars, feel free to reach out to us. We have centerbeam railcars available and our experienced team is ready to help answer any questions.
