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Rail - Produce Railcar Pool

Status - Construction
 Produce Rail Car Pool cold train "Cold Train"
Click to enlarge photo

Frozen raspberries being loaded onto a "Cold Train"
Frozen raspberries being loaded onto a "Cold Train"
Click to enlarge photo

Status

October 2009

Washington Produce Railcar Pool usage is showing positive growth. Since August 2006, a total of 481 carloads were shipped. Program utilization increased to 73% in February 2009.

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?
On August 18, 2006, WSDOT signed a contract with Rail Logistics, LC to lease up to 50 refrigerated railcars and to manage the fleet. This contract expires in June 2009.

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:

Carolyn Simmonds
Project Manager
State Rail and Marine Office
PO Box 47407
Olympia, WA 98504-7407
Phone: 360-705-7992
E-mail:  Carolyn Simmonds

Rail Logistics, LC. is managing the railcars for this project. For ordering information, contact Mike Begnaud at 913.491.0050.

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