Railcar Leasing

Railcars for lease, in one place

Search tank cars, covered hoppers, gondolas, and more by type, quantity, and location. Or list your fleet and take offers from qualified lessees.

Partner with Commtrex

Railcar type

State

Railcar leasing network

How it works

Lease railcars without the phone tag

Railcar owners and fleet managers list available cars where shippers and lessees are already looking. Tank cars, covered hoppers, gondolas, boxcars — the inventory sits in one place, across North America, with terms you can compare.

List cars to reach qualified lessees, or post a request and let owners come back with offers. You negotiate directly through the platform instead of chasing brokers.

Short-term spot leases to multi-year terms — the same workflow covers both.

Car types on the network

Covered Hopper

Tank Car

Gondola

Boxcar

Flat Car

Open Hopper

Centerbeam

Intermodal

Reference

Railcar leasing, answered

What is railcar leasing?

Railcar leasing is the rental of freight railcars for a specified period. Shippers lease railcars when they need rolling stock to move commodities but don't want the capital expense of purchasing. Leases can range from short-term spot leases (weeks to months) to long-term commitments (3-10 years).

How much does it cost to lease a railcar?

Lease rates vary significantly by railcar type, condition, age, and market conditions. Covered hoppers typically lease for $400-$800/month, tank cars for $500-$1,200/month, and specialty cars can be higher. Spot market rates fluctuate with supply and demand. Commtrex lets you compare offers to find competitive rates.

What is a spot lease vs. a term lease?

A spot lease is a short-term arrangement, typically weeks to a few months, used to meet temporary demand spikes. A term lease is a longer commitment, usually 1-10 years, with lower monthly rates. Term leases provide rate stability while spot leases offer flexibility.

Who is responsible for railcar maintenance?

Maintenance responsibility depends on the lease agreement. In a full-service lease, the lessor handles all maintenance and regulatory compliance. In a net lease, the lessee is responsible for maintenance costs. Most modern leases are full-service, which simplifies fleet management for the shipper.

How do I list railcars for lease on Commtrex?

Click "Post a listing" and enter your railcar details — type, quantity, condition, year built, and preferred lease terms. Your listing is visible to qualified lessees searching the network, and you receive and negotiate offers directly through the platform.

Can I lease specialty or modified railcars?

Yes, Commtrex supports listings for all railcar types including specialty and modified equipment — coil cars, insulated cars, pressure differential hoppers, and more. Use the search filters to find specific railcar specifications that match your commodity requirements.

2,500+

Rail shipper members

Active

Listings and requests

All types

Covered hoppers to tank cars

List a fleet, or post what you need

Railcar owners and lessees run their leasing on Commtrex across North America.

Post a listing Post a request

Railcars for lease, in one place

Lease railcars without the phone tag

Railcar leasing, answered

List a fleet, or post what you need

Browse railcar lease listings by State / Province