Apache has always been a working railroad. Today, that means handling a mix of traffic that reflects the region we serve.

Fuel cars—diesel, gasoline, propane, butane—come into Snowflake for storage and go out on their way to refineries and distributors. Construction projects across Arizona rely on steady shipments of cement and aggregates which come onto the Apache. Agriculture adds its own requirements: inbound feed and the cleaning of fertilizer and grain cars.

We also accept oversized loads: wind energy turbines and components, transformers, and other heavy freight that requires special handling. Apache has rail scales and track designed for weighing railcars, so customers know their cars leave Snowflake weight-compliant. And while timber and paper no longer dominate like they once did, forest products are still part of the mix, a reminder of the line’s history.

Most North American freight cars are rated for a gross rail load of 286,000 pounds. Many short lines can’t take cars at that weight—older track, lighter rail, or bridge restrictions often force limits below the national standard.

The Apache Railway Company’s track is built to handle the full 286K. That means heavy cars—whether loaded with aggregates, fuels, or industrial equipment—can move across our line and onto the BNSF interchange. We maintain rail scales to ensure that outbound loads won’t be flagged for weight restrictions.

For customers, that capacity adds peace of mind. Oversized transformers, energy components, or simply heavier-than-average bulk shipments can all be handled on the Apache, ready for the next leg of their journey.

One reason is location. From we connect straight into BNSF at Holbrook, giving shippers direct access to a national network. That means fewer hand-offs and fewer delays.

Another is flexibility. Big carriers run on tight schedules and don’t stop for much. A short line like Apache can adjust—switch cars, build cuts, or move something unusual without weeks of planning. Customers who’ve been burned by congestion elsewhere notice the difference quickly.

Cost plays a part too. For bulk commodities moving any distance, rail usually beats trucks on price. Apache gives regional industries a way to capture that savings.

Every move works under FRA and OSHA rules. That oversight isn’t optional; it’s built into how we operate. Customers get regular updates on their cars, and compliance audits are part of our routine—whether from regulators, refineries, or Class I partners.

For shippers, that adds up to peace of mind. Cars loaded with fuels, chemicals, or other sensitive cargo leave our yard documented and compliant, ready for the next leg of the trip.