What Leasing a Railcar Looks Like at Everest Railcar Services, Inc.
Leasing a railcar isn’t just about finding the right equipment. It’s about finding the right partner to help you move what matters most. At Everest Railcar Services (ERS), we’re a niche railcar leasing company. We help shippers find the best railcars and lease terms for their operations.
So, how does railcar leasing work with ERS? Here’s everything you need to know about how to get a railcar, from the first conversation to sending it to its final location.
How to Lease a Railcar at Everest | Step-By-Step Guide
Every railcar leasing journey is different, but most follow the same general path. Our job is to make that path as smooth and straightforward as possible. Whether you’re a first-timer, need a custom railcar leasing agreement, or have experience moving freight by rail, we can help.
Here’s what it typically looks like when you lease with Everest Railcar.
Step 1. Initial Conception
It starts with a need. Maybe your business is growing, your shipping demands are shifting, you’re launching a new lane, or you want more reliable equipment. Consider leasing a railcar (or several) to help you move materials better.
Leases are a flexible option if you’re not interested in buying. At Everest Railcar, you can lease as many or as few railcars as you need.
Step 2: Reach Out to Us
When you’re ready to start railcar leasing, contact our team. You don’t have to know what you’re looking for. We’re here to help. We’ve helped customers who’ve never leased before and those who manage large, complex rail fleets. The type of railcar and how many cars you’ll need will depend on what you’re shipping, how often you’re shipping it, and where it needs to go.
We have the following railcar types for lease.
- Covered hoppers
- Flat cars
- Gondolas
- Open-top hoppers
- Tank cars
Check out all of our current railcars for lease here. No matter what kind of materials you’re moving, we will help you find the railcar that makes the most sense.
Step 3: The Initial Proposal and Negotiation
Once we’ve talked through your needs, our team puts together a proposal. The proposal covers details like railcar types, lease structure, pricing, and timing. We’ll walk through everything with you and answer any questions. Typically, leases vary between 3 and 10 years, but we are always willing to discuss custom offers.
If changes are needed, no problem. Negotiating is part of the process. Our job is to make sure everything works for you and your operation before we move forward.
Step 4: Getting the Car Prepared for Your Needs
Once everything is approved, we get to work preparing your railcar. Prep work usually includes things like inspections, cleaning, mechanical work, coatings, decals, or custom fittings. We will do whatever it takes to prepare the railcar for your next operation. We also offer maintenance and repair services as part of our leasing contracts.
Step 5: Sending the Railcar to its Final Location
After prep is complete, we coordinate delivery. Whether it’s going to a central shipping hub or a rural short-line, we work with you and your rail partners to make sure the car gets where it needs to be. Our headquarters are in Northwest Arkansas, but we proudly work with customers across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
No matter where you’re located, we’re ready to support your railcar leasing needs with service you can count on.
What Happens When The Lease Is Up?
Once your lease is over, you will need to return the railcar to Everest Railcar. We’ll coordinate the return process with you to make it as easy as possible.
Let us know if you need to extend the lease or switch to a different car. We’re happy to work with you on the next steps.
Leasing Versus Buying a Railcar
Is leasing right for you? In most cases, if you only need to use a railcar for a shorter time period, leasing is more wallet-friendly than buying one. Ask us about our available options and current inventory if leasing is right for you.
Are You Ready to Get Started?
Leasing a railcar doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re shipping across states or borders, we help keep your freight moving. Ready to explore railcar leasing with Everest Railcar?
Contact us today or call us at 479-935-9040 to start the process. We look forward to hearing from you!
