What is the importance of Railcar Cleaning and which services are included in it?

Widely considered the largest, safest, and most cost-effective freight transportation system in the world, the U.S. freight network includes more than 140,000 miles of rail lines operated by a variety of freight railroads. The integrated network of trains, trucks, and barges (commonly known as the ‘rail freight’) transports approximately 61 tons of goods per American each year. This network efficiently transports most bulk and long-distance goods. In a typical year, freight rail transports approximately 1.6 billion tons of raw materials and finished goods across the country, supporting industries from manufacturing and agriculture to retail and e-commerce. trade. Redesigned rolling stock contributed to an increase in average tonnage.

Railcars are constantly used for transporting different types of goods from one place to another. When shipping products by rail, whether you own your own rail cars, or use rail equipment provided by the railroad itself, or participate in a rail car pool where multiple shippers use the same equipment, it’s important to keep your vehicle clean. Rail vehicle cleanliness is important for both privately owned and leased facilities as it also helps to minimize safety concerns and ensure product safety. Additionally, if the railroad owns the equipment, ensuring the cars are clean can improve equipment availability and avoid delivery delays.

What is Railcar Cleaning?

Railcar cleaning is critical for maintaining the integrity of transported goods and refers to the process of thoroughly cleaning the interior of railcars to remove residues, contaminants, or remnants of previously transported materials to prevent cross-contamination, ensure safety of workers and the environment, and maintain regulatory compliance and safety standards to minimize risks associated with transporting different types of cargo. 

Railcar cleaning generally involves the following steps:

1. Emptying and Purging: In this stage, the railcar is first emptied of its contents, and any remaining residues or materials are purged to prepare for cleaning.
2. Physical Cleaning: In this stage the interior surfaces of the railcar are cleaned physically to remove residues, debris and contaminants. Workers often use specialized equipment such as high-pressure washers, scrubbers, and brushes to clean the interiors. 
3. Chemical Cleaning: Depending on the case and the type of cargo previously carried and any regulatory requirements, carefully selected chemical cleaning agents or solvents may be used to dissolve stubborn residues or contaminants. 
4. Rinsing and Drying: After cleaning is done, the railcar is thoroughly rinsed with water to remove cleaning agents and residues. Then proper drying methods are employed to prevent moisture-related issues and prepare the railcar for the next load.
5. Inspection: Once cleaning and drying is over, the railcar undergoes inspection to ensure that all residues and contaminants have been effectively removed. This inspection also checks for any damage or issues that may need repair before the next use.

Different types of railcar cleaning:

1. Kosher Cleaning: Kosher cleaning is the process of cleaning railcars to meet the standards and requirements necessary for the transportation of kosher-certified goods. Kosher cleaning is especially important for rail cars used to transport food that conforms to the kosher dietary laws followed by observant Jewish communities. This can include ingredients for food products as well as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, which can range from corn syrup and gelatin to lubricants, oils, and polyethylene.Kosher cleaning practices are critical to maintaining the kosher status of food throughout the supply chain, including during rail transportation. Businesses transporting kosher certified products must follow these practices to ensure that they meet kosher requirements and that their products are fit for consumption according to Jewish dietary laws.

2. Abrasive Cleaning & Hydroblasting: Abrasive blast cleaning involves using controlled means to throw an abrasive medium onto an object to remove all visible contaminants, rust, corrosion, carbon deposits, oxides, paints, functional coatings, mill It involves removing scale, dust, and other stubborn residues from the surfaces of objects.

Hydroblasting is a type of pressure washing that relies solely on the power of water. It can be used to quickly remove paint and clean dirty surfaces without using abrasive sandblasting agents.

The main difference between abrasive blast cleaning and hydroblasting is that in the former, the blasting agent contained in the pressurized water stream is also sprayed onto the surface.

3. Degreasing: Degreasing is a part of railcar cleaning which is designed to remove grease, oils, cutting fluids, corrosion inhibitors, handling soils, fingerprints, and other contamination. Degreasing is often referred to by different names in the railcar industry like precision cleaning, maintenance cleaning etc. The objective of degreasing is to remove the offending soil quickly, avoiding as much wiping and scrubbing as possible. Degreasing solvents are commonly packaged as an aerosol for convenience. Aerosols have the added advantage of providing a forceful spray that creates agitation and which penetrate small crevices. Degreasing is often done using specialized equipment like ultrasonic or vapor degreasers which are used for more automated cleaning. 

