General Questions
What is the Apache Railway?
The Apache Railway is a short line railroad based in Snowflake, Arizona. For more than a century, it has moved freight for industries across the Southwest, connecting local shippers to national markets through its interchange with BNSF in Holbrook.
Where does the Apache Railway operate?
The line runs between Snowflake and Holbrook, Arizona. Through Holbrook, shipments connect directly to BNSF’s transcontinental main line, giving customers access to destinations across the U.S. and Canada.
What types of freight does Apache move?
Apache handles a wide range of commodities: forest products, agricultural goods, plastics, construction materials, aggregates, petroleum products, wind turbine components, and general freight. If it moves by rail, Apache can move it.
Who owns the Apache Railway?
Apache is privately owned by an investment group committed to keeping the line in service for the region. The company operates as an independent, customer-focused short line dedicated to local industry and long-term economic development.
Railcar Storage
What railcar types can Apache store?
Apache can accommodate nearly all major railcar types, including:
- Tank cars
- Covered hoppers
- Open-top hoppers
- Gondolas
- Flatcars
- Boxcars
- Unit train consists
How many railcars can Apache store?
Apache can hold up to 700 railcars at a time, using roughly 37 miles of sidings, yard track, and branch line dedicated to storage. This includes both loaded and empty cars and offers flexibility for different car types. The railroad can also stage unit trains of up to 120 cars, which is important for petroleum, cement, and other bulk commodity shippers.
Is long-term storage available?
Yes. Apache offers both short-term and long-term storage, from a few days to many months, depending on your operational needs.
How do I request storage space?
Storage requests can be made through the operations team. Provide your car counts, car types, estimated arrival dates, and planned duration, and Apache will confirm availability and scheduling.
Logistics & Operations
How does Apache coordinate with BNSF?
Apache schedules inbound and outbound traffic directly with BNSF’s operations team. This includes interchange timing, train makeup, and any special handling requirements.
Can Apache help manage my fleet?
Yes. Apache provides staging, car tracking coordination, fleet organization, and support for shippers managing large or seasonal fleets.
Do I communicate directly with the operations team?
Yes. Apache is known for its direct line of communication. Customers can speak with team members who actually run the line — no call centers or layered departments.
Does Apache operate unit trains?
Yes, both inbound and outbound unit trains are supported. Apache has significant experience moving unit trains for agricultural commodities, plastics, minerals, and wind turbine components.
Repair & Mechanical Services
What types of railcars does Apache repair?
Apache works on tank cars, covered hoppers, open-top hoppers, gondolas, flatcars, and multi-car configurations such as unit trains. Both HazMat and non-HazMat cars are serviced in accordance with AAR and FRA requirements.
Does Apache provide mobile railcar repair?
Yes. Apache offers mobile repair within roughly a 200-mile radius of Snowflake, handling brakes, couplers, gates, light welding, and other common field repairs.
Is Apache certified to work on tank cars?
Yes. Apache holds the AAR M-1002 and M-1003 certifications required to perform tank car qualification, inspections, valve and fitting repairs, and compliance work.
What geographic area does the mobile repair team cover?
Mobile crews travel approximately 200 miles from Snowflake, reaching much of northern and central Arizona and portions of neighboring states depending on location and access.
Can Apache perform preventive maintenance or program repairs?
Yes. Apache coordinates scheduled program repairs and preventive maintenance to reduce downtime and keep fleets in service. Inspections and component replacements are planned in advance to fit customer timelines.
Safety & Compliance
Is Apache Railway certified or regulated?
Apache complies with all Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) safety, track, and equipment standards. Inspections, reporting, and training are part of daily operations.
Are storage yards secure?
All storage areas are monitored and actively patrolled by Apache crews working along the line. Additional security accommodations can be arranged for sensitive commodities.
Does Apache accept hazmat shipments?
Yes, provided they meet applicable DOT and FRA regulations and are handled through standard booking and clearance procedures.
Business & Pricing
How do I get a quote for storage, repair, or transport?
Most new customers begin with these details:
- Car types and counts
- Desired arrival window
- Expected duration
- Special handling or repair needs
- Consignee or routing information
Is Apache competitive with other storage and short line options?
Yes. Apache’s rates are built around efficient operations, short crew response times, and local expertise — often outperforming larger networks in flexibility and turnaround.
Do you offer volume discounts?
Yes. Multi-car, high-volume, and long-term storage contracts qualify for discounted rates.
Starting Service
What information do I need to get started?
Most new customers begin with these details:
- Car types and counts
- Desired arrival window
- Expected duration
- Special handling or repair needs
- Consignee or routing information
How long does setup take?
Many customers can be scheduled same week, depending on track availability and coordination with BNSF.
Do you help first-time rail shippers?
Absolutely. Apache often works with new or growing companies that are just getting into rail. The team can guide you through routing, scheduling, and practical setup.
History & Community
How long has Apache Railway been operating?
Operations began in 1917. The railroad has served the region for more than 100 years, supporting sawmills, paper mills, agricultural producers, manufacturers, energy projects, and local employers.
What role did Apache play during wartime?
Apache supplied timber that fed into national supply chains during both World Wars. Though the line was far from combat zones, its freight contributed to shipbuilding, barracks construction, and critical wartime manufacturing.
Why is Apache important to the local community?
For generations, the railway has been tied to jobs, mills, family livelihoods, and the region’s economy. Its survival has often depended on local support — and in return, Apache has kept freight moving for the industries that anchor the area.
Quicklinks
Partner with Apache
From hazardous railcar storage, rail car repair, to new freight opportunities, The Apache Railway Company connects Arizona’s industries to the wider, nationwide rail network.