Why is Railcar Cleaning important?

Keeping the railcars clean are important for a number of reasons. Here are some common reasons why railcars should be cleaned properly.

1. Preventing Contamination: Railcars are used to transport a wide variety of goods, including food products, chemicals, petroleum, grains, and more. Proper cleaning helps prevent cross-contamination between different types of cargo. Residues or remnants from previous shipments can contaminate subsequent loads, compromising product quality and safety.
2. Ensuring Product Integrity: Cleaning railcars ensures the integrity and quality of the products being transported. Contaminants or residues left in railcars can affect the characteristics, purity, or safety of the cargo, particularly in industries such as food and pharmaceuticals where strict quality standards must be met.
3. Compliance with Regulations: Railcar cleaning is often required to comply with industry regulations and safety standards. Regulatory bodies may impose specific cleaning protocols to minimize risks associated with transporting hazardous materials or sensitive goods.
4. Preventing Safety Risks: Certain cargoes, such as chemicals or petroleum products, can pose safety risks if residues are not properly cleaned from railcars. Cleaning helps reduce the likelihood of accidents, spills, or other incidents during transportation.
5. Maintaining Equipment Condition: Regular cleaning and maintenance of railcars help extend the lifespan of the equipment. Removing residues and contaminants reduces the risk of corrosion, degradation, or mechanical issues that could impact the performance and safety of railcars.

How are Railcars cleaned?

How railcars are cleaned depends on the type of railcar and the goods it carries. However, all cleaning processes start with inspections. Different railcar types—like tank cars, hoppers, pressure cars, box cars, and flat cars—require specific inspections before and after cleaning.

Inspections before cleaning help identify:

• Spills and residues
• Debris such as trash, packaging, and nails
• Areas needing extra cleaning
• Hardened materials that can be loosened safely
• Condition of doors, moving parts, and any visible damage

After the initial inspection, cleaning crews gather equipment and plan the cleaning process. Common cleaning methods include abrasive blasting and hydroblasting, pressure washing, chemical purging, steaming and Kosher washing.

After cleaning is completed, a final inspection report is made by technicians confirming proper cleaning, and any damage or parts needing repair or replacement.

Using technology in advanced Railcar cleaning:

At CRMS, we offer advanced railcar cleaning by utilizing technology to streamline processes and enhance efficiency. Our automated inspection systems equipped with sensors and cameras detect contaminants and damage, guiding cleaning efforts precisely. Our robotics and remotely operated devices perform intricate cleaning tasks in confined spaces, reducing manual labor and improving safety. Our advanced cleaning solutions like hydroblasting and chemical treatments are optimized through data-driven analytics, ensuring effective removal of residues while minimizing environmental impact. Our integrated software systems manage cleaning schedules, track equipment maintenance, and generate comprehensive reports for regulatory compliance. Our technology-driven innovations in railcar cleaning enhance precision, speed, and safety, meeting stringent industry standards with optimal efficiency.

Expert Railcar Cleaning services with CRMS:

Choosing the right railcar cleaning partner is important for maintaining the integrity and efficiency of logistics operations. Some of the key considerations when selecting a railcar cleaning provider involves looking for a company with extensive experience and expertise, who can also understand the unique requirements of different cargo types and have a proven track record of delivering quality services.

At CRMS, we adhere to strict safety protocols and industry standards. We ensure safety should be a top priority to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. We use advanced technologies such as automated systems and environmentally friendly cleaning solutions which improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Our team complies with relevant regulations and holds necessary certifications, including environmental and quality management certifications.

We are capable of handling varying volumes and types of railcars, and are flexible to accommodate your scheduling needs and provide prompt services when required. We offer customized solutions tailored to your specific needs. We also offer additional services like repairs, maintenance, and inspections to add value to your partnership.

Contact us online or call us on 773-244-8340 to discuss your railcar cleaning needs today!